Owner Sean Howard hand-built a miniature golf course after the pandemic and opened up a course in downtown Walnut Creek. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) He had an inkling.

Who knew mini-golf was born in 1867 in St. Andrews, Scotland? And now, over 150 years later, these are the best courses across the United States.

Mini-golf, putt-putt, whatever you call it. Here are five of the best places to play in the West Mini-golf is a summer throwback, a bit of golfing without the pressure.