Nina Caldwell
Pub golf is a drinking game that combines the fun of a pub crawl with the competitive spirit of golf. Each bar on the crawl represents a hole on a golf course, with each hole having a designated drink and par. The aim of the game is to finish the course under par, with the lowest score at the end of the game winning. To set up a game of pub golf, you'll need to choose a group of bars to visit, create a scorecard, and decide on any additional rules and penalties. While it's important to plan the route and choose bars that are within walking distance, it's also crucial to embrace the fun of the game by dressing up in golf-themed attire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pubs/holes | 9 or 18 |
| Attire | Golf-themed, e.g. polo shirts, argyle jumpers, golf trousers, caps, knee-high socks, plaid trousers, neon colours, bold patterns, oversized visors |
| Scorecard | Include pub/hole number, par for each drink, columns for scores and penalties, total scores section, clear labels |
| Par | Number of sips/gulps allowed for each drink, e.g. par 3 = 3 sips |
| Time limit | 30 minutes per hole |
| Rules | No bathroom visits, silent holes, water hazards, bunker hazards, sand traps, dress code violations, sick penalties |
| Forfeits | Loser wears their pub golf outfit to work/university, last player to finish their drink, skipping a round, taking a toilet break |
| Caddie | Independent referee, manages the game, hands out penalties and forfeits |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the number of bars/holes and dress code
When setting up a game of pub golf, you can choose either 9 or 18 bars to represent the "'holes' on your pub crawl. Each bar will be assigned a "'par'" and a specific type of beer that must be drunk. The par represents the number of sips allowed—for example, a par of 3 means the drink must be finished in 3 sips. You can also add non-drinking challenges to each hole.
It's important to choose bars that are within walking distance of each other to keep the group together and the night flowing smoothly. You might also want to consider the range of drinks available at each bar, to match the par scores you've set.
While it's not essential, dressing up is all part of the fun of pub golf. You could go for classic golf attire, with polo shirts, argyle jumpers, golf trousers, and caps. For a vintage golf vibe, add knee-high socks or plaid trousers. If you want to go for something more light-hearted, try a retro 80s golf theme with neon colours, bold patterns, and oversized visors. Or, for maximum visibility, dress in head-to-toe neon.
If you're not a big planner, you can always just dress up in some crazy costumes and head to your favourite bars without a strict itinerary. However, arranging the details in advance will ensure a smooth flow from one pub to the next and guarantee a memorable and hassle-free night.
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Assign a caddie to manage the game
Assigning a caddie to manage the game is an important part of setting up a successful pub golf event. The caddie is a sober shepherd who manages the group, resolves disputes, and hands out penalties and forfeits. Their word is final, and players who argue with the caddie will be penalised.
The caddie is an independent referee who does not drink or participate in the event. This role can be assigned as a penalty, or it can rotate between players. The caddie is responsible for carrying everyone's drinks or belongings between pubs and determining how much extra time a player has to finish their drink if they have a spillage.
The caddie also has the important role of keeping the game on track. They ensure that the group moves from pub to pub without getting lost or distracted, and that players do not lose track of time.
To help the caddie manage the game, it is a good idea to create a clear set of rules and consequences for breaking them. These should be well-documented and communicated to all players before the event begins. The caddie should also be aware of any penalties or forfeits that will be given out so that players cannot claim ignorance.
In addition to assigning a caddie, it is also a good idea to pair players up so that they can keep each other's scores and drinks within sight. This helps to keep players honest and less likely to cheat.
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Set up a scorecard
Setting up a scorecard for pub golf is simple and can add a lot of fun to the night. Here are the steps to set one up:
List All Pubs (Holes)
Begin by listing each pub you'll be visiting. Assign each pub a "hole number", just like a golf course.
Set the Par for Each Drink
Decide on a par score for the drink at each pub. This could vary based on the type or strength of the drink (e.g. a pint of beer = par 4). Lower-par drinks are easier to gulp down, so plan your holes according to your group's preferences and drinking abilities.
Add Columns for Scores and Penalties
Include spaces for each player to record their scores at each pub and note any penalty strokes. Common penalties include spilling one's drink, going to the bathroom on a "water hazard" hole, and failing to complete a hole within the time limit.
Total Scores Section
Leave space at the bottom for players to add up their scores at the end of the course to determine the winner. The player with the lowest score wins, and the player with the highest score may have to perform a forfeit.
Use Clear Labels
Make sure each pub (hole) is clearly numbered and that players understand the par score before they start drinking. Keep the scorecard compact so that players can easily carry it with them from pub to pub.
Add Rules to the Scorecard
Adding the rules to the back of the scorecard will help players remember them as the night goes on. You can also include a list of penalties and any additional rules you've created for your course.
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Create rules and penalties
Pub Golf is a drinking game, so it's important to encourage participants to drink responsibly and know their limits. If a player is not comfortable drinking a particular type or quantity of alcohol, they can always skip a hole or take a penalty.
- Caddie Duty: Assign a sober player as the “caddie,” responsible for carrying everyone’s drinks or belongings between pubs and overseeing the round. This role can rotate or be assigned as a penalty. The caddie does not drink or participate in the event and their decision is final.
- Water Hazards: Players are not allowed to go to the toilet at any hole deemed a 'water hazard'. Doing so will result in a penalty, such as taking an extra shot or adding two strokes to their score.
- Bunker Hazards: If a hole is designated a bunker hazard, then an alcoholic shot is required to get out of the bunker. The shot must be downed in one.
- Spillage: Any drink spilled by a player will result in a penalty, such as taking a shot or adding two strokes to their scorecard. The person causing the spillage will also 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.
- Time Limit: Each hole will be completed within 30 minutes. Failing to complete a hole in the designated time will result in a penalty, such as costing the player two strokes.
- Silent Hole: At a designated hole, players must remain silent—any talking results in penalty strokes.
- Dress Code Violations: Any deviations from the agreed-upon attire result in penalties.
- Sick Penalty: If a player is sick during the night, they receive a penalty.
You can also get creative and make up your own rules and penalties! Just make sure they are challenging yet achievable, and clearly state the consequences of not following the rules before you begin the event.
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Plan the route
Planning the route for your pub golf outing is crucial to ensure a smooth, enjoyable night. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect course:
Choose the Right Pubs
Select pubs that are within a short walking distance of each other. This will keep the group together and the night flowing smoothly. Aim for a route that's easy to walk, even after a few rounds. Choose pubs that offer a range of drinks to match the par scores you've set. For example, a pub with a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and shots can add variety to the course.
Number of Pubs
A standard round of pub golf consists of either nine or eighteen pubs, representing the number of holes on a golf course. However, depending on how many bars are in your area and how much your group wants to drink, you can adjust the number of pubs to suit your needs.
Set the Par for Each Drink
Decide on a par score for the drink at each pub. This could vary based on the type or strength of the drink. For example, a single shot may be par 1, while a pint of beer might be par 5.
Plan a Safe Route
Consider the safety of the area and transport options for the end of the night. You want to ensure that your group can get home safely after the event.
Dress Code
Encourage your group to dress up in golf-themed attire to enhance the theme and make for fantastic group photos. Traditional golf attire includes polo shirts, argyle jumpers, golf trousers, and caps. Get creative and embrace the quirkiness of the game!
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Frequently asked questions
The aim of pub golf is to finish a designated drink in as few sips or "strokes" as possible. Each pub represents a "hole" and each hole has a "par", which is the ideal number of sips. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.
You can download a pub golf scorecard online, purchase custom scorecards, or make your own. Your scorecard should include a row for each hole/pub you visit. You should also include columns for scores and penalties, and a total scores section. Keep it compact so that players can easily carry it from pub to pub.
Dressing up in golf-themed attire is part of the fun! Traditional golf attire includes polo shirts, argyle jumpers, golf trousers, and caps. You could also go for a retro 80s golf look with neon colours, bold patterns, and oversized visors.
