How to Play Pub Golf: The Ultimate Guide
Pub Golf is a fun and competitive drinking game that combines the structure of golf with a classic pub crawl. It’s a social game, perfect for celebrations like birthdays, hen and bachelorette parties, stag and bachelor parties or just a night out with friends.Â
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set up and play Pub Golf like a pro.
Important Note: Always drink responsibly and know your limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
What is Pub Golf?
Pub Golf is essentially a structured pub crawl where participants drink their way through a series of pre-selected bars or pubs. Each pub represents a “hole” in a golf course, with each drink assigned a “par” score. The goal is to complete the game with the lowest score possible, just like in traditional golf. The game includes various penalties, challenges, and a strong competitive spirit.
Essential Equipment for Pub Golf
To fully embrace the Pub Golf experience, you’ll need a few key items:
- Scorecards and Pencils: Keep track of your scores to determine the winner.
- A Planned Route: A well-mapped-out series of pubs, usually 9 or 18 “holes.”
- Drinking Budget: Ensure you have enough cash or a card for drinks along the way.
- A Referee (Optional): Someone to enforce penalties and ensure fair play.
Our editable Pub Golf scorecard contains 2 sizes of editable templates including a lanyard and A5 size. Perfect to put into lanyards and keep the rules close to hand!
Setting Up the Game
Choosing the Course
Decide on the number of “holes” (pubs). Nine and 18-hole courses are the most common, mimicking a real golf game. The chosen pubs should be close together for ease of movement.
Assigning Par Scores
Each drink is assigned a par score, usually based on its difficulty to consume. For example:
- A pint of beer may be Par 3 (three sips to complete).
- A shot of whiskey could be Par 1 (one sip to complete).
- A cocktail might be Par 4 (four sips to complete).
Establishing Rules and Penalties
- One drink per hole: Finish within the set number of sips/swigs (par).
- Scorekeeping: Players count how many sips/swigs they take to complete each drink.
- Penalties: Additional strokes for spills, bathroom breaks, or failing to finish a drink.
The Rules of Pub Golf
Basic Gameplay
- Players start at the first pub and work through the list, drinking at each stop.
- Each drink must be completed in as few sips/swigs as possible.
- The game continues until all holes (pubs) are completed.
- The player with the lowest total score wins.
Common Penalty Rules
To add a challenge, you can include penalty strokes for the following:
- Spilling your drink: +1 stroke.
- Using the bathroom outside designated stops: +2 strokes.
- Not finishing your drink: +3 strokes.
- Getting excessively drunk: Disqualification.
How to Win Pub Golf
The goal is to have the lowest score at the end of the game. If there’s a tie, players can participate in a sudden-death challenge, such as a tiebreaker shot.
Fun Pub Golf Costume Ideas
Dressing up in golf attire or costumes isn’t essential but adds to the fun. Go for visors, sweaters and anything with argyle patterns to give off that golf club vibe. Check out our UK Amazon Ideas List and US Amazon Ideas List for both male and female golf outfits!
Tips for a Fun and Safe Game
- Eat before playing to avoid getting too drunk too quickly.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water between holes.
- Know your limits and pace yourself throughout the game.
- Assign a designated driver or arrange for transportation in advance.
- Have a sober buddy to oversee safety and keep things under control.
Themed Pub Golf Variations
- Fancy Dress Pub Golf: Players dress in themed outfits for extra fun!
- Non-Alcoholic Pub Golf: Swap alcohol for mocktails and soft drinks.
- Team-Based Pub Golf: Compete in pairs or groups for added camaraderie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing pubs that are too far apart.
- Forgetting to check pub closing times.
- Not accounting for personal alcohol tolerance.
- Ignoring safety and hydration.
Are You Playing Pub Golf at Your Celebration?
Pub Golf is an exciting drinking game that combines strategy, socializing, and a bit of friendly competition. By following the rules and playing responsibly, you and your friends can enjoy a memorable night out. Remember to drink responsibly and have fun!
FAQs
1. How many pubs should I include in Pub Golf?
Most people choose 9 or 18 pubs to mirror real golf courses, but you can adjust based on your group’s drinking limits.
2. Can I play Pub Golf without drinking alcohol?
Absolutely! You can replace alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or mocktails to enjoy the game without consuming alcohol.
3. What happens if someone gets too drunk?
A responsible approach is to disqualify them from the game and ensure they get home safely.
4. Do I need to wear golf attire to play?
No, but dressing up adds to the fun and helps distinguish your group from regular bar-goers.
5. How can I make the game more fun?
Try themed costumes, add bonus challenges, or create custom rules for your group!
About The Author
Melissa is an Educational Consultant in the UK with over 25 years teaching experience. Through her expertise in creating educational resources for children she opened her Etsy shop, Gin&Gemini, in 2022 and quickly expanded her offering into the party planning niche, offering a range of physical and digital products for children’s parties, family celebrations, holidays and the bachelorette / hen party niche. She lives on a farm with her husband, young daughter and cats.
