
Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub crawling. It involves a group of people, typically between 4 and 10, visiting a series of bars or pubs, usually dressed in golf-themed attire, and drinking a predetermined amount of alcohol at each stop. Each bar is considered a hole on the course, with a set number of drinks or par to be consumed. The goal is to complete the course with the lowest score, similar to golf, and prizes and forfeits are often involved. Pub golf has gained popularity worldwide, with organised events and tournaments offering special scorecards, prizes, and even designated drivers to encourage responsible drinking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pubs/holes | 9 or 18 |
| Number of players | 4-10 |
| Dress code | Golf attire |
| Objective | Complete the course with the lowest score |
| Scoring | Based on the number of drinks/sips/gulps |
| Time limit | 30 minutes per hole |
| Penalties | Spilling drinks, falling over, throwing up, etc. |
| Forfeits | Last-placed player wears costume in a public place |
| Tiebreaker | Arm wrestle outside the final pub |
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Rules and scoring
Pub golf is a drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub hopping. It involves a selection of either nine or eighteen pubs or bars, creating a "course" to be played by two or more people. Each pub or 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.
- Each pub/hole has a designated drink and par. The par for each pub/hole is the number of sips/gulps needed to finish the designated drink.
- Each hole will be completed within 30 minutes.
- All players will pair up, keep each other’s scores and drinks within sight of their playing partner.
- Scoring per hole is fairly simple. Each player must consume the hole's designated drink 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/gulps taken to complete the drink.
- The player's score for the course is the sum of their scores for each hole.
- Scores are kept on individual scorecards, and each person keeps track of how many drinks/sips/gulps are taken to finish the assigned drink for that hole. If the number of drinks/sips/gulps is the same as the par number, then that participant receives a par for that hole.
- Assigned drinks can be finished with fewer or more drinks/sips/gulps than the par number assigned, and so a contestant will receive their hole score as such.
- The goal is to end the game with the lowest score, similar to golf.
- In the event of a tie, the winner shall be determined by an arm wrestle to be conducted outside the final pub.
- A caddy will be assigned to oversee the round. The caddy is an independent referee and does not participate in the event. The caddy's 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 of two strokes.
- 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.
- Rewards & penalties are added to the score for the completed hole. Any drink spilled by a person will result in a penalty of three strokes to the person causing a spillage. A person causing the spillage will pay for the top-up or the replacement of the spilled drink. A person drinking a topped-up or replaced beverage due to spillage will be given extra time to complete the drink.
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Forfeits and penalties
Pub golf is a drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub-hopping. The game typically involves a group of 4-10 people, but can be played with any group size. Each bar visited is considered a "hole" on the course, with a predetermined number of drinks to be consumed at each stop. The goal is to complete the course with the lowest score, similar to golf.
To add excitement to the game, players can agree on additional rules, such as forfeits for the loser or penalties for spilling drinks, falling over, or vomiting. Here are some common penalties and forfeits to include in your game:
Penalties
- Water Hazard – If a hole is designated as a water hazard, players are not allowed to use the toilet. Breaking this rule results in a penalty stroke.
- Bunker Hazard – If a hole is designated as a bunker hazard, players must take an additional alcoholic shot to get out of the bunker. The shot must be consumed in one go.
- Spilling Drinks – Any player who spills their drink will incur a penalty. They will also be responsible for paying for the replacement of the spilled drink.
- Time Limit – Each hole has a time limit, and players who fail to finish their assigned drinks within this time will receive a penalty.
Forfeits
- The player with the highest score, i.e., the loser, at the end of the game often has to perform a forfeit. This adds drama and intensity to the game.
- One popular forfeit is for the loser to wear their pub golf costume to a public place, such as a university or workplace.
- In the event of a tie, an arm-wrestling match can be held outside the final pub to determine the ultimate winner.
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Dressing up
While there are no mandatory rules about dressing up for pub golf, it is considered bad form to show up without a costume. The game is, after all, as much about the comedy as it is about the competition. So, don your most creative, fun, and tongue-in-cheek golf-inspired outfits and get ready to make some memorable photos!
For men, a classic golf outfit with argyle socks and a visor hat is always a hit. If you want to go the extra mile, consider adding some golf-themed jewellery, gloves, or a custom t-shirt. Women can get creative with plaid skirts and cute golf tees, or even golf-themed headbands. If you're feeling bold, you could try a checked sleeveless vest or a check print skirt.
For an added challenge, try dressing up as a famous professional golfer or create a custom "hole-in-one" costume, with a cardboard green and flagpole sticking out of your head. You could also go for fun themes like neon or retro golf styles for extra flair. If you're part of a group, you could even coordinate your outfits for a unified look!
While it's important to get creative with your costume, remember that safety should always come first. Avoid clothing that could impair movement or obstruct your vision, and make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking between bars. Consider the weather as well—if it's chilly, bring layers, and if it's going to rain, choose an outfit that won't be a water hazard.
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Choosing a course
Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub crawling. The game typically involves a group of 4 to 10 people, but can be played with any group size. The objective is to complete a "course" of pubs or bars in the fewest number of "strokes" (drinks) possible, with each bar considered a ""hole" on the course.
When choosing a course for pub golf, it is important to select a list of pubs or bars that are within close proximity to each other. This ensures that players don't have to walk long distances between pubs, especially as the game progresses and players may become intoxicated. An alternative option is to hire a bus or "Caddie" to transport players between pubs.
The number of pubs or bars on the course can vary, but typically, pub golf courses consist of either 9 or 18 "holes", similar to a round of traditional golf. The pubs or bars chosen should offer a range of drinks to allow for different "par" numbers at each hole. For example, a simple shot may be given a par of 1, while a pint of beer may have a par of 4 or 5.
It is also important to consider the door policies of the venues chosen. As players will likely become more intoxicated as the game progresses, it is advisable to choose pubs with lenient door policies towards the end of the course to ensure players can complete the round.
Additionally, some players may wish to incorporate "hazards" into their course, such as "water hazards" where players are not allowed to use the bathroom, or "bunker hazards" where an additional alcoholic shot is required. These hazards add an extra challenge to the game and can affect the scoring.
When creating a pub golf course, players can also decide on custom rules and penalties, such as penalties for spilling drinks or breaking other predetermined rules. Prizes can also be awarded to the lowest-scoring player and the best-dressed participant to add to the fun and competitiveness of the game.
Overall, when choosing a course for pub golf, it is important to consider the proximity of the venues, the variety of drinks offered, door policies, potential hazards, and any custom rules or prizes to ensure a fun and smooth gameplay experience for all participants.
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Socialising
Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with a pub crawl. It is a fun and social activity that involves dressing up and visiting a series of bars or pubs, with each bar or pub regarded as a ""hole" on a golf course. The game is typically played in groups of 4 to 10 people, but can be played with any group size.
The social aspect of pub golf is a major attraction for many players. It is a great way to get out, socialise, and have a few drinks with friends or colleagues. The game is often played by groups of students, stag or hen parties, work colleagues, or friends looking for a unique and enjoyable night out.
To enhance the social experience, players often dress up in golfing attire, such as wild and over-the-top outfits, including plaid trousers, bright polo shirts, visors, and flat caps. Some players may also choose to wear fancy dress costumes, adding a layer of fun to the night.
In addition to the socialising that occurs within the group, pub golf can also be a great way to meet new people. With the rise of popularity of the game, dedicated Facebook pages and smartphone apps have emerged, connecting players and providing a platform for social interaction before, during, and after the game.
Furthermore, the social nature of pub golf is enhanced by the fact that it is typically played in pubs and bars that are within walking distance of each other. This encourages players to walk between venues, providing opportunities for social interaction with fellow players and even strangers along the way.
Overall, pub golf is a social and enjoyable activity that combines the best elements of dressing up, socialising, and visiting multiple pubs or bars. It is a great way to spend time with friends, meet new people, and experience the social atmosphere of different drinking establishments.
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Frequently asked questions
Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub crawling.
Each bar or pub visited is considered a "hole" on the course, with players given a target number of drinks to consume at each stop, which represents the par score for that hole. The winner is the player who completes the course with the lowest overall score.
The rules and scoring of pub golf may vary depending on the group or location, but some common rules include penalty strokes for breaking certain rules, such as spilling a drink or failing to finish assigned drinks within a certain time limit. In some variations, players may also be required to complete a final challenge to determine the winner.
Golf-themed fancy dress is encouraged, with players wearing anything from golf shirts, shorts, knee-high socks, athletic skirts, visors, plaid, argyle or bright colours, and accessories like inflatable golf clubs, sunglasses, wigs and golf shoes.











































