How To Play Pub Golf: The Ultimate 2025 Rules Guide

Ready to turn your local pub crawl into a legendary competitive event? Planning a pub golf night can seem daunting, with questions about rules, scoring, and keeping everyone engaged. You need a clear, step-by-step guide to ensure your game is a hole-in-one, not a logistical sand trap.

Leveraging extensive analysis of established patterns and successful events, this guide unpacks the definitive rules and pro-planning tips to help you master how to play pub golf. We will cover everything from plotting your course and creating the perfect scorecard to adding hilarious penalties and ensuring everyone, including non-drinkers, has an unforgettable time.

Key Facts

Core Concept: Pub golf is a themed pub crawl where participants visit 9 or 18 pubs (“holes”), each with a pre-assigned drink and a “par” representing the target number of sips to finish it.

Winning Objective: Just like traditional golf, the primary goal is to finish the entire course with the lowest possible score, making it a game of strategy and endurance.

The “Caddie” Role: Successful events often appoint a sober “caddie,” a non-playing individual responsible for keeping score, enforcing rules, and resolving any disputes, ensuring the game runs smoothly.

Event Duration: A standard 9-hole game of pub golf typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours, while a full 18-hole “championship” course can extend from 6 to 10 hours.

Mandatory Attire: A key element of the fun is the dress code; all players are expected to wear golf-themed attire, such as polos, plaid shorts, visors, and knee-high socks, often with prizes for the best-dressed.

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What is Pub Golf? A Quick Guide to the Ultimate Themed Pub Crawl

Pub Golf is a social drinking game that combines a pub crawl with golf-themed rules and scoring. Players visit a series of “holes” (pubs) and aim to finish a specific drink in a target number of sips (“par”). This isn’t just a simple bar crawl; it’s an organized event with a clear objective, scorekeeping, and a fantastically fun theme that encourages creative costumes and friendly competition.

At its heart, the game transforms a night out into a memorable sporting spectacle. The core components of any official pub golf event are simple to understand but offer endless possibilities for customization and fun.

The Course: A pre-planned route of either 9 or 18 pubs and bars.
The Drink: A specific beverage assigned to each “hole” on the course.
The Par: The target number of sips or gulps you have to finish the assigned drink.
The Attire: Classic, and often outlandish, golf-themed clothing is mandatory.
The Goal: Finish the course with the lowest score to be crowned the champion.

Ready to trade your 9-iron for a pint glass? Here’s everything you need to know.

Step 1: Assembling Your Crew and Planning the Course

The first step in learning how to play pub golf is mastering the pre-game logistics. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring your event is a massive success. This is where you lay the foundation for a smooth, fun, and memorable night for everyone involved.

Confirm Your Players: Get a firm headcount. Knowing how many people are playing is crucial for choosing pubs and managing the group later in the night.
Gather Your Group: Pub golf is best played with a decent-sized group. You can even split into teams like “twosomes” or “foursomes” to add another layer of competition.
Elect a Caddie: This is arguably the most important role. The “caddie” is a designated sober individual who doesn’t play but officiates the game. Their word is final.

The Caddie’s responsibilities are critical: they manage the scorecards, enforce the rules, time the holes if necessary, resolve any disputes, and most importantly, help ensure everyone is safe and accounted for throughout the night.

Plot Your Course: Decide whether you’re playing a quick 9-hole game or a full 18-hole championship. Map out the pubs in a logical order.

Pro Tip: Use an online map tool to plot your course beforehand. This helps visualize walking times and ensures your ‘front nine’ and ‘back nine’ are logically grouped.

1.1 Choosing Your “Holes” (Pubs & Bars)

Selecting the right venues is the difference between a legendary event and a chaotic mess. Don’t just pick nine random pubs; be strategic. When choosing your course, you need to think like a pro course designer. A well-planned route is the key to an amazing night.

Here are the essential criteria for picking your pubs:

Proximity: The pubs must be within a reasonable walking distance of each other. You don’t want to lose momentum (or players) on long treks between holes. Keep the route tight and easy to navigate.
Venue Vibe: Consider the atmosphere of each pub. A loud, bustling pub is a great fit. A quiet, intimate restaurant where people are having dinner? Probably not the best choice for a large, costumed group.
Group Policy: This is a big one. It’s highly recommended to call the pubs on your list ahead of time, especially those later on your course. Ask if they’re okay with a large, themed group coming in. Some venues have strict policies against pub crawls or costumes.
Route Logic: Plan a route that makes sense. You don’t want to be zigzagging across town. A circular route or a straight line from a starting point to a final destination works best.

Quick Fact: A well-planned route is the difference between a legendary pub golf night and a logistical headache.

Step 2: Setting the Rules and Creating Your Scorecard

With your course planned, it’s time to establish the official rules of play. This is where you define the challenges for each hole and create the all-important scorecard, the official document for your tournament. Clarity is key—everyone should know the drink and the target score at each stop.

First, assign a drink and a par to every single pub on your list. The “par” is the target number of sips, swallows, or gulps it should take to finish the drink. Be strategic with your choices. You might want to start easy and make the drinks progressively harder, or mix them up to keep players on their toes.

Here is a sample setup for a few holes:

Hole #	Pub Name	Assigned Drink	Par
1	The Golfer’s Arms	Pint of Lager	4
2	The Bunker Bar	Shot of Tequila	1
3	The 19th Hole	Glass of Wine	3
4	The Water Hazard	Bottle of Cider	4

Next, you need to create a scorecard for every player. This is non-negotiable for anyone who wants to know how to play pub golf properly. You can make one on your computer or simply use a notebook, but it must include columns for:

Hole Number (1-9 or 1-18)
Pub Name
Assigned Drink
Par for the Hole
Player’s Score (the actual number of sips/gulps taken)
Penalty Strokes

Here’s where the strategy comes in. Will you make the ‘halfway house’ (Hole 9) an easy Par 3 pint or a tricky Par 1 shot?

Step 3: Dressing the Part and Playing the Game

The day has arrived! It’s time to don your finest golf attire and put your planning into action. The dress code is a massive part of the fun and spectacle of pub golf. Encourage everyone to go all out with their outfits.

Common dress code items include:
* Clothing: Polo shirts, argyle or plaid shorts/skirts, sweater vests, and of course, knee-high socks.
* Accessories: Visors, golf hats, sunglasses, inflatable golf clubs, and golf shoes (or comfortable trainers).

Encourage creativity with the dress code! A prize for the ‘Best Dressed Golfer’ can add a whole new layer of competition.

Once everyone is assembled and looking the part, it’s time to tee off. The gameplay itself is straightforward.

Arrive at Hole #1: Proceed to the first pub on your list as a group.
Order the Drink: Each player orders the pre-assigned drink for that hole.
Play the Hole: On the caddie’s signal, players start drinking. Each sip or gulp counts as one stroke. The goal is to finish the drink in the fewest strokes possible.
Record Your Score: Once finished, each player honestly tells the caddie their score (number of strokes), who records it on their scorecard.
Proceed to the Next Hole: After everyone has finished and paid, the group moves on to the next pub on the course.

The rules are simple: the player with the lowest score wins. At the end of the final hole, the caddie totals up all the scores, adds any penalty points, and declares the champion.

Level Up Your Game: Funny Rules, Hazards, and Challenge Ideas

Knowing the basics of how to play pub golf is one thing, but making it legendary is another. The best pub golf events are filled with funny, optional rules, hazards, and penalties that add an extra layer of challenge and humor to the night. This is your chance to get creative and tailor the game to your group’s personality.

Hazard Ideas

Designate certain pubs as “Hazards” with special rules that apply only at that location. Announce the hazard before you enter the pub.

🚶 Water Hazard: This is a classic. At a pub designated a Water Hazard, players are not allowed to use the toilet. Anyone who breaks the rule gets a point penalty (e.g., +1 or +2 strokes).
⛳ Bunker Hazard: At a Bunker pub, the drink might be something undesirable or difficult. Alternatively, you could rule that anyone who fails to finish their drink within the par must down a penalty shot.
🏌 The Longest Drive: At this hole, the drink might be a “yard of ale” or a large cocktail pitcher to be shared. The team or person who finishes first gets a bonus (e.g., -1 stroke from their score).

Penalty Menu

Establish a clear list of penalties for bad behavior or rule-breaking. The caddie is the ultimate judge and jury here.

Infraction	Point Penalty	Example
Spilling a Drink	+3 Strokes	A sloppy sip results in a costly penalty.
Cheating	+5 Strokes	Dishonesty on your stroke count is severely punished.
Being Rude to Staff	+5 Strokes	Respect the venues. Bad behavior is not tolerated.
Throwing Up	+10 Strokes	The ultimate penalty for not knowing your limits.

Forfeit Ideas

The game isn’t just about crowning a winner; it’s also about “celebrating” the loser. The player with the highest score at the end of the night must face a pre-agreed-upon forfeit.

Wear the full pub golf attire to work or university the next day.
The loser has to be the caddie for the next pub golf event.
Perform a silly dance or sing a song in the final pub.

Which of these forfeits is the most brutal? Let your group vote on the loser’s fate before you even start!

Your Official Pub Golf Scorecard (Printable 2025 PDF)

A proper game of pub golf requires a proper scorecard. While you can scribble one on a napkin, using a pre-made template adds a professional touch to your event and makes tracking scores much easier for the caddie. A good pub golf scorecard should include columns for the pub name, the assigned drink, the par for that hole, the player’s actual score (sips), and space to add any penalty strokes incurred.

To make your life easier, we’ve created the ultimate scorecard. It has everything you need to run your event smoothly and crown a true champion.

Download Your Free Printable Pub Golf Scorecard Here

Simply print out enough copies for every player and your caddie, and you’re ready to hit the course.

To complete your pub golf experience, having the right gear and accessories is essential. Equipping yourselves with the best themed attire and fun props can elevate the game and make for fantastic photo opportunities.

FAQs About How to Play Pub Golf

How long does pub golf usually last?

The duration of a pub golf event depends entirely on whether you’re playing a 9-hole or 18-hole course. You should plan your time accordingly.
* 9-Hole Game: Approx. 3-5 hours. This is a great option for a more casual evening.
* 18-Hole Game: Approx. 6-10 hours. This is a full-day or all-night commitment for serious players.

What is the dress code for pub golf?

The dress code is classic golf attire, but with a fun, often exaggerated twist. The goal is to be recognizable as a “golfer.” Think bright, bold, and even a little bit silly.
* Clothing: Polos, plaid or argyle prints (shorts, skirts, or trousers), sweater vests, and knee-high socks are all staples.
* Accessories: Don’t forget visors, flat caps, sunglasses, and fun props like inflatable golf clubs to complete the look.

How do you make a pub golf scorecard?

If you don’t use our printable template, you can easily make your own. The key is to keep it organized. Create a grid with the following essential columns:
1. Hole # / Pub Name
2. Assigned Drink
3. Par (Target Sips)
4. Your Score (Actual Sips)
5. Penalties

How can non-drinkers or people who want to drink less participate?

Pub golf should be inclusive for everyone. There are many fantastic ways for non-drinkers or those who want to pace themselves to participate fully. The focus is on the fun and competition, not just the drinking.
* Substitute with Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Simply swap out the assigned alcoholic drink for a soft drink, juice, or water. The par system works exactly the same.
* Introduce Food Challenges: Instead of a drink, a player could have a food challenge with a par. For example, “Eat 3 chicken wings” with a par of 4 (bites).
* Incorporate Bar Games: At a hole, a non-drinker could play a game of darts or pool. Their score in the game can be converted to a golf score (e.g., hitting the bullseye is a hole-in-one).

Final Summary: Key Tips for a Successful Pub Golf Event

Now that you have the ultimate playbook on how to play pub golf, you’re ready to organize an event that your friends will talk about for years. To ensure everything goes off without a hitch, keep these final key tips in mind.

Plan Your Course Carefully: A well-researched route with accommodating pubs is the foundation of a great night. Always call ahead to check policies on large, costumed groups.
Set Clear Rules and Penalties: Make sure everyone understands the rules, pars, penalties, and forfeits before the first drink is poured. This prevents confusion and arguments later.
Prioritize Safety and Fun: The ultimate goal is to have fun. Encourage responsible drinking, ensure everyone knows their limits, and make it clear that skipping a hole or switching to water is perfectly acceptable. The caddie plays a key role in looking out for everyone.
Embrace the Theme: The more your group gets into the golf attire and the competitive spirit, the more fun everyone will have. Awarding a prize for the best outfit is a great incentive.

Now that you have the ultimate playbook, it’s time to gather your friends, don your best plaid, and hit the ‘links’. Good luck

Last update on 2025-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Play Pub Golf: The Ultimate 2025 Rules Guide