Pub Golf - Rule guide

Drinking is an age-old British tradition and people are always on the lookout to make their night out that little more exciting. This is exactly how Pub Golf came about. For those who have never played, here’s a guide on how to get the most from your round.

The Course

First of all you have to set out your course. This can either be 9 holes or 18. Holes are defined by certain pub/bar or club. For example “The Kings Head” may be the first hole.

i.e. Hole 1 – The Kings Head
      Hole 2 – The Mill
      Hole 3 – The Farmers Arms etc.

The Rules

Each hole has a set drink that you must drink. For instance, the first hole may be “Drink a Pint of Beer.”

How many swigs you take is what you score on that hole. Therefore, if you down your drink, you get a hole in one. There are variations on this rule. For instance, a hole may be a par 4 meaning you can take four swigs and make a par.

If a player drinks the wrong drink allocated then they are given a two shot penalty. Two shots in more ways than one too. Two shots are added onto your score but you must also down two shots of your playing partner’s choice.

You can add water hazards to certain holes as well. This means that the toilets are out of bounds when the water hazard rule is in play. Anyone caught going to the toilet will be given a one shot penalty.

One stroke is added for a spilled drink.

10 strokes are added for any player who is sick during their round.

The forfeit rule. The player who finishes last has to do a forfeit. A fine example of this is making the loser go to work/university in their golf clothes for the next week.

To make the event that little bit more fun, all players should dress up in golf clothes. Most pubs also don’t seem to mind if you bring along some plastic or inflatable golf clubs.

We would advise getting a card made up for everyone with which pub the hole is at, what drink you must buy and what par the hole is. There are also plenty of Facebook groups that have organised pub golf competitions where you can play with new people.

It’s safe to say that pub golf is a fun way to mix up the usual Friday/Saturday night of heading from pub to pub. Don’t be afraid to add some of your own rules too! 

Image Credit: Twitter - @ManorParkRFC