Pub Golf: A Survival Guide To The Course

how to survive pub golf

Pub golf is a drinking game that combines the rules of golf with a pub crawl. It involves a group of people, dressed in quirky golf attire, visiting nine or eighteen pubs, with each location acting as a hole. Each pub/hole has a designated drink and par, and the aim is to finish the drink in the number of sips/gulps equal to the designated par. While it's a fun game, it's important to approach it responsibly. Before you start, it's a good idea to plan how you'll get home, whether it's with a designated driver, public transport, or a rideshare. During the game, it's crucial to stay hydrated by drinking water and eating a substantial meal beforehand and snacks throughout the evening. Listen to your body, and don't feel pressured to keep up with others—it's okay to take a penalty stroke or bow out early. Surviving pub golf is about balancing fun and responsibility.

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Plan your route: choose pubs close together, with lenient door policies at the end

When planning your pub golf route, the key considerations are proximity and door policies.

Firstly, you want to choose pubs that are within walking distance of each other. Pub golf is meant to be a fun night out, and no one wants to spend half the night trekking between venues. Plus, as the night goes on and the drinks tally up, a long walk between pubs will become less and less appealing. Keep the venues close together, and you'll keep the energy and momentum high.

Secondly, consider the door policies of the pubs you select. As the night progresses and drinks are consumed, your group's coordination and sobriety will likely diminish. Choosing pubs with lenient door policies towards the end of the route will ensure that your group can complete the course without being turned away by bouncers.

When planning your route, it's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the drinks served at each venue. Knowing the drinks available will allow you to plan ahead and strategize. Some drinks may be easier to manage than others, and you can decide whether to pace yourself or go for a quick finish.

Remember, pub golf is about striking a balance between fun and responsibility. It's important to keep the group together, ensure everyone is safe, and listen to your body. It's perfectly fine to bow out early or take a penalty stroke if you feel you've reached your limit.

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Know the course: familiarise yourself with the drinks assigned to each hole

Knowing the course is a crucial part of preparing for a game of pub golf. The course consists of a list of pubs and bars that will be visited, with each venue acting as a hole. It is important to choose pubs that are within walking distance of each other, as the game involves moving from one pub to the next. If the pubs are not within close proximity, an alternative is to hire a bus or a "caddie" to transport players between venues.

Each pub/hole on the course has a designated drink and par. The par for each hole represents the number of sips or gulps needed to finish the drink. For example, a single shot may be a par 1, while a pint of beer could be a par 5. It is important to familiarise yourself with the drinks assigned to each hole before the game begins. This allows players to plan ahead and strategize, knowing which drinks may be easier or more challenging.

Some sources suggest that players must consume the designated drink for each hole, while others indicate that there may be a choice of drinks within a certain ABV range. For example, a par-three hole may involve drinking a pint of beer with an ABV of 4-6%. Players who finish the drink in fewer sips or gulps than the designated par will score better.

While it is important to know the drinks assigned to each hole, it is also crucial to remember that pub golf is about having fun and socialising. It is not necessary to finish every drink, and it is acceptable to take a penalty stroke if a drink is too much. Responsible drinking is key to ensuring a positive experience for all participants.

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Stay hydrated: alternate alcoholic drinks with water, and eat a big meal beforehand

Staying hydrated is crucial during a game of pub golf. While you'll be hydrating with alcohol, it's important to drink water to stay properly hydrated. Alternate your alcoholic drinks with water to keep dehydration at bay.

It's also a good idea to eat a substantial meal before starting your pub golf outing. A full stomach will help delay alcohol absorption into the bloodstream, meaning you won't get drunk as quickly. Eating a big meal beforehand will also help you maintain your energy levels throughout the game. You can also snack throughout the evening to help absorb alcohol and keep your energy up.

Pub golf is a marathon, not a sprint, so it's important to pace yourself. It's perfectly acceptable to take a penalty stroke rather than finish a drink that's too much for you. Listen to your body and don't feel pressured to keep up with others if it means compromising your well-being.

It's a good idea to appoint a designated "caddy" or sober friend who can help manage the group and address any issues that arise. If you or a friend has had enough, it's okay to bow out early.

Make sure you plan your route so that the pubs are within walking distance of each other. If that's not possible, consider hiring a bus to transport your group between pubs. Put pubs with lenient door policies at the end of the course, as your players will be more obviously intoxicated as the night goes on.

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Know your limits: listen to your body, don't feel pressured to keep up, and appoint a sober friend

While pub golf is meant to be a fun night out with friends, it's important to know your limits and listen to your body. The aim of the game is to finish the course under par, but it's not worth compromising your well-being to keep up with others. It's perfectly fine to take a penalty stroke instead of finishing a drink that's too much for you. Remember, it's better to lose a point and remember the night than to win the game but lose the evening.

Before you start, make sure you plan how you'll get home, whether it's with a designated driver, public transport, or arranging rideshares. Never drink and drive.

It's a good idea to eat a substantial meal before starting and snack throughout the evening to help absorb alcohol and maintain your energy levels. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so alternate your drinks with water to keep dehydration at bay.

You could also appoint a designated "caddie" or sober friend to help manage the group and address any issues that arise. They can ensure that everyone stays safe and has a good time. If you or a friend has had enough, it's okay to bow out early.

Remember, responsible drinking is key to making sure that pub golf is a fun drinking game and an enjoyable event for everyone involved.

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Get home safe: never drink and drive. Plan your journey home before you start

When it comes to pub golf, the real victory is making great memories, having fun, and ensuring everyone gets home safely. So, before you tee off, it's crucial to plan your journey home. Here are some tips to help you get home safe:

Never Drink and Drive

It cannot be emphasized enough that drinking and driving is a dangerous combination. When you drink, your reflexes, coordination, and judgment are impaired, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle. As a responsible adult, always refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol. The consequences of drink-driving can be devastating and life-altering.

Plan Your Journey in Advance

Before you start your pub golf outing, take some time to figure out how you'll get home at the end of the night. This could be arranging a designated driver, using public transportation, or booking a rideshare service. By planning ahead, you ensure that you have a safe and reliable way to get home.

Understand the Risks

Pub golf involves visiting multiple pubs and consuming alcohol at each stop. It's important to recognize that your alcohol consumption will impact your ability to get home safely. As you drink more, your judgment and coordination will be affected, and you may not be able to make safe decisions. Understanding these risks is crucial in making informed choices.

Stay Together and Look Out for Each Other

Pub golf is a social activity, and it's important to stick together as a group. Appoint a designated "caddie" or sober friend who can help manage the group and keep an eye on everyone's well-being. This person can ensure that no one wanders off alone and can assist anyone who may need help during the night. Looking out for each other is a key aspect of a safe and enjoyable pub golf experience.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When traveling home, especially if you're walking or using public transportation, stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Intoxication may make you more vulnerable, so it's essential to pay attention to your environment and the people around you. Keep your belongings secure, and if possible, travel with a friend or in a group for added safety.

Have an Alternative Plan

Sometimes, your initial plans may fall through. Maybe the designated driver decides to participate in pub golf, or there's an issue with the rideshare booking. Always have a backup plan in place, such as a list of alternative transportation options or the contact information for a reliable taxi service. This way, you can adapt and still get home safely.

Remember, getting home safe is a priority, and by following these tips, you can ensure that your pub golf experience ends on a positive note.

Frequently asked questions

The aim of the game is to finish the course under par. Each pub is a hole, and each hole has a designated drink and par. The par is the number of sips/gulps needed to finish the drink. The player with the lowest score at the end of the course is the winner.

Before you start, plan how you'll get home, whether it's with a designated driver, public transport, or a rideshare. Familiarise yourself with the course, the list of pubs and bars you'll be visiting, and the drinks assigned to each hole. This will allow you to plan ahead and decide which drinks will be easier and which you might struggle with.

Listen to your body and don't feel pressured to keep up with others. It's okay not to finish a drink if it means maintaining a good pace and enjoying the game. Alternate your drinks with water to stay hydrated, and eat a substantial meal before starting and snack throughout the game to help absorb alcohol and maintain your energy levels.

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