How Switzerland helped create minigolf

Minigolf is not a 20th-century invention. In fact, the story of how it evolved to become the pastime we know today is a long one, and even has a Swiss chapter involving Genevan architect Paul Bongni. SWI swissinfo.ch regularly publishes articles from the Swiss National Museum’s blog dedicated to historical topics. The articles are always written in German and usually also in French and English. Around 1860 golf was the preserve of a male elite. Swinging a golf club was considered too unfeminine in the social mores of the time, as was the case for many other sports. However, a number of young ladies in the Scottish town of St Andrews were not amused by this, as they were tired of playing only badminton and cricket. Golf was what really set their hearts racing. The then manager of the existing golf club, Old Tom Morris, had an idea and decided to set up a small, 9-hole putting course in a concealed spot away from prying eyes. It was not ideal terrain as it was intersected by a path ...