Kottbusser Tor, Berlin, 2009

Photos by Merlin

Be an obstacle or a guide. Minigolf with real people in real places.

Human Minigolf is a variant of the classic Minigolf game, but playable by any number of people in any public space in which small holes can be dug. Plastic cups should be used to ensure the stability of the holes. Only one club and one ball are needed (but 2 are practical).

Unlike traditional Minigolf, Human Minigolf is a team sport. At the start of every round, the teeing area and target hole are designated by a referee. One team takes on a defensive role, the other an offensive role. The defensive team has one minute to position its players as obstacles, making it difficult to put from the teeing area into the hole. The offensive team is then given one minute to position its players (except for one) as guides, making it easier to put around or through the obstacles. All players must only touch the ground with their feet.

After both teams have taken position, the offensive team’s player that was not positioned as a guide places the ball in the teeing area an makes a first attempt. She then takes on the exact guiding position of one of here teammates, who is herself charged with the next attempt (to be executed from where the ball came to a stop).

Both teams are not allowed to change standing positions until the offensive team reaches the hole or remains unsuccessful after 6 attempts. The teams then switch roles or move on to a next hole.