Miles Bennett
Bar golf is a fun and social drinking game that combines the structure of a golf course with the lively atmosphere of a bar crawl. Players visit a series of bars, each representing a hole, where they attempt to complete specific drinking challenges or tasks in as few strokes (drinks) as possible. The goal is to finish the course with the lowest score, much like traditional golf. Typically, players use a scorecard to track their progress, and creativity abounds with themed drinks, costumes, and rules tailored to the group. It’s a great way to bond with friends, explore new bars, and enjoy a night of friendly competition, all while responsibly enjoying beverages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Players | Typically 2 or more players, but best with 4-6 players. |
| Objective | Complete a "golf course" of bars while following rules and taking drinks. |
| Equipment Needed | Scorecards, pens, and a list of participating bars. |
| Course Setup | 9 or 18 bars, each representing a "hole" on the golf course. |
| Scoring | Each hole has a par (e.g., 1 drink). Scores are tracked on scorecards. |
| Drinking Rules | Players must finish their drink within a set time limit (e.g., 5 minutes). |
| Penalties | Failure to finish a drink results in penalty points (e.g., +1 stroke). |
| Winning Condition | The player with the lowest total score at the end of the course wins. |
| Optional Rules | Mulligan (redo a drink), Hazards (extra drinks for mistakes), or Themes. |
| Safety Tips | Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and arrange safe transportation. |
| Popular Variations | Mini Golf (fewer bars), Extreme Golf (larger drinks), or Themed Rounds. |
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What You'll Learn
- Course Setup: Design a route with 9+ bars, assign par values, and create scorecards
- Rules Overview: Follow golf-style rules, track strokes (drinks), and avoid penalties for spills
- Drink Types: Assign specific drinks per hole, like beer, shots, or cocktails
- Scoring System: Count drinks as strokes; lowest score wins, ties go to fewest penalties
- Safety Tips: Stay hydrated, pace drinking, and ensure a designated driver or safe ride
Course Setup: Design a route with 9+ bars, assign par values, and create scorecards
Designing a bar golf course is an art that blends urban geography with the spirit of competition. Start by mapping a route that connects 9 or more bars within a walkable or short transit radius. Consider proximity, variety, and ambiance—mix dive bars with upscale lounges to keep the experience dynamic. Avoid placing two similar venues back-to-back; instead, alternate between lively spots and quieter ones to balance energy levels. Pro tip: Use Google Maps to plot your course, ensuring no bar is more than a 10-minute walk from the next. This keeps the game moving and minimizes downtime.
Assigning par values is where strategy meets creativity. Each bar gets a par based on the challenge level of its designated "hole," typically a drinking task. For instance, a shot of whiskey might be par 1, while a complex cocktail or a beer pong challenge could be par 3. Factor in the bar’s atmosphere—a crowded, high-energy spot warrants a higher par due to potential delays or distractions. Keep a notebook to jot down ideas as you scout locations, noting unique drinks or activities that could define each hole. The goal is to make each stop memorable, not just a pit stop.
Scorecards are the backbone of bar golf, so design them with clarity and fun in mind. Include columns for player names, hole numbers, par values, and scores, plus a section for penalties (e.g., spilling a drink or missing a shot). Add a cheat sheet of rules and a map of the course for reference. For a personal touch, incorporate themed graphics or nicknames for each bar. Print enough copies for all players and laminate them for durability—drinks spill, and you don’t want ink running mid-game.
Finally, test your course before game day. Walk the route to ensure it’s feasible, and visit each bar to confirm they’re open and willing to participate. Some bars might even offer discounts or specials for large groups, so negotiate ahead of time. During the test run, time how long it takes to complete each hole and adjust par values if needed. This dry run will also help you identify potential bottlenecks, like bars with slow service, and allow you to tweak the course for a smoother experience. With careful planning, your bar golf course will be a hole-in-one hit.
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Rules Overview: Follow golf-style rules, track strokes (drinks), and avoid penalties for spills
Bar golf transforms the precision and strategy of traditional golf into a social drinking game, complete with "strokes" that equate to drinks and penalties for mishaps. Players navigate a "course" of bars, each representing a hole, where the goal is to complete drinks in as few sips (strokes) as possible. Unlike golf, lower scores aren’t better—more strokes mean more drinks, and the player with the most by the end wins. This twist on scoring adds a layer of strategy: pace yourself early, or risk burnout before the final holes.
Tracking strokes is straightforward but crucial. Each drink finished counts as one stroke, and players must log their totals honestly. Designated scorecards or a shared digital tracker (like a phone app) prevent disputes. For mixed drinks or shots, standardize the pour size—typically 1.5 ounces for liquor or a full beer—to ensure fairness. If a player finishes a drink in one go, it still counts as a single stroke, rewarding efficiency without encouraging overconsumption.
Penalties for spills mimic golf’s hazards, adding unpredictability. Knock over a drink? Add two strokes. Fail to finish a drink before leaving a bar? Add one stroke. These rules discourage sloppy play and keep the game competitive. Pro tip: use spill-proof cups or assign a "caddy" to steady drinks during rowdier rounds. Penalties also balance the game, preventing early leaders from coasting to victory.
Strategic drinking is key to mastering bar golf. Front-load weaker drinks or beers on early holes to build a stroke lead, then switch to harder liquor on later holes if you’re confident. Players over 21 should know their limits, and designated drivers or alternate activities (like water-drinking penalties) ensure everyone stays safe. The game’s blend of golf-style rules and drinking culture makes it a hit for groups seeking structured chaos.
In essence, bar golf’s rules create a balance between competition and camaraderie. By tracking strokes meticulously and respecting penalties, players transform a night out into a memorable challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned drinker or a casual participant, the game’s golf-inspired framework ensures everyone stays engaged—just remember, unlike real golf, the highest score takes the trophy.
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Drink Types: Assign specific drinks per hole, like beer, shots, or cocktails
One of the most creative ways to elevate the bar golf drinking game is by assigning specific drinks to each hole, transforming the experience into a flavorful journey through different libations. Imagine teeing off with a crisp, cold beer, then navigating through a par-3 shot of whiskey, and finishing with a refreshing cocktail on the green. This approach not only adds variety but also challenges players to adapt their drinking pace and preferences, ensuring no two holes feel the same.
To implement this, start by categorizing drinks based on alcohol content and flavor profile. For instance, assign lighter beers or ciders to the first few holes to ease players into the game. As the course progresses, introduce stronger drinks like shots or spirits to ramp up the intensity. Save complex cocktails for the final holes, where players can savor the flavors as a reward for their endurance. For example, Hole 1 could be a light lager, Hole 5 a tequila shot, and Hole 9 a mojito. This progression keeps the game dynamic and prevents palate fatigue.
However, balance is key. Avoid assigning overly strong drinks too early, as this can lead to players burning out before completing the course. Similarly, ensure non-alcoholic options are available for designated drivers or those with lower tolerance. A practical tip is to pair each drink with a hole’s difficulty level—easier holes can have simpler drinks, while challenging ones can feature more potent or intricate options. This alignment enhances the thematic connection between the game and the drinks.
For a competitive edge, introduce penalties tied to drink types. For example, missing a putt on a cocktail hole might require taking an extra sip, while acing a beer hole could grant a "mulligan" shot. This adds a layer of strategy, as players must weigh their drinking choices against their performance. Additionally, consider themed courses where drinks match the bar’s ambiance or the group’s preferences, such as a tropical-themed course with piña coladas and daiquiris.
In conclusion, assigning specific drinks per hole in bar golf is a game-changer that enhances both the social and sensory aspects of the experience. By thoughtfully pairing drinks with holes, you create a structured yet exciting progression that keeps players engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re aiming for a casual night out or a competitive showdown, this approach ensures every hole is a unique adventure. Just remember to drink responsibly and adapt the rules to suit your group’s preferences and limits.
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Scoring System: Count drinks as strokes; lowest score wins, ties go to fewest penalties
In bar golf, every drink becomes a stroke, transforming your night out into a strategic game of moderation and precision. Unlike traditional golf, where the goal is to minimize swings, here, each sip, shot, or pint directly impacts your score. This system rewards players who pace themselves, making it a test of both endurance and restraint. For instance, a player who downs three beers and two shots across five bars would tally a score of five strokes, assuming each drink counts as one. The key is to balance enjoyment with strategy, as overindulgence can quickly inflate your score.
The scoring system’s elegance lies in its simplicity: lowest score wins. However, ties introduce a secondary layer of competition—fewest penalties. Penalties in bar golf often arise from rule violations, such as skipping a bar, failing to finish a drink, or arriving late. For example, if two players both end with seven strokes, the one with fewer penalties claims victory. This tiebreaker encourages adherence to the game’s rules while adding an element of fairness. Players must not only manage their drinking but also navigate the social dynamics of the game to avoid penalties.
Practical tips for mastering this scoring system include setting a drinking pace early in the game. Start with lighter drinks at the first few bars to conserve strokes for later rounds. Additionally, communicate with your group to ensure everyone understands the rules, reducing the risk of accidental penalties. For instance, if a bar’s drink specials tempt you into ordering doubles, remember that each counts as two strokes, potentially derailing your low-score strategy. Age and tolerance levels also play a role; younger or less experienced players might need to adopt a more conservative approach to stay competitive.
Comparing bar golf’s scoring system to traditional golf highlights its unique challenges. In golf, a single bad swing can be offset by a strong overall performance, but in bar golf, every drink is irreversible. This makes each decision critical, as there’s no equivalent to a “mulligan” in drinking. Moreover, while golf courses have fixed holes, bar golf allows for customization, enabling players to choose bars and drinks that align with their strategy. For example, selecting bars with smaller pours or non-alcoholic options can help lower your stroke count, though this may require creativity and prior research.
Ultimately, the scoring system of bar golf transforms a night of drinking into a game of skill and strategy. By counting drinks as strokes and resolving ties with penalties, it encourages players to think critically about their choices. Success depends on balancing enjoyment with discipline, making it a memorable and engaging activity for groups. Whether you’re a seasoned drinker or a casual participant, understanding and leveraging this system can elevate your bar golf experience from a mere night out to a competitive and rewarding challenge.
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Safety Tips: Stay hydrated, pace drinking, and ensure a designated driver or safe ride
Bar golf is a game that blends competition, camaraderie, and alcohol consumption, making safety a critical component of the experience. While the objective is to have fun, it’s essential to prioritize well-being to avoid risks associated with dehydration, overconsumption, and impaired judgment. Here’s how to ensure a safe and enjoyable game.
Hydration is the cornerstone of responsible bar golf. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration, especially when consumed in the quantities typical of this game. To counteract this, alternate every alcoholic drink with a full glass of water. For example, after completing a "hole" (a bar) and taking a shot or beer, follow it with 8–12 ounces of water. Sports drinks with electrolytes can also help replenish lost minerals, particularly if the game spans several hours. Carry a reusable water bottle to make hydration convenient and consistent.
Pacing your drinking is equally vital. Bar golf often involves multiple rounds of alcohol in a short period, which can overwhelm your body’s ability to process it. Set a personal limit before the game begins, such as one drink per hole or a maximum of three drinks total. Use a timer or designate a group member to remind everyone to slow down if the pace becomes too rapid. Eating a meal or snacks between drinks can also help absorb alcohol more slowly, reducing the risk of intoxication and its associated dangers.
Finally, planning for a safe ride home is non-negotiable. Impaired driving is a serious hazard, and bar golf’s structure increases the likelihood of participants exceeding safe alcohol limits. Assign a designated driver who abstains from alcohol entirely, or arrange alternative transportation such as rideshares, public transit, or a pre-booked shuttle. If everyone plans to drink, consider pooling money for a group Uber or Lyft to ensure no one feels pressured to drive. For added accountability, collect car keys at the start of the game and return them only to those who have remained sober or tested below the legal limit using a personal breathalyzer.
By integrating these safety measures—staying hydrated, pacing drinking, and securing a safe ride—bar golf can remain a thrilling and social activity without compromising health or safety. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game, not to risk well-being for the sake of competition.
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Frequently asked questions
The objective of Bar Golf is to complete a "course" of 9 or 18 bars, following specific drinking rules at each stop, while keeping track of your "score" based on drinks consumed. The player with the lowest score at the end wins.
To set up a Bar Golf course, choose 9 or 18 bars as your "holes," assign a specific drink or challenge for each bar, and establish rules for scoring (e.g., one drink = one stroke). Create a scorecard for players to track their progress.
Players must follow the designated drink or challenge at each bar, keep track of their score, and adhere to any additional rules (e.g., no repeating drinks, time limits). The game ends after completing all bars, and the lowest score wins.
Yes, Bar Golf rules can be modified to suit the group. Options include reducing the number of bars, using non-alcoholic drinks, or adjusting scoring to focus on participation rather than consumption. Always prioritize safety and responsible drinking.
