Pub Golf: How To Play And Win

how does pub golf work

Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with a pub crawl. The game typically involves a group of 4-10 people, with each bar visited considered a hole on the course. At the beginning of the game, each player is given a scorecard outlining the course and the par score (or number of drinks) for each hole. The aim of the game is to complete the course with the lowest overall score, just like in golf. To start, the group visits the first pub, which is usually the clubhouse or starting point for the game. Each player orders a predetermined number of drinks, which represents the par score for that hole. For example, if the first hole has a par score of 3, each player would order three drinks. Once everyone has their drinks, the game begins. Players must drink their assigned number of drinks as quickly as possible, and once everyone has finished, the group moves on to the next pub.

Characteristics Values
Number of players 4-10, typically 4-6
Dress code Golf-themed outfits
Penalties Spilling a drink, failing to finish a drink within a time limit, going to the bathroom on a hole designated a water hazard, going out of bounds
Scoring The player with the lowest score at the end of the course wins
Mulligans Allowed
Final challenge May be required to determine the winner
Course 9 or 18 pubs/bars

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Number of players and groups

Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub crawling. It is typically played in groups of 4 to 6 people, but some sources suggest that it can be played with groups as large as 10. The more, the merrier!

The game involves visiting a series of bars or pubs, with each bar being considered a "hole" on the course. At the beginning of the game, each player is given a scorecard outlining the course and the par score (number of drinks) for each hole. The game usually starts at a "clubhouse" or a predetermined starting point.

Players are encouraged to dress up in golfing attire, such as golf shirts, shorts, knee-high socks, athletic skirts, visors, and anything plaid, argyle, or bright. The crazier the outfit, the better! Some players even add accessories like inflatable golf clubs, sunglasses, wigs, and golf shoes.

Once the group has assembled and is dressed up, it's time to start the game. Each player orders the predetermined number of drinks for the first hole, which represents the par score. For example, if the first hole has a par score of 3, each player would order three drinks. After everyone has their drinks, the game begins, and players must drink their assigned number of drinks as quickly as possible.

It is important to note that pub golf should always be played responsibly, and players should be aware of their limits when it comes to drinking. Many organised pub golf events now encourage responsible drinking and offer designated drivers or other forms of transportation for participants.

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Choosing pubs and dressing up

Choosing Pubs

When choosing pubs for your pub golf outing, it is important to select venues that are within walking distance of each other. This will ensure that your group can stick together and that the night flows smoothly. It is also a good idea to choose pubs that offer a range of drinks to match the par scores you have set. For example, a pub with a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and shots can add variety to the course. Additionally, make sure to get permission from any establishment before including them in your course, as some may require reservations or charge fees for certain activities.

Dressing Up

Dressing up in golf-inspired outfits is not mandatory for pub golf, but it certainly adds to the fun. Many players choose to wear polo shirts, visors, and argyle jumpers, while others go with fun themes like neon or retro golf styles. You can find golf attire and accessories at stores like Amazon, eBay, costume shops, and Etsy. When choosing a costume, consider practicality and safety. Avoid clothing that could impair movement or obstruct vision, and wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking between bars. It is also important to stay hydrated and know your limits when drinking alcohol.

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Penalties and hazards

Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub hopping. The game typically involves a group of 4 to 10 people, but can be played with any group size. Each bar or pub visited is considered a "hole" on the course, with a predetermined number of drinks assigned to each hole, representing the "'par'" score. The objective is to complete the course with the lowest overall score, i.e., consuming the fewest drinks.

  • Spilling Drinks: Players who spill their own or another player's drink may incur a penalty, such as additional strokes or having to purchase a replacement drink.
  • Water Hazards: Some holes may be designated as water hazards, where players are not allowed to use the bathroom. Doing so will result in a penalty, typically a two-stroke penalty.
  • Bunker Hazards: A hole designated as a bunker hazard requires players to take an additional alcoholic shot, which must be consumed in one go.
  • Time Limits: Each hole usually has a time limit, typically 30 minutes. Failing to complete the assigned drinks within the time limit incurs a penalty, such as additional strokes.
  • Out of Bounds: Going out of bounds, as defined by the specific rules for that hole, may result in a penalty of three strokes.
  • Forfeit for Last Place: It is common for the player who finishes the game with the highest score to perform a forfeit, such as wearing their pub golf outfit to work or university.
  • Other Penalties: Additional penalties may be introduced, such as a five-shot penalty for throwing up in the toilet or expulsion from the game for cheating.

It is important to note that the rules and penalties can be customised to suit the group's preferences. Players should always drink responsibly and be aware of their limits.

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Scoring and par

Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub crawling. The game is typically played in groups of 4 to 10 people, but it can be played with any group size. Each bar or pub 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 par score is usually based on the number of sips, gulps, or swallows it should take to finish the assigned drink for that hole. For example, if the par score is 3, each player would order and drink three drinks. Once everyone has finished their drinks, the group moves on to the next pub.

At the beginning of the game, each player is given a scorecard, which outlines the course and the par score for each hole. The goal of the game is to complete the course with the lowest overall score, just like in traditional golf. The winner is the player who completes the course with the fewest drinks, i.e., the lowest score. In some variations of the game, players may also be required to complete a final "putt" or challenge to determine the winner.

Penalty strokes may be given for breaking certain rules, such as spilling a drink, failing to finish assigned drinks within a certain time limit, or going to the bathroom on a hole designated as a "water hazard". These penalty strokes add to the player's score for that hole. The player with the lowest score at the end of the course is the winner, while the player with the highest score is the loser.

It is important to note that pub golf should always be played responsibly, and players should be aware of their limits when it comes to drinking. Many organised pub golf events now encourage responsible drinking and offer designated drivers or other forms of transportation for participants.

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Prizes and forfeits

Prizes

Prizes are often awarded at the end of a game of pub golf as an incentive for players to perform well. The winner of the game is the player with the lowest score, and they may receive a prize as a reward. In the event of a tie, an arm-wrestling contest can be held to determine the overall winner.

Forfeits

Forfeits are also a common feature of pub golf. Forfeits are usually given to the player who comes last in the game, but they can also be given out per round, or for other reasons, such as skipping a round, taking a toilet break in a water hazard, or 'blowing chunks'. Forfeits are typically embarrassing and are designed to create tension and drama. A common example of a forfeit is for the loser to go to work or university in their pub golf outfit.

It is important to clearly state the forfeits before the game begins, so that all players are informed and cannot play ignorant.

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Frequently asked questions

Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub hopping. It is typically played in groups of 4-6 people, but can be played with any number of people.

Each bar or pub visited is considered a "hole" on the course, with players given a target number of drinks to consume at each stop, which represents the par score for that hole. The goal is to complete the “course” in the fewest number of “strokes” (drinks) possible. The winner is the player who completes the course with the lowest overall score.

The rules and scoring of pub golf may vary depending on the group or location. Some common rules include assigning a caddy to oversee the round, not allowing players to go to the bathroom at any hole deemed a 'water hazard', and penalising players for spilling their own or another player's drink.

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