Jackson Reid
Bar golf, also known as pub golf, is a recreational drinking activity that combines elements of traditional golf with pub hopping. It is typically played in groups of 4 to 6 people, although it can be played with as few as 2 people. The game involves selecting a series of pubs or bars to serve as the holes on a golf course, with each bar presenting its own challenges. Players are given a target number of drinks or strokes to consume at each hole, which represents the par score for that hole. The goal is to complete the course with the fewest strokes possible, and the player with the lowest overall score at the end of the course wins the game. Bar golf is often accompanied by additional rules, scoring systems, and forfeits, and players typically dress up in golf-themed attire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4-6 people |
| Number of pubs/bars | 9 or 18 |
| Dress code | Golf-themed attire |
| Score | The player with the lowest score wins |
| Scorecard | Each player gets a scorecard to track their progress |
| Par number | The number of drinks/sips/gulps to finish the assigned drink for that hole |
| Forfeit | The player who finishes last has to go to a public place in their pub golf costume |
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What You'll Learn
Number of bars/pubs
The number of bars or pubs included in a game of bar golf is typically either nine or eighteen, mirroring the number of holes in a round of traditional golf. However, the number of bars visited can be adjusted based on the size of the group, the time available, and the drinking ability of the players.
Each bar is considered a "hole" on the course, with each hole usually representing one drink. The drink type and number of "strokes" or "sips" are predetermined before the game begins. For example, a “par 3” hole may involve drinking three shots of a particular drink, while a “par 5” hole may involve drinking five shots.
It is important to consider the distance between the selected bars and their opening hours when designing the course. Additionally, it is recommended to have a "sober shepherd" or "caddie" to manage the group, resolve disputes, and hand out penalties and forfeits.
While the standard number of holes in bar golf is nine or eighteen, players can choose to adjust this number based on their preferences and the logistics of the bar locations. The key is to ensure that the course is manageable and enjoyable for all participants.
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Dress code
While dressing up is not mandatory, it is a significant part of the fun and experience of bar golf. The dress code is golf-themed, with participants wearing golf-inspired attire.
Traditional bar golf attire includes polo shirts, often in bright colours or with humorous slogans, argyle sweaters, flat caps or visors, knee-high socks, and even plastic golf clubs as props. Anything plaid, argyle or bright will work, and you can add accessories like sunglasses, wigs, golf shoes, and more.
Ladies can choose from many pre-existing costumes, and it is customary for players to carry the appropriate pub golfing accessories. Prizes for the best-dressed golfer are highly encouraged.
Some sources suggest that bar golf is a great theme as most of the things you need will probably already be in your closet. However, if you are not a big planner and just want to bar-hop with friends, you can always dress up in some crazy costumes and head to your favourite bars.
It is important to note that some bar golf events have penalties for dress code violations, so be sure to check the rules of your event before attending.
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Scoring
If a player finishes their drink in fewer sips than the par, they score one point for each sip taken, so the fewer sips, the better. If it takes them more sips than the par, they simply score a point for each sip, with their score being however many sips it took them. At the end of the course, the player's final score is the sum of their scores for each round, and the player with the lowest score wins.
Each golfer is allowed one stroke (one drink) per hole, and this is the only drink that can be counted towards their score for that hole. Substitutions can be made if the bar does not have the specified drink, but all golfers must agree on the changes. If a hole is designated a water hazard, golfers are penalised for using the restroom, usually by adding two strokes to their score.
It is recommended that players pair up and keep each other's scores to ensure honesty and reduce the impact of intoxicated arithmetic. A sober "caddie" can also be appointed to manage the group, resolve disputes, and hand out penalties.
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Penalties
Bar golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with bar-hopping. The game is typically played in groups of 4-6 people and involves visiting a series of bars or pubs and drinking a predetermined amount of alcohol at each stop.
The goal is to complete the “course” in the fewest number of “strokes” (drinks) possible, and the winner is the player with the lowest score at the end of the course. Each bar is considered a “hole,” and players are given a target number of drinks to consume at each stop, which represents the par score for that hole.
Penalty strokes may be given for breaking certain rules, such as spilling a drink or failing to finish assigned drinks within a time limit. For example, if a player spills their drink, they may be penalised with an additional stroke on their scorecard. Similarly, if a player does not finish their drink within the specified time, they may also incur a penalty stroke.
In a variation of the game, players are not allowed to use the restroom without adding penalty strokes to their score. For instance, if a hole is designated a water hazard, golfers who need to use the restroom must add 2 strokes to their score for that hole.
Another important aspect of bar golf is the caddie, who acts as a sober game manager and referee. The caddie's role is to guide the group, resolve disputes, and hand out penalties and forfeits. Arguing with the caddie is considered a breach of etiquette and may result in a penalty. It is customary for the players to express their gratitude to the caddie by contributing to a small collection as a token of appreciation.
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Forfeits
Bar golf, also known as pub golf, is a drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub crawling. The game is typically played in groups of 4 to 6 people and involves visiting a series of bars or pubs and drinking a predetermined amount of alcohol at each stop. The goal is to complete the "course" in the fewest number of "strokes" (drinks) possible.
The Bare Ass: The loser must run around the bar with their pants down.
Ghost Post: The winner of the game is allowed to access the loser's social media accounts and make a post of their choosing.
Last Place Costume: The person who finishes in last place has to go to a public place, such as a university or workplace, wearing their pub golf costume.
It is important to note that forfeits should be well-documented and agreed upon by all players before the game begins to ensure everyone is informed and aware of the potential consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Bar golf, also known as pub golf, is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with bar hopping.
Bar golf is typically played in groups of 4-6 people, but it can be played with as few as two people.
Each bar visited is considered a "hole" on the course, and players are given a target number of drinks to consume at each stop, which represents the “par” score for that hole. The goal is to complete each hole with the fewest "strokes" (drinks) possible, and the winner is the player with the lowest overall score at the end of the course.
It is customary for players to dress up in golf-themed attire, such as golf shirts, shorts, knee-high socks, athletic skirts, visors, and anything plaid, argyle, or bright.
One common forfeit is that the person who finishes in last place has to go to a public place, such as a university or workplace, in their pub golf costume.
