Plan A Bar Golf Event: Hole-In-One Fun

how to put together bar golf

Bar golf, also known as pub golf, is a drinking game that combines the game of golf with a pub crawl. It's a fun way to get a group of friends together for a special occasion or just for a night out. The game involves a selection of either nine or eighteen pubs or bars, creating a course to be played by two or more people. Each bar is regarded as a hole on a golf course, with a pre-agreed number of swallows per assigned drink for that hole, making up a par number. The aim of the game is to complete each hole in as few strokes as possible, with each swig of your drink counting as a stroke. To make the game more interesting, you can add your own rules and penalties, such as water hazards and bunker hazards. A caddie can also be assigned to oversee the round and manage the group, similar to a referee. So, if you're looking for a unique and entertaining way to spend an evening with friends, bar golf is definitely worth considering!

Characteristics Values
Number of bars/pubs 9 or 18
Dress code Golf-themed attire
Group size Big groups are more fun
Distance between bars/pubs Within walking distance
Transport Hire a bus if bars are not close
Bar/pub policies Lenient door policies are preferable
Number of drinks One drink per bar
Drink type Lower-par drinks are easier to consume
Penalties Spilling a drink, skipping a hole, using the bathroom in a water hazard bar
Rewards Best-dressed golfer
Caddie Independent referee; does not drink or participate in the event
Forfeits Last-place finisher wears their pub golf costume to a public place

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Choose a group and assign roles

When it comes to choosing a group for bar golf, the more the merrier! It's a good idea to send out messages to your friends to see who wants to join and what dates work for them. Encourage them to invite their friends as well to increase the group size. A larger group means you can split into teams, adding a fun, competitive element to the game.

Once you know how many people are participating, you can decide if you want to put them into pairs or groups of four. Each team will then need to choose a funny team name.

As well as teams, you'll also need to assign roles to certain individuals. One important role is that of the 'Caddie' or referee. The caddie doesn't drink or participate in the game but manages the group, resolves disputes, and hands out penalties and forfeits. It's a difficult job, so it's customary for the players to show their gratitude by collecting a small sum of money to give to the caddie as a thank you.

You could also assign a partner to each player to record their scores, although this could also be done by the caddie.

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Select the bars

Selecting the bars for your bar golf game is crucial to ensure a fun and memorable night. Here are some tips to help you choose the best locations:

Proximity

Choose bars that are within walking distance of each other to make transitions between holes quick and easy. This helps maintain the flow of the game and keeps everyone engaged.

Variety

Select a mix of bars with different atmospheres and drink options. Include lively bars with music and quieter, more relaxed pubs to provide a balanced experience.

Capacity

Ensure the bars can accommodate your group size. Avoid small, crowded venues that might struggle to serve a large party efficiently.

Drink Specials

Look for bars that offer drink specials or happy hour deals. This can make the game more affordable and add an extra layer of fun with unique drink options.

Theme Compatibility

Choose bars that fit well with the theme of your bar golf game. For example, if you're going for a classic golf attire theme, bars with a more traditional or sports bar vibe can enhance the experience.

Safety and Accessibility

Consider the safety and accessibility of the locations, especially if the bar golf game will run late into the evening. Ensure the areas are well-lit and known for being safe for night-time activities. Also, check for bars that are easily accessible by public transport or close to taxi ranks to ensure everyone can get home safely.

Local Favorites and Signature Drinks

Include some local favourite spots that are well-regarded for their ambiance and service. These venues often offer a unique charm and a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, select pubs known for their signature drinks or specialties. This adds a fun twist as participants can try unique beverages at each stop.

Remember, the number of bars you choose will depend on the size of your group and how much you want to drink. Typically, bar golf involves either nine or eighteen bars, representing the holes on a golf course.

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Dress code

While there is no definitive dress code for bar golf, participants are encouraged to dress up in golf-themed attire. The key is to look sporty and smart-casual.

For men, collared shirts are a safe bet, though some courses now welcome hoodies, including "golf hoodies" from certain sportswear brands. Golf trousers are ideal, resembling lightweight chinos with belt loops. If you opt for shorts, they should be knee-length and tailored. For shoes, soft-spiked golf shoes are a good choice.

For women, skirts or slacks are popular options. If you choose a skirt, consider adding a pair of knee-high socks and golf shoes. For a colder day, golfing slacks can keep you warm while still looking stylish.

To elevate your outfit, add fun accessories like inflatable golf clubs, sunglasses, wigs, or visors. Anything plaid, argyle, or bright will fit right in. Just remember to choose comfort, especially if you're planning on a long game.

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Rules and penalties

Bar golf is a drinking game that combines the game of golf with a pub crawl. The rules and penalties can vary depending on the organiser and the participants. However, there are some basic rules and penalties that are commonly followed. Here are some ideas for rules and penalties to implement in your bar golf event:

Caddie

Assign a "caddie" who remains sober and does not participate in drinking. The caddie's role is to manage the group, resolve any disputes, and hand out penalties and forfeits. The caddie's decision is final, and arguing with them will result in a penalty. It is customary for the players to show their appreciation to the caddie by giving a small collection or gift.

Water Hazards

Designate certain pubs or bars as "water hazards". Players are not allowed to use the restroom at these locations without incurring a penalty, such as adding extra strokes to their scorecard.

Bunker Hazards

Designate some pubs or bars as "bunker hazards". If a hole is designated as a bunker hazard, players must consume an additional alcoholic shot to get out of the bunker. This shot must be consumed in one go.

Spillage Penalties

Any player who spills their drink or causes a spillage will incur a penalty. This may include taking an additional shot, adding strokes to their scorecard, or paying for the replacement of the spilled drink.

Time Penalties

Failing to complete a hole within the designated time limit will result in a penalty, such as adding extra strokes to the player's score.

Out-of-Bounds Penalties

Going out of bounds, as defined by the specific out-of-bounds rules, will result in a penalty, such as adding strokes to the player's score.

Forfeits

The player with the highest score at the end of the game may be subject to a forfeit. This could include wearing a silly hat, singing karaoke, or completing a challenge in a public place while dressed in their bar golf costume.

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Forfeits

The Bare Ass

The player has to run around the bar with their trousers or pants down.

Ghost Post

The loser has to give the winner access to their social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, and allow them to make a post of their choosing.

Public Appearance

The person who finishes last has to go to a public place, such as a university or workplace, dressed in their bar golf costume.

Water Hazards

Players are not allowed to go to the toilet at any hole deemed a 'water hazard'. If they do, they incur a penalty, such as having to take a shot or add two strokes to their score.

Bunker Hazards

If a hole is designated a bunker hazard, players must take an extra alcoholic shot to get out of the bunker. This must be downed in one.

Karaoke

The player with the highest score at the end of the game has to sing a karaoke song in front of the group.

Wooden Spoon

The player with the highest score is awarded a wooden spoon.

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Frequently asked questions

Bar golf, or pub golf, is a drinking game that combines the game of golf with a pub crawl. Each pub or bar is regarded as a hole on a golf course, with a pre-agreed number of sips per assigned drink for that "hole", making up a par number.

A standard game has 9 or 18 holes, but you can adjust this based on your group’s stamina and the night’s ambitions.

Golf-themed attire is encouraged, with players dressing up in quirky golf outfits. Think golf shirts, shorts, knee-high socks, athletic skirts, visors, and anything plaid, argyle, or bright.

The rules are flexible and can be adjusted to suit your group. Some common rules include assigning a non-drinking "caddie" to oversee the game and resolve disputes, creating ""water hazards" where players cannot use the bathroom without a penalty, and establishing penalties for spilling drinks.

You can get creative with penalties and forfeits to add to the fun of the game. For example, players who spill their drinks may have to take a shot or add extra strokes to their score. The player with the highest score at the end of the game may have to wear a silly hat, sing karaoke, or go to a public place in their bar golf costume.

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