Pub Golf

• ⛳ How to Play Pub Golf
• 📋 Tips for playing Pub Golf (or finding a location to play it)
• 🔄 Pub Golf Variations
• ❓ FAQs about Pub Golf

Pub Golf is what happens when you take the chaos of a bar crawl, the scoring of golf, and the fashion of your dad’s weekend wardrobe—and mash them all together into one ridiculous, unforgettable night.

It’s not really about winning (although someone will pretend it is); it’s about dressing like a golfer, sipping your way through a string of pubs, and making questionable decisions with your friends.

👉 Want to practice your golf game without leaving the house? Play the Golf card game instead.

Whether you’re planning a stag do, a themed birthday, or just want to turn your usual night out into a full-blown spectacle, pub golf delivers. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a great game, avoid common slip-ups, and keep it fun (and vaguely competitive).

How to play Pub Golf

Pub Golf (or Bar Golf, if you’re stateside) is a drinking game disguised as a golf tournament. Instead of holes, you have pubs. Instead of clubs, you have pints. And instead of silence on the course, you have chaos.

1. Pick 9 or 18 pubs to visit

Each pub is a “hole” on your course. Nine pubs makes a quick game. Eighteen is for the bold (and hydrated).

2. Assign a par for each pub

Just like in golf, each hole has a par—the number of sips or gulps it should take to finish the drink. A pint might be par 4, a shot could be par 2.

3. Dress like you’re hitting a real golf course

Flat caps, polos, visors, golf gloves. The cheesier, the better. It’s half the fun and all the photos.

4. Keep score after every round

Each sip or gulp counts as one stroke. Finish your drink in 5 gulps on a par 4? That’s 1 over par. Lowest total score wins.

5. Add penalties for breaking rules

Bathroom at the wrong pub? +1 stroke. Spill a drink? +3. Vomit? +10 (and maybe go home). Punishments can be sips, shots, or public humiliation—dealer’s choice.

👉 Need a warm-up game before the crawl? Bluff your way through the Bullshit card game.

Tips for playing Pub Golf (or finding a location to play it)

Scoring low in pub golf isn’t just about fast sipping—it’s about smart planning, too. Whether you’re picking locations or trying to win, a few small tweaks go a long way.

1. Choose pubs that are close together

Keep your “holes” walkable. The closer the pubs, the smoother the crawl. No one wants a 20-minute hike between drinks.

2. Mix up drink types and atmospheres

Don’t burn everyone out early. Alternate heavy drinks with lighter ones, and pick bars with different vibes—quiet pubs, loud dives, themed spots.

3. Bring printed scorecards

Everyone says they’ll track on their phone. They won’t. Scorecards keep it real (and competitive).

4. Plan a safe way home

Yes, pub golf is about fun. But it’s only a great night if everyone gets home safe. Designate a driver or prebook cabs.

👉 Once you’ve conquered the pub crawl, set sail with the Acey Deucey card game.

Pub Golf Variations

If you’re playing often—or just want to shake things up—there are plenty of ways to remix the game. Some are faster, some are team-based, and some add even more chaos.

1. Beer Golf

Stick strictly to beer all night. Easier on the rules, harder on the bladder. Same course, same scoring.

2. Bar Golf Scramble

Split into teams. Each team sends a different player to drink at each pub, relay-style. First team to finish wins—penalties and all.

3. Classic Pub Crawl

Ditch the scorecards and play it casual. No pars, no penalties, just bar hopping in golf attire with good vibes.

FAQs about Pub Golf

1. Do you have to dress up for pub golf?

Technically, no. But it’s way more fun when everyone’s in golf gear. Plus, strangers might cheer you on (or challenge you to a chug-off).

2. How do you win at bar golf?

By finishing all drinks in the fewest sips. Keep track with scorecards and play fair—no secret sipping behind your back.

3. Can pub golf be played with non-alcoholic drinks?

Absolutely. Just swap the drinks for sodas or mocktails and play the same way. Same chaos, less hangover.

4. What’s the difference between pub golf and bar golf?

They’re the same game—just different names depending on where you live. “Bar golf” is more common in the U.S., while “pub golf” is a UK favorite.