What Is Pub Golf?

Golf is great, but you know what’s better? Pub Golf.

Playing Pub Golf is a brilliant way of bringing together a load of your mates and having a great few hours of fun.

So what actually is Pub Golf? Let’s find out.

Pub Golf, sometimes known as Bar Golf, is an inventive social game that combines the traditional rules of golf with a fun pub crawl or bar crawl.

It has emerged as a hugely popular pastime among groups looking for a fun and structured night out, that is different to just your normal bar crawl.

Despite its name, Pub Golf involves no actual golf clubs or balls; instead, it’s a drinking game designed to be played across a series of pubs or bars, with each venue representing a different ‘hole’ on a golf course.

If you like drinking and having a laugh with your mates, Pub Golf could be the game for you.

Even if you’re not a drinker, Pub Golf can still offer a unique way to spend a few hours having fun.

Pub Golf Origins

Although the origins of the game of Pub Golf doesn’t have a singular point of origin, it’s widely believed to have started in the UK, where pub culture is a staple of British culture.

We Brits love a good pub and we’re also quite big fans of the game of golf, so why not combine the two and create an iconic combination?

Its creation is attributed to the spirit of pub-goers looking to add a competitive twist to their evening outings and over time, Pub Golf has spread globally, adapting to local bar and social settings.

Playing Pub Golf

The Pub Golf rules are simple but totally customisable to how you want to play.

Here’s a basic outline of how to play Pub Golf:

The Course: Players agree on a set number of places to visit for the Pub Golf course, typically nine or eighteen pubs or bars, mirroring the number of holes in a round of golf.
The Scorecard: Each pub on the Pub Golf scorecard represents a hole with a ‘par,‘ indicating the number of sips or drinks it takes to finish a beverage. The goal is to match the par or better.
The Play: Players ‘tee off’ at the first pub and proceed to each subsequent pub in order. At each ‘hole,’ they attempt to finish their drink in the number of sips designated as par.
Scoring: The score is the number of sips it takes to finish the drink. Finishing in fewer sips than par is under par (a good thing), while taking more sips is over par (less desirable).
Penalties and Bonuses: Organisers can introduce creative penalty strokes for infractions like spillage or bonuses for challenges like ordering a drink blindfolded.

The Spirit of Pub Golf

While the game has a competitive edge, the spirit of a Pub Golf game lies in its ability to bring a group of friends together for laughter and memorable experiences.

It encourages participants to dress up in golf-themed clothing, adding a visual element of fun to the evening and letting people show off their golfing style.

Of course, responsible drinking is always recommended when you play Pub Golf to make sure the day or night is a fun but safe one.

Players are always encouraged to know their limits and look out for one another while competing, usually with the addition of a non-drinking referee to help keep the game enjoyable.

Planning a Pub Golf Event

Organising a Pub Golf outing requires some preparation to make sure everyone has a great time.

Here are a few tips to ensure a successful game:

Select the Course Wisely: Choose pubs that are close to each other to minimise travel time between holes.
Set Clear Rules: Agree on the rules, par for each ‘hole,’ and any penalties or bonuses before starting.
Appoint a Scorekeeper: Designate someone to keep track of scores and ensure the game progresses smoothly.
Dress the Part: Encourage participants to wear golf-themed outfits or themed costumes to enhance the experience.
Drink Responsibly: Emphasise the importance of moderation and ensure everyone has a safe way to get home.

Final Thoughts

Pub Golf really is a great activity for those who enjoy dressing up, trying new places and having a few drinks along the journey.

Put on your best Pub Golf outfits, find your favourite inflatable golf clubs and have yourself a round of Pub Golf with your mates.