Jackson Reid
If you're looking for a fun night out with friends that combines drinking, fancy dress and friendly competition, then pub golf could be the game for you. It's a drinking game with a difference, where each pub is a 'hole' and the aim is to finish your drink in the fewest possible 'strokes' or 'gulps'. The person with the lowest score at the end of the game wins, while the person with the highest score has to do a forfeit. Here's everything you need to know about how to organise a game of pub golf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pubs/holes | 9 or 18 |
| Number of players | 2 or more |
| Grouping | Twosomes or foursomes |
| Dress code | Golf-themed attire |
| Drink | Alcohol |
| Scoring | Based on the number of sips/gulps to finish the drink |
| Scorecard | Physical or digital |
| Penalties | For forfeits, spilling drinks, poor etiquette, etc. |
| Hazards | Water hazards, bunker hazards, etc. |
| Venues | Within walking distance of each other |
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What You'll Learn
Rules and scoring
Pub golf is a drinking game that combines the structure of golf with a traditional pub crawl. Each pub represents a hole, with a designated drink and a par signifying the number of sips to finish the beverage. The aim is to complete each hole in as few strokes as possible. Each swig of your drink counts as a stroke, and each type of drink has a different par.
Each hole will be completed within 30 minutes. Each player must consume the designated drink for that hole or choose from a list of drinks with the appropriate par. The player's score for a hole is based on the number of sips or gulps taken to complete the drink. The player's score for the course is the sum of their scores for each hole.
The par represents the number of sips that are allowed. For example, Par 3 = 3 sips to finish the drink. Scores are recorded on the Pub Golf scorecard, which takes into account the number of sips to finish the designated drink as well as any possible penalties.
At the end of the 9 holes, the player/team with the lowest score wins the game. Prizes are often awarded at the end as an incentive to strive for a lower score. In the event of a tie, the winner shall be determined by an arm wrestle outside the final pub.
The person with the highest score is often rewarded with a humiliating forfeit. For example, the person who finishes last has to go to a public place in their pub golf costume.
Pub golf has penalties to make the game more challenging. For example, players who spill their drink may have to take a shot or add two strokes to their scorecard. If you add a time limit for each hole, you can also penalise players for taking too long to finish their drinks. Going over the time limit could cost players two strokes, while failure to complete the hole costs three.
To add an element of surprise and strategy, you can create hazards at certain pubs. For instance, you could deem one pub a water hazard, meaning players cannot go to the bathroom at that pub without facing a penalty.
It is important to set some course boundaries. For example, if a player becomes too intoxicated and falls over, this type of behaviour is considered out of bounds. A player who is out of bounds will be penalised.
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Venues and proximity
When selecting the venues, it's a good idea to choose a diverse range of establishments that cater to the group's preferences. This could include traditional pubs, modern bars, and perhaps a themed establishment, offering a variety of atmospheres and drink selections. It is also worth considering venues with lenient door policies, especially towards the end of the course when players are likely to be more intoxicated. Contacting the venues in advance to understand their policies regarding organised groups is advisable.
In addition to proximity, other factors to consider when choosing venues include ensuring they are accessible and have adequate space to accommodate your group. You may also want to select venues with different themes or unique features, such as games or activities, to add variety and entertainment to your pub golf event.
While it is important to plan the venues and their proximity carefully, it is also essential to remain flexible during the event. As the night progresses and participants become more intoxicated, you may need to make adjustments or allow for some detours. Keeping the venues and their proximity in mind will help create a seamless and enjoyable experience for your pub golf outing.
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Dress code
While dressing up is not mandatory, it is a big part of the fun of pub golf and adds to the overall experience. To encourage players to dress up, you could offer a prize for the best-dressed golfer.
There are many options for dress codes, ranging from traditional golf attire to creative and quirky costumes. Here are some ideas for dress codes for your pub golf event:
Traditional Golf Attire
Participants can embrace the traditional golf look with polo shirts, often in bright colours or with humorous slogans, argyle jumpers, golf trousers or skirts, and caps or visors. For extra flair, participants can add knee-high socks, plaid trousers, or golf gloves and shoes with soft spikes.
Retro or 80s Golf
Players can don neon colours, bold patterns, and oversized visors to capture the look of 80s sports fashion. Think bright pinks, greens, or electric blues for a playful twist.
Neon Theme
Head-to-toe neon will make your group stand out on the course (and be easy to spot after a few pubs!). Neon shirts, hats, and even shoelaces can make for a bright and fun theme.
Creative Themes
Teams can coordinate their costumes for a unified presentation. For example, they can mimic caddies by sporting overalls, a golf cap, and carrying an (empty) bag of golf clubs.
Accessories
Golf visors and caps, mini golf clubs or putters, scorecard holders or clipboards, and silly or themed glasses can all add to the fun and authenticity of the outfits.
Fancy Dress
If you're looking for a more light-hearted approach, participants can wear fancy dress costumes. There are many pre-existing costumes to choose from, and it can add to the hilarity of the event.
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Forfeits and penalties
Pub golf is a drinking game that mimics the structure and scoring system of traditional golf. It involves humorous forfeits and challenges to keep things lively. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game is the winner, and the player with the highest score is the loser and is usually subjected to a humiliating forfeit. It is essential that the forfeits are well-documented and communicated to the players before the event to ensure everyone is aware of them.
Forfeits can be customised to suit the group's sense of humour and comfort levels. A common forfeit for the loser is to go to work or university in their pub golf outfit. Forfeits can also be assigned per round, for example, the last player to finish their drink in a round could be forced to do a forfeit, or for players that skip a round, take a toilet break in a water hazard, or blow chunks.
Penalties can also be imposed for added fun. For example, any drink spilled by a person will result in a penalty, and they will have to pay for the replacement of the drink. A person drinking a replaced beverage due to spillage will be given extra time to complete the drink. Another penalty could be for 'out of bounds' behaviour, such as falling over due to alcohol consumption, which could cost a player 3 strokes.
The caddie, who is responsible for managing the group and does not drink or participate in the event, is in charge of handing out penalties and forfeits. Their decision is final, and players should show their gratitude with a small collection.
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Group size and pairing
Pub golf is a drinking game that combines the game of golf with a pub crawl. It is played with a group of two or more people. The more the merrier! So, if you want a big group, make sure to tell everyone to invite their friends as well.
Once you have an idea of the numbers, you can decide if you want to put people together in pairs or foursomes to make it more of a team activity. Each player must be assigned a partner who records their scores and keeps their drink within sight. You could also assign a "caddy" who doesn't drink and can solve disputes.
If you have a large group, you might want to consider hiring a bus and getting the caddy to transport players between pubs. This is especially important if the pubs are not within walking distance of each other.
When it comes to the number of pubs or "holes", you can choose either nine or eighteen, just like a real golf course. Each pub will have a designated drink and “par”, which is the number of sips or gulps needed to finish the drink. The aim is to finish the course under par, so the player with the lowest score wins.
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Frequently asked questions
Pub golf is a drinking game that combines the game of golf with a pub crawl. Each pub is a hole, with a designated drink and par signifying the number of sips to finish the drink. The aim is to finish the course under par.
Choose a diverse range of establishments that cater to the group's preferences. A good mix might include traditional pubs, modern bars and perhaps a themed establishment. Venues should be within walking distance of each other to maintain the flow of the event.
The rules of pub golf are adaptable and can be customised according to the preferences of the group. However, the essential framework remains consistent. Each hole will be completed within 30 minutes. Each player must consume the designated drink and the player with the lowest score at the end of the course is the winner.
Golf-themed costumes are popular, ranging from traditional golfing attire to creative team outfits.
