Imagine a night out with friends that combines the excitement of golf with the fun of a pub crawl. Welcome to pub golf, a structured drinking game that’s perfect for birthday celebrations, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just a fun night out.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the rules and regulations of bar golf, from setting up your course to implementing creative penalties and hazards. You’ll learn how to create a memorable experience that balances fun competition with responsible drinking practices.

By understanding the complete ruleset, you’ll be able to organize a successful event that your friends will cherish. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to this popular drinking game, this guide has everything you need to know.

What is Bar Golf? Understanding the Basics

Imagine a night out that combines the camaraderie of a pub crawl with the competitive spirit of golf. Bar golf is an entertaining activity that transforms a casual night out into a structured game with challenges and competitions.

The Concept Behind Bar Golf

At its core, bar golf is a pub crawl with a twist. It involves visiting a series of bars or pubs, known as “holes,” where participants must complete specific drinking challenges. The concept is simple yet engaging: each location has a designated drink and a par rating, which determines the expected number of drinks or challenges to be completed.

How Bar Golf Differs from Regular Pub Crawls

Unlike traditional pub crawls, bar golf introduces a scoring system, turning a casual drinking experience into a competitive game. Participants dress in themed golf attire, adding to the fun and creating a unified group identity. The game includes penalties, hazards, and forfeits, making it more engaging than a standard pub crawl. The competitive element encourages strategic drinking and pacing, enhancing the overall experience.

Essential Bar Golf Rules and Scoring System

Understanding the rules and scoring system is crucial for a fun and fair game of Bar Golf. The game involves navigating through a series of bars, completing drinks, and accumulating scores based on performance.

The Course: Setting Up Your 9 or 18 “Holes”

The Bar Golf course is set up by selecting 9 or 18 bars, each representing a “hole.” The selection of bars can vary based on the organizers’ preferences, including factors like distance between bars, drink options, and ambiance.

Par System and Drink Assignments

In Bar Golf, each hole is assigned a par, which is related to the difficulty of consuming the assigned drink. The par system helps in determining the score for each player. Drinks are assigned based on their complexity and the time expected to consume them.

How to Keep Score in Bar Golf

Scoring in Bar Golf is based on the number of sips or gulps taken to finish a drink. The player with the lowest score at the end of the course wins. Scores are typically tracked using a scorecard, where each player’s performance is recorded.

The scoring system rewards players who can complete drinks efficiently, with fewer sips or gulps resulting in a better score. Penalties for rule violations, such as spilling drinks or taking bathroom breaks at designated “water hazard” holes, can add to a player’s score.

Planning Your Bar Golf Event

Organizing a bar golf event requires meticulous planning to ensure a fun and memorable experience for all participants. A successful event involves several key elements, including choosing the right bars, creating a timeline, and inviting participants.

Choosing the Right Bars for Your Course

Selecting the right bars for your bar golf course is crucial. You should consider bars that are conveniently located close to each other to minimize travel time between “holes.” It’s also essential to choose bars that offer a variety of drinks and have an atmosphere that fits the tone of your event. Consider visiting the bars beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your group size and meet any specific needs you may have.

Creating a Timeline and Schedule

Creating a detailed timeline and schedule is vital to keep your bar golf event on track. Decide on the start and end times, and plan out how long you’ll spend at each bar. Make sure to include time for travel between locations and any activities or challenges you have planned. Sharing the schedule with participants in advance will help them prepare and stay on track throughout the game.

Inviting Participants and Forming Teams

Once you have your dates and course planned, it’s time to invite participants. Send out invitations well in advance to give people time to clear their schedules and prepare. Consider organizing players into teams of 2-4 people to add a collaborative element to the event. Encourage team members to invite their friends to join in on the fun, making it a great opportunity to socialize and play pub golf.

Creating Your Bar Golf Scorecard

Designing a scorecard that meets your needs is a key part of planning a successful Bar Golf event. A scorecard serves as a crucial tool for participants to track their scores, drinks, and progress throughout the game.

Essential Elements to Include

When creating your scorecard, consider including the following essential elements:

• A clear and easy-to-read format with ample space for writing scores and notes.
• A comprehensive list of drinks with their corresponding par values to help players make informed choices.
• A section for team information, including team name and member names, if playing in groups.

A well-designed scorecard should also include a simple scoring key and space for notes or memorable moments.

Sample Scorecard Templates

You can either download ready-made scorecards or create your own. Our templates come with a set of rules and a list of drinks for your event. Simply add the pubs to your nine or eighteen hole course, and you’re ready to go. Consider creating digital scorecard templates that can be shared and printed by all participants before the event.

Drink Selection and Par Assignments

When planning a Bar Golf event, one crucial aspect to consider is the selection of drinks and their corresponding par assignments. The right choices can make the game more enjoyable and challenging for participants.

Standard Drink Options and Their Par Values

Standard drink options in Bar Golf typically include beers, shots, and cocktails. The par value assigned to each drink depends on its volume and difficulty to consume. For example, a shot might be considered Par 3 due to its quick consumption requirement, while a larger beer could be Par 4 or 5.

Common drink options and their par values:

• Beer (Pint): Par 4
• Shot: Par 3
• Cocktail: Par 4 or 5, depending on complexity

Creating Par 5 Challenges

To create a Par 5 challenge, you can either assign a more complex drink or a larger volume. For instance, a multi-shot cocktail or a large glass of beer could be a Par 5. Make sure the challenge is fun and not overly difficult.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

To promote responsible drinking, consider including non-alcoholic alternatives. For example, a challenging non-alcoholic cocktail or a large glass of water can be a great option. This way, participants who prefer not to drink alcohol can still enjoy the game.

Hazards and Penalties in Bar Golf

In Bar Golf, hazards and penalties play a crucial role in maintaining the game’s integrity and fun. Just like traditional golf, Bar Golf introduces challenges that players must navigate, with penalties for infractions.

Water Hazards: Bathroom Restrictions

One common hazard in Bar Golf is the “water hazard,” often designated as a bar or area where players are not allowed to use the bathroom during a specific hole. Going to the bathroom on a hole designated as a water hazard costs 2 strokes. This rule adds a fun twist to the game, as players must strategically plan their bathroom breaks.

Bunker Hazards: Shot Penalties

Bunker hazards in Bar Golf are challenges that players must complete as part of the game. Failure to negotiate a bunker costs 2 strokes. These challenges might involve specific drink orders or tasks that players must accomplish.

Out of Bounds: Behavior Penalties

Out of bounds behavior, such as disorderly conduct or failing to follow the rules, can result in penalties. Going out of bounds costs 3 strokes. This rule encourages players to behave responsibly and follow the game’s rules.

Common Penalties and Their Stroke Values

Some common penalties in Bar Golf include spilling drinks (3 strokes), failing to complete a hole (3 strokes), and arriving late to a hole (2 strokes). A penalty reference chart on the scorecard can help players keep track of these infractions. Establishing a consistent penalty system ensures that all players understand the rules and can enjoy the game without disputes.

Bar Golf Dress Code and Attire

Bar golf participants often use their attire to showcase their team identity and creativity. When planning a bar golf event, considering the dress code can add an extra layer of fun and enhance the overall experience for participants.

Traditional Golf Attire Options

While bar golf is a more casual version of traditional golf, participants can still draw inspiration from classic golf attire. Traditional golf attire includes polo shirts, golf pants, and golf shoes. However, for bar golf, these can be adapted to fit a more relaxed, pub-friendly environment. For example, a team might choose to wear matching polo shirts or golf-themed accessories.

Team Uniforms and Accessories

To create a cohesive team identity, participants can design coordinated uniforms and accessories. This can include custom printed t-shirts, hats, or visors featuring team names or logos. Other ideas include matching golf towels, wristbands, or temporary tattoos. For a round of pub golf, these elements not only foster group cohesion but also make for memorable photos with friends. By balancing uniformity with individual expression, teams can enjoy a fun and engaging golf experience.

Special Roles: The Caddie and Team Captains

In the world of Bar Golf, two roles stand out as crucial to the success of the event: the caddie and the team captains. These individuals are essential in ensuring that the game is enjoyable, organized, and fair for all participants.

The caddie and team captains work together to manage the flow of the game, track scores, and enforce rules. Their roles are vital in maintaining the integrity and fun of the Bar Golf experience.

The Importance of Having a Designated Caddie

A designated caddie is crucial for the smooth operation of a Bar Golf event. The caddie acts as the primary organizer and referee, ensuring that the game adheres to the established rules and schedule. They are responsible for overseeing the overall progress of the event, managing any disputes, and maintaining accurate score records.

Having a caddie allows players to focus on their game, knowing that the logistics and rule enforcement are being handled efficiently.

Responsibilities of Team Captains

Team captains play a vital role in the success of their respective teams. Their responsibilities include:

• Serving as the primary point of contact between their team and the caddie throughout the event.
• Ensuring their team arrives at each venue on time and follows the established course order.
• Maintaining their team’s scorecard, ensuring accurate recording of scores and penalties for all team members.
• Helping enforce rules within their team and reporting any infractions to the caddie for appropriate penalty assessment.
• Coordinating drink orders at each venue to streamline service and minimize waiting time.
• Keeping their team together throughout the course and ensuring no team member is left behind.
• Submitting the final scorecard to the caddie at the end of the event for official scoring and winner determination.

Forfeits and Rewards

Once all players have finished their final drink, the scores are tallied to declare the winner. The player with the lowest score at the end of the course is crowned the champion, while the player with the highest score is deemed the loser.

The loser is typically required to carry out a humiliating forfeit, adding a fun and entertaining element to the game.

Creative Forfeit Ideas for Losers

Forfeits can range from silly tasks to embarrassing challenges. Some ideas include performing a funny dance in public, singing a song out loud, or completing a dare set by the other players.

• Singing a silly song at the final venue
• Performing a specific dance move in a crowded area
• Completing a challenging shot or task

Prize Ideas for Winners

The winner, on the other hand, is rewarded with a prize that commemorates their victory. Some ideas include a trophy cup, a golf-themed medal, or a gift card to a favorite bar.

• A personalized golf putter or engraved flask
• A championship belt or trophy
• A free pass from future forfeits

Safety Tips and Responsible Drinking

As you prepare for a night out playing Bar Golf, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and responsible drinking. This ensures that all participants have a enjoyable experience without compromising their well-being.

Setting Personal Limits

One of the key aspects of responsible drinking is knowing your limits and sticking to them. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game, but setting a personal limit on the number of drinks can help prevent over-intoxication.

Planning Safe Transportation

Transportation planning is a critical component of any Bar Golf event. To ensure all participants get home safely, consider the following options:

By planning ahead and considering these transportation options, you can ensure a fun and safe Bar Golf experience for everyone involved, following the rules of the game and the spirit of friendly competition in the pubs and bars you visit, making the most of your time and finding a fun way to play pub golf.

Best Locations for Playing Bar Golf

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From college towns to entertainment districts, some places are better suited for bar golf than others. The key to a successful bar golf event is choosing a location with a high concentration of bars and pubs.

Popular Bar Districts in Major Cities

Major cities often have popular bar districts that are perfect for bar golf. These areas typically have a variety of bars and pubs within walking distance, making it easy to create a course with multiple holes. Researching established pub crawl routes can help you identify the best locations.

College Towns and Entertainment Districts

College towns and entertainment districts are ideal for bar golf. They offer a high concentration of bars catering to younger crowds, affordable drink prices, and venues accustomed to handling large groups. Popular college town bar districts include State Street in Madison, WI, and Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC. Entertainment districts like Power & Light in Kansas City and Fourth Street Live in Louisville also offer diverse options for creating a bar golf course.

Making Your Bar Golf Event Memorable

With the basics of bar golf covered, it’s time to focus on what makes an event truly unforgettable. To create a lasting impression, consider incorporating unique challenges, themed drinks, or special activities at certain holes. This not only adds variety to the game but also makes the experience more enjoyable for participants.

Documenting the event with photos at each venue can create lasting memories and potential social media content. You can also create custom memorabilia like t-shirts or scorecards that participants can keep as souvenirs. Incorporating local bar specialties into your course gives it a sense of place and uniqueness, making your pub golf event more memorable.

Balancing competition with camaraderie is key to ensuring all participants have a good time. By being flexible and willing to adapt rules as needed, you can create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone enjoys the game.