Organizing a party with friends and need a game that will provide laughter, competition, and creativity? Pub golf might be the answer. And with the perfect pub golf scorecard, you can have an unforgettable night, regardless of the size or style of your group. In this guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of pub golf, get a 101 breakdown of the anatomy of the ultimate scorecard, and receive step-by-step instructions — along with a customizable template and expert tips — to create your own.
What is Pub Golf and why is everyone doing it this weekend?
Pub golf is a drinking game created with the intention of being as great a possible at turning even the most minor night into an epic themed event. Instead of green fairways and sand traps, you putt-putt through a “course” of pubs or bars, each with a specialty drink and its own challenge. The goal? You visit each “hole” (pub), you have to finish your drink with a set number of sips (par) and you keep score like you would on a real golf course.
With a proliferation of themed bar crawls, viral videos, and creative party planning, pub golf has soared in popularity. And there is a pull in the whimsical mash-up of costumes, strategy and opportunity to crown a “champion” by the end of the night. The real secret? But this is no ordinary drinking session, this is serious competition… That’s where the pub golf scorecard comes in.
What Is a Pub Golf Scorecard and How to Use?
A pub golf scorecard serves as your map and scoreboard for the entire match. In the same way that a traditional golf scorecard records each participant’s shot total at each hole, a pub or bar golf scorecard is used to mark your performance at each venue, how many sips (or gulps!) you’re required to take in order to finish the drink, and your overall position in the game. The scorecard is a ledger and a travelogue. It records every challenge met, every unlikely victory, and perhaps even a memorable quote or two.
The Purpose of the Scorecard
- Order: Keeps everything on the crawl neat and on time.
- Competition: Calculates results and generates good-natured competition.
- Memory Maker: Gets a keepsake from the night, typically involving laughter.
Perfect Pub Golf Scorecard Anatomy
To help ensure your event goes without a hitch, some basic details should be on every pub golf scorecard. Here’s what you need:
Pub Names
Cover the spots you’ll be going to. You could turn these into some fun golf-themed names, such as “The Nineteenth Hole” or “Sand Trap Inn.”
Hole Numbers
Each pub or bar is a “hole.” Give them numbers to simplify the process.
Par Scores
Assign a “par” to each pub. 3 The par is the number of sips it should take to finish your drink (e.g., 3 sips for a pint, 1 for a shot). Players try to finish or better par.
Drink Type
By choice, but does lend a hand in keeping up with what specialties are being consumed at each stop (beer, cider, cocktail, etc).
Player Names and Score columns
Individual participant rows, for hole by hole scores and final count.
Special Rules or Challenges
Certain pub golf nights will have extra rules, penalties for spillages or even additional mini-games added (such as using your non-dominant arm).
The Ultimate Pub Golf Scorecard Template
Feel free to copy, print, or modify this table for your next pub golf evening:
|
Hole |
Pub Name |
Drink |
Par |
Player 1 |
Player 2 |
Player 3 |
Player 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
The Open Arms |
Pint of Lager |
3 |
||||
|
2 |
The Watering Can |
Half Cider |
2 |
||||
|
3 |
Bogey Bar |
Jägerbomb |
1 |
||||
|
4 |
The Sand Trap |
Gin & Tonic |
2 |
||||
|
5 |
The Eagle’s Nest |
Craft Ale |
3 |
||||
|
6 |
Club House |
Shot of Tequila |
1 |
||||
|
7 |
The Fairway |
Cider |
2 |
||||
|
8 |
Final Flagstick |
Espresso Martini |
2 |
||||
|
Total |
Ideas for Making Your Own Pub Golf Scorecard
And give your pub golf night a unique twist by customizing your scorecard to your group’s vibe and the scene in your area.
Personalize Pub Names
Have some fun with names for each “hole.” Insert puns or references to golf legends. The more personal you are, the more unforgettable your event.
Set Smart Pars
Base “pars” on drink size as well as strength. Maybe dovetail one or two of the water breaks or soft drink holes (we’ll call these “easy holes”) to ensure everyone is pacing themselves.
Special Challenges
Liven up some holes with amusing rules, such as “drink your beer with your non-dominant hand,” “no talking while in the process of sipping” or “finish the hole in a ridiculous accent.”
Get Artistic
Feature color coding or icons on drink types, tricky challenges, or bonus rounds. You might even want to leave room for participants to scribble in a “wild card” pub if the mood takes them.
Go Digital
Prefer your phone to paper? Create your scorecard in Google Sheets or on a custom app. Share it with the group so scores can be seen in real-time.
Theme It Up
Get guests to dress the part of golfers, award mini trophies as prizes and maybe even a silly “penalty” for those who fancy a Twitch of the old twig (golf-themed dares?).
Why Pub Golf Scorecards Will Make A Great Night Even Better
The pub golf scorecard is way more interesting than a spreadsheet. It takes a night out with friends into an interactive, unforgettable experience. The very sensation of keeping score, the suspense at each new hole, the proud moment of declaring your group’s “pub golf champ” at the close,makes this the night out of a lifetime.
And the memories of course! Your completed scorecard, crammed with chicken-scratch notes, impossible scores and doodles, becomes the perfect memento of your night out. You’ll look back years later, laugh and perhaps even plan for round 2.
Up Your Pub Golf Game
The next time you’re planning a night out, don’t be satisfied with a mere crawl. Design your own pub golf course, draw up your own scorecard, and invite old and new friends to play. Experiment with special challenges, themed outfits and mini prizes for such categories as “best dressed” or “most creative hole name.” Your imagination is the only limit.
Ready, set, go- the lowest score is the winner!Download our free editable pub golf scorecard template today!
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