For golf lovers, a golf-themed party is a natural choice for a birthday, retirement or club celebration. Whether you book a golf entertainment venue or transform a garden into a mini course, a few simple ideas can make the event memorable for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Venues
- Golf entertainment venues with bays, food and drink. Read golf entertainment venues.
- Golf club function rooms.
- Simulator centres. Read home golf simulator guide.
- Mini golf courses for children.
- Your garden.
Games
- Putting contest: a few holes on a lawn or carpet.
- Chipping into buckets.
- Closest to the pin on a short course.
- Golf trivia quiz.
- Hole-in-one challenge on a short hole. Read hole in one guide.
Read golf practice games and golf games for kids.
Decorations
- Green tablecloths and flags as table markers.
- Table names after golf terms: "Eagle", "Birdie", "Fairway".
- Scorecard invitations and place cards.
Food and drink
- Golf-ball cake pops and cupcakes.
- A putting-green cake.
- Themed names: "the 19th hole bar", "hole-in-one punch".
Favours
- Personalised golf balls, ball markers or tees. Read golf tees, ball markers and divot tools.
- Golf-themed sweets.
For different occasions
- Retirements: a scramble with friends and a dinner.
- Children's parties: mini golf and games. Read golf for young children.
- Milestone birthdays: a golf day with prizes. Read golf trophies and prizes.
Party ideas by age
| Age group | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Young children | Mini-golf course with soft balls, colouring golf pictures, a putting relay |
| Older children and teens | Driving range or simulator party, closest-to-the-pin challenges, golf trivia |
| Adults | Golf day with a meal, simulator night, garden putting tournament |
| Retirees | A friendly scramble, a nine-hole round and lunch, a party at the club |
Read golf games for kids and golf entertainment venues.
Building a garden putting course
You don't need a golf course to throw a golf party:
- Use cups, cans or plastic holes sunk into the lawn or placed on the patio.
- Create obstacles from pool noodles, boxes and garden furniture.
- Number each hole with homemade flags.
- Use scorecards and pencils for a proper competition.
- Offer putters for left- and right-handed guests.
Party games
- Closest to the pin: on a range, simulator or garden green.
- Longest putt holed.
- Golf trivia: questions on rules, terms and history. Read golf terms every golfer should know.
- Blindfold putting: a funny game where a partner gives directions.
- Chip into a bucket or onto a towel.
Food ideas
- Hole-in-one cupcakes with green icing and a flag.
- "19th hole" bar with drinks and snacks.
- Golf-ball cake pops and "sand trap" desserts with crumbled biscuits.
- Club sandwiches (a golf pun that never gets old).
Prizes and favours
- Golf balls with personalised markings. Read golf ball numbers and markings.
- Tees, ball markers and divot tools.
- Trophies or certificates for game winners. Read golf trophies and prizes.
Planning checklist
- Choose a date and venue.
- Send invitations with a golf theme.
- Plan games and prizes.
- Arrange food and drink.
- Check equipment and any venue rules.
Read gift ideas for golfers.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I hold a golf-themed party?
At golf entertainment venues, golf clubs, simulator centres, mini golf courses or at home.
What games work for non-golfers?
Putting contests, chipping into buckets and golf trivia.
What are good golf party favours?
Personalised balls, ball markers and themed sweets.
Can I host a golf party for kids?
Yes, with mini golf and simple games.
Can I hold a golf party at a golf club?
Many clubs host private functions, golf days and junior parties. Contact the club's events team.
What's the best golf party for non-golfers?
Mini golf or a simulator venue, where no experience is needed.
The bottom line
A golf-themed party can be as simple as a garden putting contest or as grand as a golf day with dinner. Add themed food, decorations and games for everyone. For more ideas, read golf-themed weddings.