How to Play Bar Golf: Rules, Scorecard & Funny Ideas

Ready to upgrade your standard night out into a legendary, competitive event? Organizing a pub crawl can be fun, but keeping a large group engaged and on a schedule often feels like herding cats, leading to a disjointed and forgettable experience. You need a way to add structure, friendly competition, and a hilarious theme that everyone can get behind.

Bar Golf is a pub crawl structured like a golf game where bars are “holes,” drinks have a “par” (target sips), and the player with the lowest score (fewest total sips) wins. This game transforms a simple bar hop into an organized, themed challenge that keeps energy high and creates lasting memories.

Leveraging extensive analysis of successful event formats and established rules, this guide provides the definitive blueprint for planning and executing the perfect bar golf game. We will unpack everything you need to know, from choosing your “course” and creating a professional scorecard to implementing funny penalties and ensuring everyone plays safely. Get ready to learn how to play bar golf like a seasoned pro.

Key Facts

• The Objective is Simple: The primary goal in bar golf is to finish with the lowest score. Each sip or gulp of a designated drink counts as one “stroke,” and the player with the fewest total strokes at the end of the course wins.
• A Course of 9 or 18 Holes: A standard game of pub golf consists of visiting either 9 or 18 different pubs or bars, with each location serving as a “hole” on the course.
• “Par” Sets the Challenge: Every drink at each hole is assigned a “par,” which is the target number of sips to finish it. For instance, a shot is typically a par 1, while a pint of beer might be a par 4.
• Penalties Add to the Fun: A common rule is the “Water Hazard,” where using the restroom at a specific bar adds penalty strokes (often +2) to a player’s score, making strategic planning a key part of the game.
• Safety is Paramount: For larger groups, appointing a sober “caddie” is a highly recommended practice. This person’s role is to keep score, enforce rules, and, most importantly, ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

What is Bar Golf (and Why Is It the Ultimate Pub Crawl)?

Bar Golf is a pub crawl structured like a golf game where bars are “holes,” drinks have a “par” (target sips), and the player with the lowest score (fewest total sips) wins. It’s a recreational drinking game, also widely known as pub golf, that combines the social fun of visiting multiple venues with the competitive scoring system and theme of traditional golf. Participants dress in golf-themed attire and follow a pre-planned course, making it a structured and incredibly engaging social event.

The core concept is brilliantly simple. Instead of hitting a ball with a club, you’re taking on a specific drink at each location. The number of sips or gulps it takes you to finish that drink becomes your score for that “hole.”

Here’s the official breakdown of how it works:
* The Bars are “Holes”: Your course is a series of 9 or 18 pubs that you’ll visit in a specific order.
* The Drinks are the Challenge: Each hole has a designated drink with a pre-set “par.”
* The Sips are “Strokes”: Every sip you take to finish your drink counts as one stroke on your scorecard.
* The Goal is a Low Score: Just like real golf, the person with the lowest total score at the end of the course is declared the champion.

Ready to trade your 9-iron for a pint glass?

Step 1: Planning Your Bar Golf Course & Rules (The Setup)

Properly planning your event is crucial. This involves selecting your bars, defining the drinks and par for each hole, creating a detailed scorecard, and agreeing on all rules and penalties beforehand. A well-organized game is the difference between a chaotic night and a legendary one. Follow these steps to ensure your bar golf outing is a hole-in-one.

1. Map Your Course: The first step is to choose the 9 or 18 bars that will serve as your “holes.”
2. Set the Par: Assign a specific drink and a par value to each hole on your course.
3. Create Scorecards: Design and print official scorecards for every player to track their progress.
4. Establish the Rules: Define the core rules of play and agree on a list of fun penalties.
5. Appoint a Caddie: For the sake of order and safety, designate a sober “caddie” to act as the official scorekeeper and rule-enforcer.

Pro Tip: For groups over 10, calling the bars a week ahead isn’t just polite—it can get you faster service! Letting them know a large, organized group is coming can help them staff accordingly and prevent long waits at the bar.

Choose Your Course (The 9 or 18 Holes)

Select 9 or 18 bars that are close to each other to create a walkable “course.” The logistical foundation of a great pub golf game is a well-planned route. Keeping the “holes” within a short walking distance is the single most important factor in keeping the group together and maintaining momentum throughout the event.

Here are the key criteria for choosing your bars:
* Proximity: Can you easily and safely walk from one bar to the next? Create a logical route that doesn’t involve backtracking or long treks.
* Atmosphere & Vibe: A good course has variety. Mix in a dive bar, a craft beer spot, and maybe a quieter pub. Ensure the venues are appropriate for the fun, and sometimes loud, nature of the game.
* Capacity: Make sure the bars can comfortably accommodate the size of your group. A tiny, crowded bar might be a bad choice for Hole #1 when everyone is still gathered together.
* Price Point: Be mindful of the overall cost. Including a mix of affordable and mid-range options will be appreciated by all participants.

Quick Fact: Planning a walkable route is the #1 key to keeping the group together and the energy high.

Set the “Par”: Assigning Drinks to Holes

Assign each “hole” a specific drink and a “par” (target number of sips), varying the difficulty based on the drink’s strength and size. The “par” is the target number of sips or gulps it should take to finish the drink for that hole. This is where you can get creative and strategically design the challenge of your course.

A good course should have a mix of pars to keep things interesting. A par 1 is typically a shot, while a full pint of strong beer could be a par 4 or 5. You can adjust par based on drink strength, volume, or even the type of glass it’s served in.

Here is a sample table to help you set the par for your course:

Remember to vary the difficulty! A course of all Par-5 drinks is a recipe for disaster. It’s also a great idea to include non-alcoholic options and even food challenges (e.g., “Finish a hot dog in Par 3 bites”) to make the game inclusive and help everyone pace themselves.

Create the Official Scorecard

Your scorecard is essential; it must include columns for the Hole #, Bar Name, Drink, Par, Player’s Score, and Penalties. This is the official document of the game. A clear, well-designed scorecard prevents arguments, keeps track of the competition, and serves as a fantastic souvenir from the event. It’s the key to making the game feel legitimate and organized.

Ensure your scorecard has a dedicated space for these crucial fields:
* Player’s Name: Obvious, but essential!
* Hole Number: From 1 to 9 (or 18).
* Bar Name: To remember where you’ve been.
* Designated Drink: List the specific drink for that hole.
* Par: The target score for the hole.
* Player’s Score (Strokes): A blank space for players to write down their sips.
* Penalties: A column to add any penalty strokes incurred.
* Total Score: A final box at the bottom to tally up the grand total.

Consider adding a space for ‘Best Dressed’ or ‘Funniest Moment’ votes to make the scorecard a souvenir!

Step 2: How to Play Bar Golf (The Rules of the Game)

The game is played by visiting each bar, drinking the assigned beverage, and recording the number of sips as your score. The player with the lowest cumulative score after the final hole is the winner. With your course planned and scorecards in hand, it’s time to tee off. The gameplay itself is straightforward, but adhering to the sequence and scoring rules is what makes it a true competition.

Here’s the simple flow of how to play bar golf:
1. Dress the Part: Everyone arrives at the first hole in their best (or worst) golf-themed attire.
2. Tee Off at Hole #1: The group proceeds to the first bar. Everyone orders the designated drink for that hole.
3. Drink and Score: Each player consumes their drink, carefully counting the number of sips/gulps it takes. This number is their score for the hole, which they record on their scorecard.
4. Proceed to the Next Hole: Once everyone has finished and recorded their scores, the group walks to the next bar on the course. Repeat the process.
5. Determine the Winner: After the final hole (9 or 18), all players tally their total scores. The player with the lowest score wins!

The Scoring Rule: Each time you bring the drink to your lips and swallow, it counts as one “stroke.” A continuous “chug” or “gulp,” no matter how long, is still considered one stroke. The caddie is the final judge on what constitutes a stroke.

The Penalty Rule: Penalties are added as extra strokes to a player’s score for a specific hole. For example, if you spill your drink (a +1 stroke penalty) and it took you 4 sips to finish a Par 4 drink, your final score for that hole would be 5.

The goal is simple: finish with the lowest score. The execution? That’s where the fun begins.

Dress the Part: The Unofficial Uniform

Embrace the theme by wearing golf attire like polo shirts, visors, and argyle patterns. While not technically required to play, dressing up is a massive part of the bar golf experience. It elevates the event from a simple pub crawl to a full-blown themed spectacle. The commitment to the “uniform” creates a team atmosphere and leads to hilarious interactions with onlookers throughout the night.

Encourage creative and even humorous interpretations of golf fashion. Common outfit components include:
* Polo shirts (the brighter, the better)
* Plaid or khaki shorts and skirts
* Visors or golf caps
* Argyle sweaters, vests, or socks
* Knee-high socks
* Golf shoes (or any comfortable shoes you don’t mind walking in!)

Pro Tip: A prize for the ‘Best Dressed’ is a great way to encourage everyone to participate!

Scoring, Winning, and the Dreaded Forfeit

Count each sip as a stroke. Aim for the lowest score. The winner gets a prize, and the loser (highest score) gets a forfeit. Understanding the scoring terminology is key to feeling like a real pro. The system is designed to mirror actual golf, adding a fun layer of authenticity to the game.

Here’s how to talk the talk:
* Par: Finishing your drink in the exact number of sips designated as “par.” (Score: 0 relative to par).
* Birdie: Finishing one stroke under par (e.g., 3 sips on a Par 4). (Score: -1).
* Bogey: Finishing one stroke over par (e.g., 5 sips on a Par 4). (Score: +1).
* Hole-in-One: The ultimate achievement! Finishing any drink, regardless of par, in a single, continuous gulp. This is often rewarded with a score of 1 for the hole, or even a score bonus.

The winner is the person with the lowest cumulative score at the end of the 9 or 18 holes. They are awarded bragging rights and often a prize. Conversely, the person with the highest score is the loser and must face a pre-determined, embarrassing (but safe) forfeit.

The ultimate prize? Bragging rights. The ultimate punishment? The forfeit. Choose it wisely!

Step 3: Customizing Your Game with Funny Rules & Penalties

Enhance the game with creative penalties. Common examples include a “+2 stroke” penalty for using the restroom at a designated “Water Hazard” bar or for spilling a drink. The standard rules are fun, but the real magic of bar golf comes from the custom rules and penalties you add. This is your chance to tailor the game to your group’s personality and inside jokes. A good set of penalties keeps everyone on their toes and adds hilarious consequences to common pub crawl missteps.

Here is a comprehensive list of classic and creative penalties to consider for your game:

Which of these penalties would your friends be most guilty of?

Step 4: Playing Safe & Responsibly (The Caddie’s Guide)

Prioritize safety by drinking water, eating food, knowing your limits, and planning your transportation. Appoint a sober “caddie” to manage the group and keep score. While bar golf is centered around fun and competition, responsible behavior is non-negotiable. The goal is to have an amazing time, and that means ensuring everyone gets through the course safely and respectfully. Framing these guidelines as “The Caddie’s Guide” helps position safety as a core part of the game’s official rules.

A designated “caddie”—a sober friend who acts as the event’s organizer, scorekeeper, and safety coordinator—is the single best way to ensure a smooth and responsible event.

Here are the non-negotiable rules for a safe game:
* Hydrate Relentlessly: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water. Make it a rule that everyone must have a glass of water at every third hole.
* Eat Food: Start the game after a solid meal. Plan for at least one “hole” to be at a bar that serves food so everyone can refuel.
* Know Your Limits: Participation in drinking is always optional. Encourage players to switch to non-alcoholic options if they are feeling the effects. No one should ever feel pressured to drink.
* Plan Your Ride Home: No one drives. Period. Arrange for designated drivers, use ride-sharing services, or plan a route that ends near public transportation.
* Respect the Venues: You are guests in every establishment. Be polite to the staff, tip well, and be respectful of other patrons who are not part of your game.

The best games are the ones everyone remembers fondly (and safely) the next day. Plan accordingly!

To make your event even more official and fun, consider grabbing some themed gear like visors, argyle socks, and portable scorecards.

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FAQs About How to Play Bar Golf

How do you score bar golf?

Scoring is simple: every sip or gulp you take to finish the designated drink for a “hole” counts as one stroke. You record this number on your scorecard. The objective is to have the lowest total score after all 9 or 18 holes are completed. Penalties, like spilling a drink, add extra strokes to your score for that specific hole.

Can you play pub golf with a non-drinker?

Absolutely! Bar golf can be incredibly inclusive. A non-drinker can fully participate by substituting alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, or water. You can also create fun food challenges for them, such as eating a slider in “par 2” bites. Their involvement adds to the fun and they can often be the most reliable scorekeepers.

Should you play with 9 or 18 holes?

For your first time playing or for a more casual evening event, 9 holes is the perfect length. It keeps the game moving and typically takes about 3-4 hours. An 18-hole course is a much bigger commitment, often turning into an all-day event. It’s best reserved for seasoned bar golf veterans or special occasions like a birthday or bachelor party.

What’s the role of the ‘caddie’ in pub golf?

The ‘caddie’ is a crucial, non-drinking participant responsible for the event’s organization and safety. Their job is to keep the official score, enforce the rules and penalties, settle any disputes, and make sure the group stays on schedule. Most importantly, they act as the responsible party, encouraging hydration and ensuring everyone has a safe plan to get home.

Can you play bar golf in teams?

Yes, team play is a fantastic way to enjoy bar golf, especially with a very large group. Teams of 2-4 people can compete against each other. You can calculate team scores in a few ways: either by taking the average score of all team members for each hole, or by using a “best ball” format where only the lowest score from the team on each hole counts.

Final Summary: Your Guide to a Legendary Bar Golf Game

You now have the complete blueprint to host an unforgettable bar golf event. By moving beyond a simple pub crawl and embracing a themed, structured competition, you create an interactive experience that keeps everyone engaged from the first tee-off to the final putt. The key is in the details: a well-planned course, clear rules, a creative theme, and an unwavering focus on safety.

Remember these critical takeaways for a successful game:
* Planning is Everything: A walkable course, pre-defined drinks with fair pars, and a detailed scorecard are the foundations of a smooth event.
* Rules and Penalties Make it Fun: Don’t just drink—compete. Enforce scoring rules and use funny penalties like the “Water Hazard” to add a layer of strategy and humor.
* Safety is the #1 Rule: Appoint a sober “caddie,” encourage hydration and food, and ensure everyone has a safe ride home. A fun game is a safe game.

Now that you have the ultimate blueprint, it’s time to gather your friends, don your best argyle, and create a legendary bar golf event

Last update on 2025-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API