Progression
Tinkergolf started as an idea in 2022. I saw the potential and outlined the plan for the sport.
Then I designed and 3d printed a prototype. It needed something. The balls rolled way too fast and uncontrollably on the printed surface, and it was boring and too easy to play; hit the ball hard enough and it would bounce its way into the hole. The game lacked depth and skill.
I realized I needed to lay felt to make the ball roll predictably. I ordered some random fuzzy felt, but it wasn’t right. I benched the idea for 3 years.
Come May 2025 and I started working on TinkerGolf again.
By November 2025 I had done a ton of research on miniature golf course design and billiard table construction, and had completed a high quality prototype using billiard cloth and meditation bells. I designed 6 different holes, 3 course themes, and the fully modular court (using the original felt for the court) by the end of 2025.
2026 became the year of building the website, rules, build guides, and media. This is where I am at now at the time of writing this website bio in April 2026.
Next steps:
(X) indicates completed
- I need to make a tuning device for the bells (X), more media and website work, and launch a community discussion hub, preferably an online forum (X).
- Then I will take on beta testers, documenting their feedback on the online forum.
- After incorporating feedback from beta testers, I will design more holes and begin to release the files.
- Then I would like really professionalize all guide materials complete with how to videos and instruction manuals.
- With all materials complete and several months of promotion underway, launch a Kickstarter campaign for diy kits and more holes and courses.
- Finally I will be looking to host online tournaments and challenges, and focus on selling sponsorships/advertising, and selling downloads and a subscription model, while building community around keeping the basics of the game as free and accessible as possible.