Rules for bar golf are simple: each bar acts like a golf hole, each drink or challenge has a par, and the goal is to finish the round with the lowest score just like real golf.
Also called pub golf, the bar golf game turns a normal night out into an 18-hole social round with scorecards, penalties, costumes, team names, and golf-themed challenges. A pint might be a Par 4, a small drink could be a Par 3, and a short challenge could be a Par 1.
But there is a smarter way to play. The best bar golf nights are organized, safe, easy to score, and fun even for people who do not want alcohol. This guide explains the official-style rules, scoring system, penalties, scorecard template, safe variations, and 19th-hole accessories that make the game work.
If you are planning a golf-themed party, you may also like our golf ball ice mold, golf ball ice ball molds, golf tee holder keychain, and custom poker chip golf marker guides.
Quick Verdict
The best way to play bar golf is to create 9 or 18 “holes,” assign a par to each location or challenge, track each player’s score on a golf-style scorecard, and make the lowest total score the winner.
For a safer and more inclusive version, make every hole flexible: players can choose alcoholic, low-alcohol, or non-alcoholic drinks, and scoring can be based on mini-games, trivia, putting challenges, or time-based tasks instead of only drink sips.
The best simple rule is this: plan the route first, set the pars before the round starts, add penalties for fun behavior rather than risky drinking, and assign a sober caddie or rideshare plan before anyone tees off.
Bar Golf Rules Summary
| Rule | How It Works | Safer Option |
| Each bar is a hole | Visit 9 or 18 bars in order | Use 3, 6, or 9 holes for a shorter round |
| Each hole has a par | Par means the target number of sips, points, or challenge attempts | Use games, trivia, or non-alcoholic drinks |
| Lowest score wins | Players try to finish below par | Reward consistency, costumes, or team spirit too |
| Penalties add strokes | Rule breaks add +1, +2, or more strokes | Use funny penalties instead of extra drinking |
| Scorecards track the round | Each player records hole score and total | Use a phone note, printable card, or shared spreadsheet |
| Teams are optional | Play solo or in pairs | Teams help slower players stay included |
| Safety plan required | Use rideshare, walking route, or sober caddie | No driving after drinking |
What Is Bar Golf?
Bar golf is a golf-themed pub crawl game where each bar, pub, restaurant, or house-party station becomes a “hole.” Players move through the course in order and record a score at each stop.
The traditional version uses drinks and sip counts. For example, if Hole 3 is a Par 4, a player tries to finish the assigned drink in four sips. Finishing in three would be one under par. Finishing in five would be one over par.
The modern version can be much safer and more flexible. Instead of making every hole about drinking speed, you can use putting challenges, trivia, darts, pool shots, mocktails, water breaks, snack holes, costume bonuses, or team tasks.
How to Play Bar Golf
Here is the basic structure for a clean, easy-to-run bar golf game.
- Choose 9 or 18 holes.
- Pick the bars, restaurants, house-party stations, or game locations.
- Assign each hole a par score.
- Decide whether scoring is based on sips, games, trivia, or challenges.
- Create a scorecard for each player or team.
- Add penalties before the round starts.
- Set a safety plan with walking, rideshare, public transportation, or a sober caddie.
- Play the holes in order and record scores.
- Add the final score at the end.
- Give prizes for lowest score, best costume, best team name, and best sportsmanship.
The winner is usually the player or team with the lowest score after all holes are completed.
The Bar Golf Par System
The par system is what makes bar golf feel like golf. Each hole gets a par number, and the player’s result is compared against that number.
In the traditional version, par is based on the number of sips or swallows. In a safer party version, par can also mean number of trivia attempts, putting attempts, darts, pool shots, or mini-game tries.
| Hole Type | Traditional Par Idea | Safer Alternative |
| Par 1 | Small quick drink or short challenge | One trivia question or one putting attempt |
| Par 2 | Small pour or light drink | Two darts, two putts, or two quiz answers |
| Par 3 | Glass of wine, cocktail, or moderate drink | Mini-game with three attempts |
| Par 4 | Pint or full drink | Putting challenge, shuffleboard, or pool-shot task |
| Par 5 | Harder hole or longer stop | Team challenge, food hole, or group game |
For a responsible version, avoid making every hole alcohol-based. Mix in food, water, non-alcoholic drinks, games, and rest stops.
Example 9-Hole Bar Golf Course
A 9-hole bar golf game is easier to manage than a full 18-hole round. It is better for birthdays, bachelor parties, office socials, and mixed groups.
| Hole | Location or Station | Challenge | Par |
| 1 | Opening bar | Team photo and first drink or mocktail | Par 4 |
| 2 | Sports bar | Golf trivia question | Par 3 |
| 3 | Pub or house station | Mini putting challenge | Par 3 |
| 4 | Cocktail stop | Signature drink, soda, or mocktail | Par 4 |
| 5 | Food stop | Snack break required | Par 5 |
| 6 | Game bar | Darts, pool, or shuffleboard attempt | Par 3 |
| 7 | Casual bar | Best golf swing pose challenge | Par 2 |
| 8 | Final pub | Team chant or costume bonus | Par 4 |
| 9 | 19th-hole stop | Final score and prize ceremony | Par 5 |
Example 18-Hole Bar Golf Course
An 18-hole bar golf round works best when the “holes” are not all separate bars. Use a mix of bars, stations, games, food stops, water breaks, and challenges so the night stays manageable.
| Hole | Challenge Type | Par |
| 1 | Opening drink or mocktail | 4 |
| 2 | Golf trivia | 3 |
| 3 | Putting mat challenge | 3 |
| 4 | Photo challenge | 2 |
| 5 | Snack or food stop | 5 |
| 6 | Darts or pool challenge | 3 |
| 7 | Costume check bonus | 2 |
| 8 | Signature drink, soda, or mocktail | 4 |
| 9 | Water break and score check | 5 |
| 10 | Team name challenge | 2 |
| 11 | Golf rule quiz | 3 |
| 12 | Mini chip or toss game | 3 |
| 13 | Snack challenge | 4 |
| 14 | Best fake golf commentary | 2 |
| 15 | Second putting challenge | 3 |
| 16 | Group photo challenge | 2 |
| 17 | Final drink, soda, or mocktail | 4 |
| 18 | Scorecard check and awards | 5 |
Official-Style Bar Golf Rules
You can adjust the rules, but these give the game a clear structure.
- Each player or team receives a scorecard before the round starts.
- Each hole has a pre-set par.
- Players must complete the hole challenge before moving to the next hole.
- Finishing under par lowers the score.
- Finishing over par adds strokes.
- Penalties are added to the hole score.
- The lowest total score wins.
- Players can substitute non-alcoholic drinks at any hole.
- Players can skip a hole and take a penalty instead of being pressured.
- No one drives after drinking.
Bar Golf Penalties
Penalties make the game funny, but they should not push unsafe drinking. Use social, costume, or score-based penalties instead.
| Penalty | Strokes Added | Why It Works |
| Late to the first tee | +1 | Keeps the group on schedule |
| Lost scorecard | +2 | Makes scorekeeping matter |
| Using golf terms incorrectly | +1 | Creates light comedy |
| No golf outfit or costume | +1 | Encourages theme participation |
| Skipping a hole | +2 | Allows safe skipping without pressure |
| Arguing with the scorekeeper | +1 | Keeps the game moving |
| Phone distraction during a challenge | +1 | Keeps players engaged |
| Unsafe behavior | Disqualification | Protects the group and venue |
Avoid penalties that force extra alcohol. The best penalties are funny, memorable, and safe.
Bar Golf Scorecard Template
You can copy this format into a printable sheet, phone note, spreadsheet, or Canva template.
| Hole | Bar or Station | Challenge | Par | Score | Penalty | Total | |
| 1 | |||||||
| 2 | |||||||
| 3 | |||||||
| 4 | |||||||
| 5 | |||||||
| 6 | |||||||
| 7 | |||||||
| 8 | |||||||
| 9 |
For an 18-hole version, duplicate the table and continue from Hole 10 to Hole 18.
Best Bar Golf Accessories
The game is easier to run when players have scorecards, themed glasses, mugs, stools, and small golf accessories. These also create natural gift and party-bundle opportunities.
1. Bar Golf Scorecard Set
Best for: Birthday parties, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, and organized pub crawls.
A bar golf scorecard set makes the night feel like a real event. Instead of trying to track scores in random text messages, each player gets a printable or reusable card with holes, pars, penalties, and final totals.
This is the most important accessory if you want the game to run smoothly. It also gives players something to keep as a souvenir from the night.
Pros
- Keeps the game organized.
- Makes the party feel more official.
- Easy to customize for 9 or 18 holes.
- Good for teams and individual scoring.
- Works for alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
Cons
- Printable versions require setup before the event.
- Paper cards can get lost during the round.
- Needs a scorekeeper if the group is large.
Buy it if: You want the bar golf game to feel organized instead of chaotic.
Avoid it if: You are only playing a quick casual round with three or four people.
2. Golf-Themed Mugs
Best for: Home bar versions, 19th-hole gifts, and non-alcoholic bar golf setups.
Golf-themed mugs are useful because they work for coffee, tea, mocktails, soda, hot chocolate, and party drinks. They are also safer and more flexible than building the entire event around alcohol.
For a home version of bar golf, assign each player a golf mug and use it throughout the round. This keeps the theme consistent and makes the mug part of the prize or party favor.
Pros
- Works for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Good party favor or prize.
- Easy to bundle with golf ice molds.
- Useful after the event.
- Fits home bar, office, and 19th-hole themes.
Cons
- Breakable if used during a crowded crawl.
- Not ideal for walking between bars.
- Some novelty mugs can look cheap.
Buy it if: You are hosting bar golf at home or want a golf-themed prize.
Avoid it if: The event involves walking between several crowded bars.
3. Golf Bar Stools
Best for: Home bars, golf simulator rooms, garage lounges, and 19th-hole setups.
Golf bar stools are not needed for a pub crawl, but they make sense for a home 19th-hole setup. If you are hosting bar golf at home, a simulator room, garage bar, or basement lounge, golf stools help make the space feel more like a clubhouse.
Look for stools with a comfortable seat height, stable base, footrest, easy-clean material, and a style that matches the room. A golf-themed logo stool works better in a casual bar than a formal home office.
Pros
- Strong fit for golf simulator rooms and home bars.
- Makes a home bar golf setup feel more complete.
- Useful beyond one party night.
- Pairs well with golf mugs and ice molds.
- Good for garage lounges and 19th-hole decor.
Cons
- Costs more than small party accessories.
- Requires space and correct counter height.
- Not useful for a walking pub crawl.
Buy it if: You are building a golf-themed bar, simulator room, or home 19th-hole area.
Avoid it if: You only need small accessories for a one-night pub crawl.
4. Golf Ball Ice Molds
Best for: Home versions, 19th-hole drinks, mocktails, and golf-themed party setups.
Golf ball ice molds are an easy way to make the final “19th hole” feel more thematic. They work for whiskey, cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, mocktails, and party drinks.
They are also good prize items. The winner can take home a golf ball ice mold, or each player can get one as a small party favor.
Pros
- Affordable golf-themed party accessory.
- Works with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Good prize or party favor.
- Pairs well with golf mugs and home bar setups.
- Useful after the event.
Cons
- Only useful where ice can be prepared ahead of time.
- Most basic molds make cloudy ice.
- Needs freezer space before the event.
Buy it if: You want an easy 19th-hole accessory for a golf-themed party or home bar.
Avoid it if: The entire event takes place at public bars where you cannot use your own ice.
Safer Bar Golf Version
The traditional version of bar golf can encourage fast drinking, so it is worth building safer rules into the game from the start. A better version keeps the golf theme but removes pressure to overdrink.
- Allow non-alcoholic drinks at every hole.
- Use smaller serving sizes when alcohol is involved.
- Add water and snack holes.
- Use games and challenges instead of only drink speed.
- Let players skip a hole and take a score penalty.
- Assign a sober caddie or use rideshare.
- Stop the game if anyone feels unwell or unsafe.
No game is worth pressuring someone to drink more than they want. The best bar golf nights are funny because of costumes, scorecards, and challenges, not because someone gets pushed too far.
Non-Alcoholic Bar Golf Rules
A non-alcoholic version can be just as fun and works better for mixed groups, office events, family parties, and golf simulator nights.
| Hole Type | Challenge | Par |
| Mocktail hole | Finish a mocktail or soda at normal pace | 4 |
| Putting hole | Make a putt on a putting mat | 3 |
| Trivia hole | Answer golf trivia questions | 3 |
| Snack hole | Order and share food | 5 |
| Photo hole | Take a themed team photo | 2 |
| Mini-game hole | Play darts, pool, cards, or shuffleboard | 4 |
This version keeps the scorecard, par system, costumes, prizes, and 19th-hole energy without requiring alcohol at all.
Bar Golf Costume Ideas
Costumes make bar golf more memorable. The key is comfort, especially if the group is walking between locations.
- Classic golfer: polo, visor, khaki shorts, and white belt.
- Retro golfer: argyle sweater vest, flat cap, and plaid pants.
- Caddie: bib-style shirt, towel, and scorecard clipboard.
- Country club villain: pastel sweater, sunglasses, and fake confidence.
- Masters-inspired: green jacket look with golf accessories.
- Mini-golf tourist: bright shirt, bucket hat, and novelty putter.
- Team uniform: matching polos, hats, or socks.
Give bonus points for best costume, best team name, and best golf trash talk that stays friendly.
Bar Golf Prize Ideas
Prizes make the scorecard matter. Keep them funny, useful, and golf-themed.
- Golf ball ice mold for the overall winner.
- Golf-themed mug for best costume.
- Custom poker chip marker for best team name.
- Golf tee holder keychain for lowest front-nine score.
- Funny golf socks for highest score.
- Mini trophy for best sportsmanship.
- Golf bar stool or home bar accessory for a larger home-bar prize.
Common Bar Golf Mistakes
Making Every Hole Alcohol-Based
This is the biggest mistake. Mix in games, food, water, trivia, and non-alcoholic options so the night stays fun and safe.
Choosing Too Many Locations
An 18-hole bar crawl sounds fun, but it can become messy. Use 9 holes or repeat stations if the group is large.
Not Planning Transportation
Bar golf should be walking, rideshare, public transportation, or sober-driver only. Do not let anyone drive after drinking.
Forgetting Scorecards
Without scorecards, the game becomes a normal night out. Print cards or use a shared note before the round starts.
Not Checking Bar Rules
Some bars do not allow organized games, costumes, large groups, or disruptive behavior. Call ahead if you are bringing a big group.
What Not to Do
Do not pressure anyone to drink. A player should always be able to choose a non-alcoholic drink, skip a hole, or switch to a challenge instead.
Do not make penalties involve forced alcohol. Use score penalties, costume penalties, team chants, or photo challenges instead.
Do not plan a route that requires driving between bars. Keep the course walkable or use rideshare.
Do not annoy other customers, staff, or golfers. Bar golf should feel like a fun themed game, not a public disruption.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Bar golf can cost more than people expect, especially with a large group.
- Transportation: Rideshare or public transit should be part of the plan.
- Food stops: Snacks and meals help make the night safer and more enjoyable.
- Scorecards: Printed cards, clipboards, pencils, and lanyards add polish.
- Costumes: Matching hats, polos, socks, or accessories can add cost.
- Prizes: Mugs, ice molds, custom markers, or golf accessories make the event more memorable.
- Venue minimums: Some bars may expect reservations or minimum spending for large groups.
Best Bar Golf Version by Group Type
| Group Type | Best Format | Why |
| Birthday party | 9-hole bar golf | Fun without being too long |
| Bachelor party | Team-based 9 or 18 holes | Costumes and prizes work well |
| Office social | Non-alcoholic or mixed challenge format | More inclusive and professional |
| Home bar party | Station-based bar golf | No travel required |
| Golf simulator night | Simulator plus mini challenges | Combines real golf with party scoring |
| Mixed drinkers and non-drinkers | Flexible par system | Everyone can participate safely |
| Large group | Teams of two or four | Easier scoring and movement |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for bar golf?
The basic rules for bar golf are to treat each bar or station as a hole, assign each hole a par, complete the challenge, record the score, add penalties, and make the lowest final score the winner.
How does the bar golf game work?
The bar golf game works like a pub crawl with a golf scorecard. Players move through 9 or 18 holes and try to finish each challenge at or below par.
What is par in bar golf?
Par is the target score for a hole. In traditional versions, it can mean the target number of sips. In safer versions, it can mean the number of trivia attempts, putting attempts, or mini-game tries.
How many bars do you need for bar golf?
You can use 9 or 18 bars, but you do not need a different bar for every hole. A safer version can use fewer locations with multiple challenges at each stop.
Can you play bar golf without alcohol?
Yes, bar golf can be played with mocktails, soda, water, coffee, snacks, trivia, putting challenges, darts, pool, and other mini-games. This version is better for mixed groups and office events.
What are good bar golf penalties?
Good bar golf penalties include lost scorecard, late arrival, no costume, arguing with the scorekeeper, skipping a hole, or breaking a house rule. Avoid penalties that force extra drinking.
What do you wear to bar golf?
Common bar golf outfits include polos, visors, flat caps, argyle sweaters, plaid pants, golf socks, caddie costumes, and matching team shirts. Comfortable walking shoes matter most.
Who wins bar golf?
The player or team with the lowest total score wins. You can also give separate prizes for best costume, best team name, best sportsmanship, and funniest penalty.
Final Recommendation
If you want simple rules for bar golf, build a 9-hole course, assign each hole a par, use a printed scorecard, add funny penalties, and let players choose alcoholic, low-alcohol, or non-alcoholic options at every stop.
If you want the best bar golf game for a larger party, use teams, costumes, a sober caddie, snack holes, water breaks, and prizes. That keeps the golf theme strong without turning the night into a risky drinking contest.
The smartest version is organized before the first hole: route planned, scorecards ready, pars written down, penalties agreed, transportation handled, and everyone free to play at their own comfort level.