Øl Golf: The Complete Guide to Beer + Golf Fun

aikdesigns October 5, 2025

0 10 10 minutes read

Imagine walking a gentle course of greens, clubs in hand, sun overhead, and each hole brings not just a test of your swing but also a shared laugh and a refreshing drink. That’s the idea behind øl golf (literally “beer golf” in Scandinavian languages). It blends the light competition of golf and the social atmosphere of enjoying a beer with friends.

Whether you’re a golf lover, a beer enthusiast, or someone looking for a fresh party idea, øl golf offers a relaxed, creative way to bring people together. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: what øl golf is, how to play, how to host, how to do it safely, and how to make it memorable.

I’ll also share bits of my own experience and tips I’ve learned by experimenting with variations. The goal is that after reading this, you feel confident to set up your own Øl Golf event (even if your course is just your backyard).

2. What Is Øl Golf (Beer Golf)?

Definition & Origin

The word øl means “beer” in Danish and Norwegian. So øl golf literally means “beer golf.” The concept is simple: you combine a golf-style game (or mini-golf, or even improvised holes) with drinking rules. Each hole involves not only your strokes but also some sipping or drinking.

It’s less about high-level performance and more about fun, social interaction, and light competition. The rules are almost always flexible—groups adapt them to their liking.

There is some similarity to “pub golf” (a drinking game where bars play the role of holes) . But while pub golf is more of a bar crawl with fixed drink tasks, øl golf is more tied to golf-style play—shots, courses, obstacles.

Appeal & Social Value

Here’s why people gravitate toward Øl Golf:

It lowers the barrier to entry. If you’re not a skilled golfer, you can still enjoy the ride.
It merges activity with social drinking, which many find more appealing than just sitting around.
It fosters camaraderie: shared laughter, jokes about bad swings, and collective cheers.
You can tailor it: serious or casual, light or wild, backyard or golf course.
It’s memorable: people love events that feel unique and spontaneous.

From my own experience: I once played a backyard version with friends. We used buckets, cardboard ramps, and beer cans as holes. The rules changed mid-game. But by the end, we were grinning, comparing scores (and spills) and already planning a rematch. That kind of shared narrative sticks.

3. Basic Rules & Scoring

Because øl golf is inherently flexible, the “rules” below are more of a framework you can adopt or adapt. Always clarify rules with your group before starting.

Basic Round Structure

Choose how many “holes” you’ll play: often 9 or 18.
For each hole you have a shot task (e.g. hitting a ball into a bucket, getting into a circle, putting into a cup).
Along with the shot, there’s a drinking component: sips, gulps, finishing, etc.
Each “stroke” counts like in golf. But drinking might add penalties or bonuses.
At the end of all holes, lowest total score (strokes + drinking adjustments) wins.

Scoring — Par, Birdie, Bogey & Sips

One common approach is to mirror golf terminology:

Par: The expected number of strokes (or combined strokes & sips) for a hole.
Birdie (one under par): You might get a reward (e.g. you can assign a sip to someone).
Bogey (one over par): You drink a penalty sip.
Double bogey or worse: More drinking penalties (e.g. extra sips per excess stroke).
Some versions allow special rules like “chug putt”: if you sink a long putt, others have to chug or drink remainder.

Here’s a simple scoring example for one hole:

Hole 1 is par 3.
You take 3 strokes and 2 sips (your rule: 1 sip per stroke). Your “score” is 5.
Your friend takes 4 strokes but just 1 sip. Their total is 5.
If your group agrees a birdie gives you the right to assign a sip, you could make someone take an extra sip.

You see how flexible it is: some groups count each sip as a “stroke,” others treat them separately and add/subtract.

Another rule: missing the shot might force you to take an extra sip (a penalty). Spilling could also mean penalty sips. Be creative.

Penalty & Drinking Rules

Missed shot = +1 sip
Spilling = +1 or +2 sips
Long putt sunk = others take a sip
Drinking before stroke (if group deems that invalid) = penalty
Speed rule: take your shot within some time or take a sip

Again, clarify these before you begin. The rules should add fun, not confusion.

4. Variations & Formats

One of the joys of øl golf is how many ways you can make it your own. Here are some formats and twists.

9-Hole, 18-Hole & Team Play

A 9-hole round is good for casual gatherings or when time is limited.
18 holes gives more room for ebb and flow of competition.
Team play: Pair up players; combine their scores or allow alternating rules. Teams make the social aspect stronger.

Speed Rounds

Set a time limit per hole or overall. If you exceed it, incur drinking penalties. This adds adrenaline, but you have to watch that the drinking pace stays safe.

Match Play

Instead of total score, each hole is its own contest. Whoever wins the hole (lower combined strokes + sips) gets a point. At the end, the one with more holes won wins.

Non-Alcoholic / Light Versions

To include non-drinkers or those who prefer to limit alcohol:

Use non-alcoholic beer or soda.
Make sips correspond to small tasks (e.g. take a sip of sparkling water).
Use food items (a bite) instead of drinks.
Reduce drinking penalties; focus more on the golf challenge.

This keeps the spirit but lowers risks.

Festival / Party Versions

At larger events: set up multiple “beer golf stations,” pair each with a sample of craft beer. People rotate, try beers, play holes. Many Scandinavian events adopt this kind of format.

5. Equipment, Course Design & Setup

Here you decide where to play and what you need.

Beer, Vessels & Holders

Choose a beer you like. Light lagers or pilsners usually work well because they’re easy to drink.
Use insulated holders, koozies, or golf bag cooler sleeves to keep drinks cold. Some groups design custom holders for their bags.
Use cans or bottles depending on preference and safety (cans less prone to breakage).

Course Layout Options

You have choices based on space:

Backyard / garden: Use buckets, cups, cones, string, ramps.
Park or open field: Mark holes with cones, nets, hula hoops.
Mini golf course: Use an actual mini golf setup.
Golf course / par-3 courses: Book in advance (if allowed), use quieter times, or get permission.

When designing, aim for variety: some easy holes, some harder; some near, some far; obstacles, slopes, curves.

Props & Obstacles

Ramps, tubes, tunnels
Cardboard walls, slants
Water hazards (optional & safe)
Moving parts (if safe)
Timers, penalty zones

You can reuse mini golf accessories, or DIY using household items.

Logistics & Flow

Map out your course before the event.
Mark start and end.
Ensure players know direction & path.
Leave rest zones (for water, breaks).
Plan for cleanup (trash collection for bottles, cans).

6. Etiquette, Safety & Responsible Play

This section is crucial. Mixing alcohol with sports and physical activity demands responsibility.

Responsible Drinking & Hydration

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
Eat throughout the game—don’t drink on empty stomach.
Set an upper limit of total alcohol (e.g. “no more than 2 beers per 9 holes”).
Encourage slower drinking and breaks.
Have non-alcoholic options for those who prefer.

Safety & Awareness

You’re swinging clubs—vigilance matters.
Don’t drink too much before serious swings.
Avoid sharp obstacles or dangerous props.
Be cautious of slippery ground if spilled drinks.
If weather is extreme (heat), consider scaling back drinking or shortening the course.

Legal & Local Rules

Some golf courses ban outside alcohol or have strict licensing laws. Always check.
In some places public consumption laws may apply.
If you serve alcohol to others, be aware of liability.
Always ensure transportation: someone should stay sober or arrange ride-sharing.

Course Etiquette & Respect

Don’t disturb regular golfers if you’re on a real course—stick to slower times or private bookings.
Don’t leave trash: pick up cans, bottles, wrappers.
Keep pace: drinking should not slow the game to the point of blocking others.
Respect the rules you set, even if liberal. Consistency matters.

From my own past games, one time a spill made the ground slippery and someone slipped slightly. We added extra care from then on. It’s often small mistakes that lead to problems, so planning and care go a long way.

7. Hosting Tips & Strategy

Here’s how to make your øl golf event smooth, fun, and memorable.

Planning & Pre-game Setup

Pick a venue and map layout ahead of time.
Walk through one round to test distances, obstacles, drink access.
Decide the rules in advance and circulate a “rule sheet.”
Prepare scorecards, pens.
Bring extra water, snacks, first aid kit.
Provide extra beer / non alcoholic drinks.
Arrange cleanup bins or trash bags.

Flow & Timing

Start with simpler holes so everyone gets warmed up.
Mix harder holes mid-round when groups settle.
Incorporate rest breaks or snack stops.
Limit time per hole (e.g. 2–3 minutes) to keep momentum.
Rotate players or teams so groups stay fresh.

Strategy: Balancing Drinking vs Playing

Pace yourself: drink slower early to stay sharp.
On tougher holes, you might postpone drinking until after your hit.
Use penalties as psychological leverage: don’t take punishments lightly.
Assign sips to others tactfully (if your rules allow).
In team play, help teammates: “do you want me to take that sip so you stay fresh for the next shot?”

One tip: before the event, play a practice hole with everyone. Use that to test your rules and see if any tweaks are needed.

Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Overdrinking: set limits, monitor.
Confusing rules midgame: keep them simple and clear.
Running out of supplies (drinks, ice): bring extra.
Guests leaving early: design for variable group sizes.
Mood swings / competitiveness: remind everyone it’s for fun first.

I once organized a 9-hole version at a park. We underestimated distance between holes and one hole became a flat slog. We modified it on the fly. Be flexible.

8. Variations, Creative Adaptations & Case Studies

To inspire you further, here are some real and creative versions others have run.

Stories from Scandinavia and Beyond

Because “øl” is Scandinavian for beer, many Øl Golf-style events appear in Norway, Denmark, etc. Some golf clubs in those regions host “beer golf tournaments” or social evenings.

In Norway, hotels or resorts have organized events combining mini golf + beer tastings.

Some Scandinavian rules limit alcohol consumption or require licensing for full events.

Festival / Large-Scale Versions

At festivals or social events, organizers set up multiple øl golf stations. Each station may pair with a different beer or challenge. People rotate, get samples, and play for fun. These versions often scale down the drinking per hole to avoid overconsumption.

DIY & Backyard Versions

Probably the most accessible version is in your backyard. Use:

Buckets or plastic cups as holes
Ramps made of cardboard or wood
String or chalk to mark the course
Koozies and coolers to keep beer cold
Timers via phone

You can also adapt to small indoor locations, using mini golf sets inside.

Non-alcoholic & Inclusive Versions

To make the game more inclusive:

Use non-alcoholic beer or beverages
Mixed play: some holes drinking, some dexterity or quiz tasks
Replace sips with bites of snack or non-alcoholic challenges
Family version: “juice golf” for kids

I once played a hybrid version where half the holes were drink challenges, half were trivia or physical tasks. It kept people with lower alcohol tolerance engaged and made the game more varied.

9. Cultural & Future Trends

Let’s talk about what makes øl golf interesting culturally and where it might head.

Why It’s Growing

Desire for novel social experiences: people are tired of standard bar nights or conventional sports.
Hybridization of hobbies: combining activities (beer + sport) is a trend.
Festival and “experience economy” culture: events that feel Instagrammable, shareable.
Golf’s image softening: golf has often been seen as formal; øl golf adds a laid-back, fun twist.

Challenges & Criticisms

It might trivialize alcohol consumption.
Safety risks (especially in large groups or hot climates).
Regulatory or liability issues.
Not all golf courses will allow it.
Balancing competition vs fun — too much emphasis on drinking can overshadow the game.

Future Possibilities

Standardized event formats or local leagues.
Partnerships between breweries and golf courses.
Official rulebooks or sanctioning bodies.
More non-alcoholic or low-ABV versions as demand for mindful drinking increases.
Technology integration: apps to track score + sips, AR (augmented reality) obstacles, etc.

I can imagine an “Øl Golf Cup” where teams travel, play rounds, sample local beers, and compete across cities. The branding opportunities are strong.

10. Conclusion

Øl golf may sound like a quirky mashup, but it’s really about community, laughter, and play. It’s a reminder that activities don’t need to be seriousness-bound to be meaningful. When done thoughtfully—with safety, responsibility, and respect—øl golf can create some of the most memorable gatherings among friends.

You don’t need a pristine golf course or formal rules. A backyard, a few obstacles, a handful of beers (or non-alcoholic choices), and a willing group are all you need to begin. The spontaneity, the shared groans at bad shots, the cheers over long putts, they all build stories.

If you ever host one, remember: the aim is fun, not excess. Play light, laugh loud, and let the game be a backdrop to connection. With a little care, øl golf can become your go-to for social weekends, casual tournaments, or just a playful twist on old traditions.

FAQ

Q: Is øl golf legal everywhere?
A: Not necessarily. Whether you can bring alcohol depends on local laws, golf course rules, public drinking regulations, and liability concerns. Always check ahead and get permission if needed.

Q: Can I play øl golf without alcohol?
A: Absolutely. Many groups use non-alcoholic beer, soda, or replace drinking with snack tasks. The core of øl golf is adding a fun twist, not pressure to drink.

Q: How many beers is too many?
A: It depends on your tolerance, weather, pacing, etc. A good guideline: limit total alcohol consumption per round (e.g. 1–2 standard beers per 9 holes) and always hydrate with water. Know your limits.

Q: What if one player is drinking faster than others?
A: You can include rules to penalize fast drinking (e.g. max one sip per hole) or require breaks. The idea is to avoid imbalances or unsafe behavior.

Q: Is it okay to hold øl golf at a commercial golf course?
A: Possibly, but you’ll need permission. Some courses forbid outside alcohol or require licensing. Approach management in advance with your plan and liability safeguards.