Design-a-Hole Schoolyard Mini Golf

A mini golf project where each team designs and builds a hole with PE equipment, and then everyone plays the full course counting strokes. It builds accurate striking, creativity, and group planning.

How to play

1. Make 6 teams of 4 and give each one a 16 x 10 foot area of the blacktop. Hand out 6 cones, 2 poles, a hoop for the cup, and a piece of cardstock to each team (2 min).
2. Design (8 min): each team places a tee, the hoop, and at least two obstacles, such as cone gates, a pole alley, or a dogleg, and writes the hole's name and par (2 to 4) on the cardstock.
3. Test (3 min): the team plays its own hole and fixes anything too easy or impossible.
4. Course (15 min): each team plays the other 5 holes, 3 min each, taking turns with a floor hockey stick. The ball is in when it stops inside the hoop; six strokes max per player.
5. Wrap-up (2 min): each team totals strokes against par and votes for the most creative hole made by another team.

Rules

• The stick never goes above knee height.
• Only one player putts at a time; the rest wait outside the hole.
• Obstacles stay put during play; if one falls, put it back.
• Change holes only on the whistle.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the team designs an accessible path, and the student putts from the wheelchair.
• Students with autism: provide a visual card with the design steps and a sample finished hole.
• Skill level: confident teams add a second, harder hole.

Learning goals

• Strike accurately with controlled force on different layouts.
• Design a movement challenge as a team using simple equipment.
• Give respectful feedback on other teams' work.

Equipment for a class of 25

• floor hockey sticks: 24
• tennis balls: 24
• cones: 36
• poles: 12
• hoops: 6
• cardstock: 6

Teacher tip

Before design time, show two quick obstacle examples to spark ideas. Limit equipment so all holes are comparable.

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