Results
On a nearly perfect weather day for a mini golf marathon across 6 courses in Illinois and Wisconsin, Justin Gutche became the newest winner of the MC Mini Masters and the 6th winner of the tournament in the past 6 years and the 9th winner of the 29-year history of the event. He bested 2025 MC Mini Masters Winner Derek Hartmann by only two strokes, which came down to the last 2 holes. Peter Wokwicz had his best finish in the event, close behind in 3rd.
Expect a longer recap from the organizer, Mick Cullen, to come, but other notable finishes:
Champions Division Champion: Derek Hartmann (-26)
Most holes-in-one: Mick Cullen (11)
Most sixes: Zacchaeus Gola (4)
Most improved: Aubrey Altergott
Rookie of the Year: Cary Keller (-5)
Spirit of the Game Award: Ean Teague
New Congo Rapids Tournament Record: Tom Loftus (33)
Tournament Info
AMA Scoring Tier & Region: White | Midwest
Rounds: 6
Time: Gathering - 8:00am (includes rule meeting). Breaks are provided between rounds and a longer break for lunch after the 3rd round.
Format: Individual Stroke Play
Course(s) Played: 6 different courses (2 at Congo River, 1 at Kristof’s & 3 at America’s Action Territory)
Divisions: Pro
Entry Fee: $65
Registration: Zelle: mcminimastersgolf@gmail.com (preferred) or PayPal: www.paypal.me/mcminimasters.
Overall Purse: No cash purse, but tons of prizes, including awards for every course/round
Ball: Golf ball only
Exception from Standard AMA Rules:
Details on the Facebook event page
6 stroke limit
On one (1) hole per round, there will be instructions for a goofy hole. This requires competitors to play the hole in a unique manner that includes unique putters/implements and/or playing shots with your back to the hole and between your legs.
Groups / players have the option to play with all balls in play or having each person finish out one at a time on each hole
No same-day practice on any of the courses
Additional Details
This is the 29th anniversary of the M.C. Mini Masters, the annual day-long mini golf tournament hosted by Season 1 Holey Moley winner and world record holder, Mick Cullen.
This annual day of mini golf is 6 rounds each, held on different 18-hole courses in Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois, starting at 8 am and will go until around 10:30 pm. We’ll include more detailed notes on the tournament format, rules, and more closer to the date, but we have provided some information for players who haven’t played this tournament previously.
2026 Schedule of courses is confirmed!
1. 36 holes at Congo River in Hoffman Estates, IL (18 at Congo Rapids, 18 at Congo Falls)
2. 18 holes at Kristof’s Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach, IL (course built by Castle Golf) - Lunch will happen after the rounds at Kristof’s
3. 54 holes at America’s Action Territory in Kenosha, WI (17 holes on Lost Falls + portable 18th hole used in past years at Par-King to replace playing the #13 on the Lost Falls course, 18 holes at Wild West, and finish with 18 holes at Wisconsin Adventure)
Details on the history of the M.C. Mini Masters and previous scores at www.mcminimasters.net
Although there is no cash purse, a variety of trophies and prizes will be awarded to the top overall scores, top scores on each course, and many other categories.
Here is a list of some things to be aware of that was created for rookies in 2025. This will be updated if the courses or anything else changes in 2026
1) No practice time on tournament courses. There is no chance to get acclimated to the holes or try anything out before it counts. Get your practice in on previous days if it’s a must for you. Given the format of this tourney and the fact that all these courses are open to the public, fitting in practice time on tourney day isn’t an option.
2) Standard golf balls only—no Euro-style minigolf balls allowed. Either use house balls or your own commercially available golf balls.
3) If an entire group elects to do so, they may all take their first shot on each hole before anyone putts out to finish. If three people in a group want to do that and one doesn’t, the one player who wants to complete the hole can just play first and putt out before the others take their tee shots.
4) We will use a shotgun start on all six courses. For the final round, groups will be arranged based on the overall standings after the 5th round. There is a nice seating area available between rounds, and remember there will be 3 free cold drinks available per person for your hydration and enjoyment.
5) One hole on each course is designated as a Wacky Hole! Every putt on that hole must be made in an unusual way (e.g., backward between your legs) or using an unusual implement (e.g., hockey sticks instead of putters). This is designated in advance for each Wacky Hole and is not optional. Everyone’s in the same boat, and this helps us to remember that it’s just mini golf, and it’s supposed to be fun (and funny)!
6) The 13th hole on the Lost Falls course at American Action Territory doesn’t function very well. It gives very random results and is likely to slow down play considerably. Given this, we will use the homemade portable mini golf hole that was used in past years at Par-King for the 18th hole as a substitute for Hole #13 on the Lost Falls course. The rest of the holes on all of other courses will be played.
A tentative schedule that includes a break for lunch will be forthcoming closer to the tournament date. Many people go to dinner together afterward as well.