Bar Golf: The Ultimate Guide To Rules, Drinks & Costumes

Ever wished your pub crawl had a competitive edge and a hilarious dress code? Welcome to the world of bar golf. You might be wondering how to organize this legendary event, what the official rules are, or even what on earth to wear. This guide is your complete playbook, designed to answer every question and turn your next social gathering into an unforgettable competition.

Bar golf, also known as pub golf, is a recreational drinking game that combines a traditional pub crawl with the rules of golf. Participants visit a series of bars (“holes”) and aim to finish a specific drink in the fewest “strokes” (sips or gulps) to achieve the lowest possible score.

Leveraging extensive analysis of established game variations and participant experiences, this guide unpacks the proven rules, planning strategies, and critical safety tips to help you effectively organize and dominate your first game of what is bar golf. We’ll cover everything from creating the perfect scorecard to mastering the art of the golf-themed outfit, ensuring your event is a hole-in-one.

Key Facts

The Objective Mirrors Real Golf: The ultimate goal in what is bar golf is to finish the course with the lowest score, with each “stroke” representing a sip of a drink.

Standard Course Length: A full game of bar golf traditionally consists of either nine or eighteen bars, which are designated as “holes” on a custom scorecard.

Scoring is Drink-Dependent: “Par” is a target number of sips assigned to each drink (e.g., a shot is Par 1, a pint is Par 4), and a player’s score is their actual number of sips.

Attire is Part of the Game: Dressing in over-the-top golf-themed attire, like argyle vests and plaid shorts, is a fundamental and celebrated tradition of the event.

A Sober ‘Caddie’ is Essential: Well-organized events designate a sober “caddie” to manage rules, keep score, and ensure the safety and well-being of all players, a practice highlighted in multiple authoritative guides.

Contents show

What Is Bar Golf? The Ultimate Guide to a Golf-Themed Pub Crawl

Bar golf, or pub golf, is a recreational drinking game where participants visit a series of bars (called “holes”) and try to finish a specific drink at each one in the fewest “strokes” (sips or gulps). The player with the lowest total score at the end of the 9 or 18-hole course wins. It’s a fantastic social activity that blends the structure of a competitive sport with the fun of a themed pub crawl. Instead of swinging clubs, you’re raising glasses, but the drive to beat your friends for the lowest score remains the same.

The beauty of what is bar golf lies in its structure and theme. It’s not just a random wander from one pub to the next; it’s a pre-planned event with a clear objective, rules, and even a dress code. This framework turns a simple night out into a memorable, interactive experience.

Here’s the core concept at a glance:

Themed Pub Crawl: You’ll visit a predetermined number of pubs, typically 9 or 18, in a specific order.
Golf-Based Scoring: Each bar is a “hole,” each assigned drink has a “par,” and each sip you take is a “stroke.”
Competitive Spirit: The goal is to finish the entire course with the lowest cumulative score.
Hilarious Attire: Participants are expected to dress in outrageous golf-themed outfits.
Social Fun: It’s a game best played with a group of friends, ready for some light-hearted competition.

The Official Rules: How to Play & Score Bar Golf

To play bar golf, visit a set number of “holes” (bars), drink the assigned “par” drink in as few “strokes” (sips) as possible, and record your score. The player with the lowest total score after all holes is the winner. While rules can be customized, the fundamental mechanics are consistent and easy to follow, making what is bar golf an accessible game for any group.

Here is a clear breakdown of the essential rules and scoring system to get you started.

Establish the Course: Before you begin, the organizer must define the “course” by selecting 9 or 18 bars and the order in which they will be visited. This is listed on the official scorecard.
Assign Drinks and Pars: Each “hole” (bar) has a designated drink and a corresponding “par.” The par is the target number of sips or gulps to finish the drink. For example, a tequila shot might be a Par 1, while a pint of beer could be a Par 4.
Keep Score: Every player needs a scorecard to track their progress. After finishing the drink at a hole, you record the number of “strokes” (sips) it took you.
Calculate Your Score: Your score for a hole is the number of strokes you took. If you finish a Par 4 drink in 3 sips, your score is 3 (one under par). If it takes you 5 sips, your score is 5 (one over par).
Tally the Final Scores: At the end of the course (after the 9th or 18th hole), each player sums up their scores from every hole.
Declare the Winner: Just like in real golf, the player with the lowest total score is crowned the champion.

Here’s a simple scoring example to illustrate how it works:

Hole (Bar Name)	Designated Drink	Par	Your Strokes	Your Score
1. The Tipsy Tavern	Pint of Lager	4	4	4
2. The Shot Spot	Tequila Shot	1	1	1
3. The Ale House	Half-Pint of Cider	2	3	3
Total after 3 Holes		7	8	8

Pro Tip: Keep your scorecard legible! After a few holes, you’ll be glad you did.

Understanding Par vs. Strokes

Clarifying the difference between par and strokes is key to understanding what is bar golf. Confusing these two terms can lead to scoring chaos, so let’s break it down simply. Think of it this way: ‘Par’ is your mission, ‘Strokes’ are your results.

Par: The Par is the target number of sips or gulps set for a specific drink at a specific hole. This is your goal. A shot of spirits is almost always a Par 1. A pint of beer or cider is often a Par 3 or Par 4. The organizer sets these values on the scorecard before the game begins.
Strokes: The Strokes are the actual number of sips or gulps you take to finish that drink. This is your performance. Finishing a Par 4 pint in 3 sips means your score for that hole is 3. If it takes you 5 sips, your score is 5.

Your objective for each hole is to get a score (number of strokes) that is equal to or, even better, less than the par. Scoring below par is the goal.

Common Penalties & Hazards (The Fun Part!)

Ready to up the ante? These hazards separate the pros from the amateurs. The real fun of what is bar golf comes from the creative penalties and hazards you can add to the course. These challenges test your resolve and add a hilarious layer of difficulty to the game. Organizers should list any hazards and their corresponding stroke penalties on the scorecard.

Here are some of the most common penalties found in established pub golf rules:

Water Hazard: Penalty: +1 Stroke. This penalty is applied if a player uses the restroom at a designated “Water Hazard” bar. The organizer chooses one or two bars on the course where this rule is in effect.
Bunker Hazard: Penalty: +1 Stroke. This is another creative penalty. For instance, a “bunker” could be a specific area of the bar (like the patio), and entering it adds a stroke to your score. Alternatively, some rules apply this if you don’t finish your drink within the par limit.
Spillage: Penalty: +1 Stroke. Any significant spillage of your drink, whether accidental or intentional, results in a penalty stroke. The caddie is the ultimate judge of what constitutes a “significant” spill.
Out of Bounds: Penalty: Disqualification or significant stroke penalty. This is the most severe penalty, reserved for actions like falling over from intoxication, being sick, or getting kicked out of a bar. It often results in being removed from the game.
Cheating: Penalty: Varies, from +2 strokes to disqualification. Getting caught trying to fudge your stroke count or pour your drink out is a serious offense. The caddie enforces a harsh penalty to maintain the integrity of the game.

How to Plan the Perfect Bar Golf Event: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a bar golf event involves choosing 9 or 18 walkable bars, designing a scorecard with drinks and par values for each “hole,” and designating a sober “caddie” to manage the game. The secret to a legendary bar golf event? It’s all in the planning. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring the night runs smoothly and everyone has a blast.

Follow this step-by-step guide to build your course and organize an event that will go down in history.

Step 1: Choose Your Course (The 9 or 18 Holes)

Select 9 or 18 bars that are within easy walking distance of each other and confirm they are amenable to hosting a group. The foundation of any good game of what is bar golf is a well-designed course. The number one rule is logistics. No one wants to hike a mile between holes, especially during the “back nine.”

Here are the key criteria for selecting your bars:

Proximity: The bars must be close together. Map out a route that is easily walkable. A good course has a logical flow from one hole to the next without backtracking.
Number of Holes: Decide if you’re playing a short game (9 holes) or a full championship (18 holes). For beginners, 9 holes is highly recommended. 18 bars is a marathon reserved for seasoned veterans.
Bar Policies: Some bars don’t welcome large, boisterous groups in silly outfits. It’s a good idea to check in with the bars beforehand, especially if your group is large. This avoids any issues on the day of the event.
Variety: Try to choose a mix of bars to keep things interesting—a dive bar for Hole 3, a cocktail lounge for Hole 6, and a classic pub for Hole 8.

Quick Fact: Choosing bars that are close together is the #1 rule for a successful course. No one wants a long walk on the ‘back nine’!

Step 2: Design Your Scorecard & Set the Pars

Create a custom scorecard listing each bar (“hole”), the designated drink, and its “par” value (e.g., shot = Par 1, pint = Par 4). The scorecard is the single most important piece of equipment in bar golf. It’s your map, your rulebook, and your record-keeper all in one. This is where your creativity shines! Will you make Hole 5 a tricky Par 2 cocktail or an easy Par 4 beer?

Your scorecard should include:

The list of holes (bar names) in order.
The designated drink for each hole.
The “par” for each drink.
A space for each player to write their score.
A summary of the key rules and penalties.

Here is a sample layout you can use as a template:

BAR GOLF SCORECARD
* Hole 1 (The Tipsy Tavern): Pint of Lager – Par 4
* Hole 2 (Shot Spot): Tequila Shot – Par 1
* Hole 3 (The Irish Pub): Half-Pint of Guinness – Par 2
* Hole 4 (The Dive Bar): Can of Domestic Beer – Par 3
* Hole 5 (The Cocktail Lounge): Specialty Cocktail – Par 2
* …and so on for all 9 or 18 holes.

Hazards: Water Hazard at Hole 3 (No restroom use! +1 stroke).

Step 3: Appoint a “Caddie”

A “caddie” is a designated sober participant who manages the event, keeps score, enforces rules, and ensures the group’s safety. This role is absolutely critical for a successful event. As the night goes on and the players get more… festive, the caddie becomes the anchor that keeps the game on track. Your caddie is the event’s MVP. Choose wisely and treat them well—they’re in charge of the rules!

The caddie’s responsibilities include:

Rule Enforcement: They are the final authority on all rules and penalty disputes.
Scorekeeping: While each player has a card, the caddie often keeps a master scorecard to ensure accuracy.
Pace Setting: The caddie makes sure the group moves from one hole to the next in a timely manner.
Safety: Most importantly, the caddie keeps an eye on everyone, encourages hydration (with water!), and makes sure everyone has a safe way to get home.

Dress the Part: The Essential Bar Golf Outfit & Attire Guide

A typical bar golf outfit includes golf-themed attire like polo shirts, plaid or argyle patterns, visors, and tall socks. Dressing up is a key part of the fun. Showing up to play what is bar golf in your normal clothes is like going to a costume party without a costume—you’re missing half the point! The tradition of wearing loud, cliché golf attire adds a massive layer of humor and camaraderie to the event.

The louder the outfit, the better! Don’t be afraid to clash your plaid with your argyle. Here are the essential components for the perfect bar golf costume:

Tops: Classic polo shirts are the standard. For extra flair, go for an argyle sweater vest worn over the polo. The brighter the color, the better.
Bottoms: Plaid shorts or golf skirts are a must. Think loud, clashing patterns. Khaki shorts or pants are an acceptable, though less adventurous, alternative.
Headwear: Visors are iconic. Flat caps (also known as driver caps) or even a simple backward baseball cap also fit the theme perfectly.
Footwear: Tall, knee-high argyle socks are the signature look. Wear them with any comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Accessories: This is where you can really stand out. A single golf glove, a plastic toy golf club, or even a fanny pack to hold your scorecard can complete the look.

To truly elevate your game and look the part, having the right gear is essential. Equipping your team with matching visors or funny golf-themed accessories can make the event even more memorable.

Playing It Safe: A Guide to Responsible Pub Golf

To play bar golf responsibly, pace your drinking, stay hydrated with water, know your limits, and arrange for safe transportation like a designated driver or ride-sharing service. While what is bar golf is designed to be a fun drinking game, the goal is to complete the course and have a great time with friends, not to get “out of bounds.” Safety and responsibility are paramount.

A well-planned event prioritizes everyone’s well-being. Here are the most important safety rules to follow:

Pace Yourself: A 9 or 18-hole course is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time with your drinks and don’t feel pressured to chug them.
Hydrate: Drink a glass of water at every other hole, at a minimum. This is the single best way to manage your alcohol consumption and avoid a terrible hangover. The caddie should enforce this.
Eat Food: Have a solid meal before you start playing and grab snacks along the way if possible.
Know Your Limits: Everyone has a different tolerance level. Play your own game and don’t try to keep up with others if you’re feeling the effects. It’s okay to take a higher score or even skip a hole.
Arrange Safe Transport: Absolutely nobody should be driving after playing bar golf. Plan ahead for a designated driver, use ride-sharing services, or take public transportation.

Including Everyone: Non-Alcoholic Options
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and that shouldn’t exclude them from the fun. Great bar golf events are inclusive. You can easily substitute alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic challenges. For example, a player could drink a can of soda in a certain number of sips, eat a hot wing in a certain number of bites, or achieve a target score in a bar game like Skee-Ball or darts to get their “par.”

FAQs About what is bar golf

How many bars are in a game of pub golf?

A game of pub golf traditionally consists of either nine or eighteen bars, which are designated as “holes” on the course. A nine-hole course is the most common and is recommended for most groups as it’s more manageable and takes less time. An eighteen-hole course is a much more intense challenge reserved for dedicated players celebrating a special occasion.

What are the “strokes” in bar golf?

In bar golf, “strokes” are the number of sips or gulps it takes a player to finish the designated drink for a specific “hole” (bar). For example, if the drink for Hole 1 is a pint of beer (Par 4) and you finish it in three large gulps, your score for that hole is 3 strokes. The goal is to minimize your strokes throughout the game.

Do you have to drink alcohol to play pub golf?

No, you do not have to drink alcohol. Many variations include non-alcoholic options to ensure everyone can participate. Inclusivity is key to a fun event. Non-drinkers can easily join in by substituting alcoholic drinks with other challenges. Common alternatives include:
* Drinking a glass of water or soda in a target number of sips.
* Eating a food item (like a slider or a chicken wing) in a set number of bites.
* Playing a bar game (like darts or pool) and earning a score based on performance.

What is the “nineteenth hole”?

In both real golf and bar golf, the “nineteenth hole” is a slang term for the pub, bar, or restaurant visited after the game is finished. It’s the final gathering spot where players can relax, tally up the final scores, award prizes to the winner, and assign forfeits to the loser. It’s the official end of the competition and the beginning of the after-party.

What happens if I cheat in bar golf?

Cheating in bar golf is highly discouraged and typically results in significant penalty strokes or even expulsion from the game, as determined by the caddie or group. The game operates on an honor system, and trying to gain an unfair advantage goes against the spirit of the event. The caddie is the ultimate arbiter, and their ruling on cheating is final.

Final Summary: Time to Tee Off on Your Bar Golf Adventure

You are now fully equipped with the knowledge to understand, plan, and execute a flawless game of what is bar golf. From defining the rules and designing the perfect scorecard to dressing the part and ensuring everyone plays safely, you have the complete playbook. This unique blend of a pub crawl and a competitive sport is one of the best ways to bring friends together for a day of structured, themed fun.

Remember the three pillars of a great bar golf event:

Clear Rules: A well-defined course, pars, and penalties prevent confusion and keep the game fair.
Thoughtful Planning: Choosing walkable bars, creating scorecards, and appointing a caddie are essential for a smooth event.
Responsible Fun: Emphasizing safety, hydration, and inclusivity ensures everyone has a fantastic and memorable time.

Now you have the complete playbook. Gather your friends, pick your most outrageous outfits, and plan a bar golf event they’ll be talking about for years

Last update on 2025-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bar Golf: The Ultimate Guide to Rules, Drinks & Costumes