What is pub golf?

Mark

Improve Golf

Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub hopping.

The game is typically played in groups of 4-6 people and involves visiting a series of bars or pubs and drinking a predetermined amount of alcohol at each stop.

The goal is to complete the “course” in the fewest number of “strokes” (drinks) possible.

Each bar is considered a “hole,” and players are 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.

Popularity and expansion of pub golf globally

Pub golf has gained popularity worldwide, spreading from the UK to countries like Australia, the US, Canada, and Ireland.

Its relaxed, social nature makes it a favorite pastime, with organised events and tournaments now offering prizes and special scorecards.

Many pubs even create their own courses with drink specials to enhance the experience.

How does pub golf work?

Pub golf is a social drinking game that typically involves a group of 4-10 people, but you can do it with any sized group.

The game combines elements of traditional golf with pub hopping, with each bar, visited considered a “hole” on the course.

At the beginning of the game, each player is given a scorecard, which outlines the course and the par score (number of drinks) for each hole.

The goal of the game is to complete the course with the lowest overall score, just like in traditional golf.

“Teeing off”

To start, the group visits the first pub, which is usually the “clubhouse” or starting point for the game.

Each player orders a predetermined number of drinks, which represents the par score for that hole.

For example, if the first hole has a par score of 3, each player would order three drinks.

Once everyone has their drinks, the game begins.

Players must drink their assigned number of drinks as quickly as possible, and once everyone has finished, the group moves on to the next pub.

This process is repeated for each hole on the course, with players ordering and drinking their assigned number of drinks at each stop.

The rules of the game may vary depending on the group or location, but some common rules include:

Penalty strokes: If a player fails to finish their assigned drinks within a certain amount of time, they may receive a penalty stroke, which adds an extra drink to their overall score.
Bunkers: If a player spills their drink or breaks a glass, they may be required to order an additional drink as a penalty.
Mulligans: Similar to traditional golf, players may be allowed a certain number of mulligans, or do-overs, during the game.

The winner of the game is the player with the lowest overall score at the end of the course.

In some variations of the game, players may also be required to complete a final “putt” or challenge to determine the winner.

It’s important to note that pub golf should always be played responsibly, and players should be aware of their limits when it comes to drinking.

Many organised pub golf events now encourage responsible drinking and offer designated drivers or other forms of transportation for participants.

Overview of rules and scoring

Pub golf is a social drinking game that combines elements of traditional golf with pub hopping.

The game is typically played in groups of 4-6 people and involves visiting a series of bars or pubs and drinking a predetermined amount of alcohol at each stop.

The goal is to complete the “course” in the fewest number of “strokes” (drinks) possible.

The rules and scoring of pub golf may vary depending on the group or location, but some common rules include:

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. This is determined by adding up the number of drinks consumed in each hole.
Penalty strokes may be given for breaking certain rules, such as spilling a drink or failing to finish assigned drinks within a certain time limit.
In some variations of the game, players may also be required to complete a final “putt” or challenge to determine the winner.

Setting Up Your Pub Golf Course

Setting up a pub golf course involves selecting a series of pubs or bars to serve as the various “holes” on the course.

Typically, each pub or bar will serve as one hole, with a total of nine or 18 holes making up a full round of pub golf.

The course designer must consider factors such as the distance between holes, the types of drinks served at each pub, and the overall logistics of navigating from one hole to the next.

Types of Holes in a Pub Golf Course

Each hole in a pub golf course typically involves drinking a specific type of drink, with the number of shots or sips required determined by the hole’s “par” or target score.

For example, a “par 3” hole may require three shots of a particular drink, while a “par 5” hole may require five shots. Some common types of holes in pub golf include:

Beer hole: This hole typically involves drinking a pint of beer in as few sips as possible.
Wine hole: This hole may involve drinking a glass of wine in a certain amount of time or taking a certain number of sips.
Shot hole: This hole requires drinking a specific type of shot, such as a tequila shot or a Jägerbomb.
Cocktail hole: This hole may require drinking a specific cocktail, such as a margarita or a Long Island Iced Tea.

Tips and Tricks for Playing Pub Golf

Playing pub golf can be a fun and exciting way to socialise with friends, but it’s important to do so responsibly and with consideration for others.

Some tips and tricks for playing pub golf include:

Pace yourself: It’s important to pace yourself and drink responsibly throughout the game to avoid getting too drunk too quickly.
Know your limits: Make sure you know your limits and don’t push yourself to drink more than you’re comfortable with.
Designate a driver: If you’re playing pub golf, make sure you have a designated driver or arrange for other transportation to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Choose your drinks wisely: Consider the types of drinks required for each hole and choose ones that you know you can handle.
Have fun: Remember that pub golf is a game meant to be fun, so try not to take it too seriously and enjoy the experience with friends.

Pub golf can be a fun and unique way to spend an evening with friends, but it’s important to approach the game responsibly and with consideration for others.

Pub Golf Course Design

Designing a pub golf course involves selecting a series of pubs or bars to serve as the various “holes” on the course.

The first step in planning a pub golf course is to consider the logistics of navigating from one pub to the next.

It’s important to choose pubs that are located relatively close together and easy to reach by foot or by car.

Once you have a list of potential pubs, the next step is to determine the types of drinks that will be required for each hole.

The goal is to create a range of holes that are both fun and challenging, with a mix of beer, wine, shots, and cocktails.

It’s also important to consider the difficulty level of each hole, with some holes requiring more drinks than others.

Essential Elements of a Pub Golf Course

There are several essential elements of a pub golf course that must be considered when designing the course.

These include:

Holes: Each pub or bar on the course should serve as one “hole” in the game, with a total of nine or 18 holes making up a full round of pub golf. Each hole should involve drinking a specific type of drink, with the number of drinks required determined by the hole’s “par” or target score.
Scorecard: A scorecard is essential for keeping track of each player’s score throughout the game. The scorecard should list each hole, the type of drink required, and the target score for each hole.
Rules: It’s important to establish clear rules for the game, including rules around pacing, safety, and behaviour. For example, players may be required to take a shot penalty if they fail to finish a drink within a certain amount of time, or players may be disqualified for disruptive behaviour.
Transportation: If the pubs or bars on the course are located far apart, it may be necessary to arrange for transportation between holes. This could involve hiring a bus or taxi service or designating a driver for the evening.
Awards: It’s common to award prizes or trophies to the winners of the game. These could include prizes for the lowest overall score, best-dressed player, or most creative drink order.

Tips for Designing a Fun and Challenging Pub Golf Course

Creating a memorable pub golf course involves thoughtful planning and creativity.

Here are some key tips:

Mix It Up: Combine easy and challenging holes, like a “par 3” pint of beer or a “par 5” cocktail with a time limit. Add variety with funny-named drinks or even mini drinking games.
Plan the Route: Choose pubs close to each other for easy navigation and allow enough time to complete the course without rushing.
Set Clear Rules: Establish guidelines for pacing, safety, and behavior to keep the game smooth and enjoyable.
Get Creative: Add unique challenges like obstacle courses, themed holes, or team-based tasks to keep players engaged.
Focus on Safety: Prioritise safety by avoiding hazards and providing clear instructions.
Test the Course: Try it out beforehand with friends to ensure it’s fun, challenging, and well-balanced.

Above all, aim for a course that’s social and entertaining, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Planning your Pub Golf Course

When planning a pub golf course, it’s important to choose the right pubs to include in the course.

Look for pubs that are close together and easily accessible, as players will need to travel between them during the game.

It’s also important to choose pubs that are willing to participate in the event and allow players to use their space for the game.

Setting Up the Course

Once you’ve chosen the pubs for the course, it’s time to set up the game. Start by creating a map of the course that outlines the order of the pubs and the holes within each pub. Consider the layout of each pub and design the holes to take advantage of the space available.

Each hole should have a unique challenge, such as a particular obstacle to navigate or a certain number of shots required to complete the hole. Be sure to mark each hole clearly so that players know where to start and finish.

Safety Considerations:

Safety should always be a top priority when planning a pub golf course. Consider the following safety considerations:

Alcohol Consumption:

Pub golf is a game that often involves drinking, so it’s important to encourage responsible drinking among players. Make sure that players are aware of the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and that they have a safe way to get home after the game.

Hazards:

Be sure to identify and address any potential hazards in the course design, such as uneven terrain or obstacles that could cause injury. Consider using signs or markers to highlight potential hazards and help players navigate the course safely.

Insurance:

Before hosting a pub golf event, it’s important to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance coverage in place. This can help protect you in the event of any accidents or injuries that may occur during the game.

Basic Rules of Pub Golf Etiquette

Pub golf, like any other social activity, has its own set of rules and expectations when it comes to behaviour and conduct.

Observing proper pub golf etiquette is essential to creating a positive atmosphere, respecting the pubs and the game, and building good relationships with other players.

Conducting oneself with sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is an important aspect of any game, including pub golf.

Players should show respect for their fellow players, the pubs they are visiting, and the game itself.

This means avoiding behaviour that could be seen as disrespectful or disruptive, such as excessive drinking, cheating, or arguing with other players.

Good sportsmanship also means accepting defeat gracefully and congratulating other players on their successes.

Being aware of one’s surroundings

When playing pub golf, it’s important to be aware of one’s surroundings and to avoid behaviour that could be disruptive or damaging.

This means avoiding loud or boisterous behaviour that could disturb other patrons of the pub, and being careful not to damage property or cause any other kind of disruption.

It’s also important to be respectful of the pub’s staff and to follow any rules or guidelines they may have.

Following the rules of the game

Pub golf has its own set of rules, and it’s important to follow them to ensure a fair and enjoyable game. This includes following the designated course and completing each hole in the required number of shots.

Cheating is not only disrespectful to other players, but it can also spoil the game for everyone involved. Following the rules also means respecting the decisions of the game’s organisers and avoiding behaviour that could be seen as unsportsmanlike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pub golf is all about fun, but certain missteps can spoil the vibe.

Avoid excessive noise, disrespecting other players or pubs, ignoring the rules, or showing poor sportsmanship.

Stay mindful and keep the atmosphere enjoyable for everyone—it’s all part of the game!

Overconsumption of alcohol

One of the biggest mistakes that pub golf players can make is overconsuming alcohol.

While drinking is a part of the game, it’s important to drink responsibly and avoid excessive consumption.

Overdrinking can not only be dangerous for the player, but it can also lead to disrespectful behaviour and even ruin the game for others.

Players should make sure to stay hydrated and pace themselves throughout the game.

Cheating

Cheating is another common mistake that can ruin the game for everyone involved. This can include fudging the score, moving the ball, or taking extra shots.

Cheating not only shows disrespect to other players and the game itself, but it also undermines the competitive aspect of the game.

Players should remember that the fun of the game is in the challenge, and cheating takes that away.