The post 2025 best golf beers: Cheers to the game’s greatest brews  appeared first on Golf.

The post 2025 best golf beers: Cheers to the game’s greatest brews  appeared first on Golf.

To start our fifth (!) edition of our attempt to rank the best beers in golf for the year that was, we should make it understood that this exercise is harder to perform than keeping our favorite beverage cool during the summer. No, we ask not for pity, as the job of reflecting back on great rounds and great drinks brings more joy than the 19th hole’s first sip. It’s just that there’s this one simple fact:  

Any beer is a good golf beer. 

The light beer in a can at the muni? Good!

The imported bottle in the grill room? Good! 

The hoppy IPA on draft at the country club? Good! 

There’s no losing here. But some simply go down smoother than the others. And this is an effort to try to name them. 

Some introductions of our four-person panel. There’s the author, a native of Milwaukee who learned the game on parks department courses — and grew up across the street from a bar. There’s Chad Underwood, an Ohioan whose travels around the world in pursuit of great golf and beer make the author envious. There’s Scott Coleman, co-founder of Cushwa Brewing Company in Maryland, a brewery that you must visit if you haven’t and one you’ve returned to if you have. There’s Ryan Guthy, one of the co-founders of Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, N.C.,, a brewery whose popularity is unmatched along much of the East Coast. 

Our assignments are threefold. We rate:

– The best beers with golf in the name, a nod to creativity 

– The best golf club beer, a salute to those courses that invest in their own brew 

– The best golf beers, a raise of the glass to the game’s greatest brews 

Before we begin, two important notes:

Our rankings should be labeled as a conversation-at-the-bar starter, and not an end all, be all. Regionality plays a large role here, as does taste, and we’re just four golfers who also like their suds. 

So … if you think a beer should be in any of the ratings …

Please email me (nick.piastowski@golf.com), or reach out over Twitter (@nickpia). Bonus points if you want to mail me a sixer, of course. Then, around next year at this time, I’ll post the ratings again. Shoot, you could end up in the panel even.

With that, here are the 2025 ratings. Cheers!

Best beers with golf in the name (top seven, in alphabetical order) 

Lifestyle

2024 best golf beers: Our toast to the game’s finest brews 

By: Nick Piastowski

— Azalea by Emancipation Brewing Co., Fairbury, Illinois: Easy pick. 

— Birdie on a Par 3 by North Pillar Brewing Co, Waukesha, Wisconsin: Good beer, good name. One of the reviewers has stopped at this newer brewery a few times, and was happy to see it add a golf beer. 

— Crispy on the Course by Country Club Brewing, South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Wrote a reviewer: If there’s anywhere a crispy beer is at home, it’s on the golf course.

— Pin High Pilsner by Market Garden Brewing, Cleveland: Back again. A portion of the beer’s proceeds are donated to support youth golf educational programs at Cleveland Metroparks Golf Courses.

— Ridin’ Birdie by Wrong Crowd Beer Company, West Chester, Pennsylvania: A returnee. A contender for the best use of ‘golf’ in the name.    

— Tart Path Only by Dogleg Brewing Company, Vista, California: We’ll bring this beer back again. But several others at Dogleg could have made this list. 

— Yippie IPA by St. Andrews Brewing Company, Scotland: Another returnee. The St. Andrews Brewing Company is also a sponsor of LPGA pro Gemma Dryburgh, a friend of the ratings.

Best golf club beer (top 15, in alphabetical order) 

— 1854 IPA, brewed for Philadelphia Cricket Club by Conshohocken Brewing Company, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania: Back again. A favorite of the panel.  

— Allegheny Airstrike, brewed for Allegheny Country Club by Links Brewing Company, Pittsburgh: Wrote one of our raters: “Very few feelings are as satisfying as seeing your Airstrike arrive on the course.”

— Bandon Pale Ale, brewed for Bandon Dunes by Hop Valley Brewing Company, Eugene, Oregon: An obvious returnee. Just a good golf beer. 

— Blue Cup Lite, brewed for Columbia Country Club by Brookeville Beer Farm, Brookeville, Maryland: Wrote a reviewer: “Easy-drinking lager to help you traverse the surprising amount of hills on this Chevy Chase, Maryland, gem.”

— Champions Lager, brewed for Scioto Country Club: Said a reviewer: “The beer from Jack’s home course growing up is a delightfully refreshing beer that can be enjoyed on a hot summer day, preferably after making the turn at the wonderfully redone Andrew Green design.”

Lifestyle

2023 best golf beers? Sit back and crack open our ‘spirited’ rankings 

By: Nick Piastowski

— Cog Hill Long Drive Ale, brewed for Cog Hill Golf & Country Club by Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, Lemont, Illinois: Wrote a reviewer: “Best to down one before breaking out the lumber.”

— Dyeabolical, brewed for Whistling Straits by Eagle Park Brewing Company, Milwaukee: This easily could have fit in the category above.  

— False Front, brewed for Rolling Green Golf Club by Levante Brewing Company, West Chester, Pennsylvania: Last year, this beer was suggested by a reader, who wrote: “Don’t forget False Front. Made for Rolling Green Golf Club, an homage to architect William Flynn’s dastardly green designs. A delicious IPA, also sold under the name Cloudy and Cumbersome.”

— Fore Y’all Muni Lager, brewed for Charleston Municipal by Freehouse Brewery, Charleston, South Carolina: A returnee from last year. We’re always fans of muni beers. 

— Lark Lager, brewed for Meadowlark Golf Course by Laguna Brewing Company, Laguna Beach, California: Another beer suggested by a reader, who wrote: “An easy-drinking session beer with our inception date (1922) and course layout on the can. We also can get it on draft!”

— Level Par Lager, brewed for Canal Shores Golf Club, by Sketchbook Brewing Company, Evanston, Illinois: The brewery’s description of the beer is how every beer should be described: “The perfect beer for pizza, a round of golf, or a day relaxing in the backyard. 

— Oakmont 1903, brewed for Oakmont Country Club, by Links Brewing Company, Pittsburgh: A must-have at the host of this year’s U.S. Open. 

— Red Wicker ESB, brewed for Merion by Conshohocken Brewing Company, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania: A couple of years ago, one of our raters described the beer this way: “I don’t know if it’s because it’s poured out of a red wicker basket handle, or because I’m on cloud nine after walking the hallowed grounds of Merion, or because I’m in a daze after their world-famous showers, but this beer, poured into a frosty cold mug, is a delight.”

— Stymie, brewed for Columbia Country Club by Logboat Brewing Co., Columbia, Missouri: One of the best golf beers, for a couple of reasons. The taste is great. And so is the attention to detail — the can is wrapped in a dimpled sticker (!) that shows the logo and course map. The author tried one of these earlier in the year — and saved one to enjoy after this story was written.  

— The Ocean Course Pale Ale, brewed for Kiawah Island Golf Resort by Low Tide Brewing, Johns Island, South Carolina: One of the better pale ales you’ll have. Nominated by a few of our raters. 

— Bonus! A Masters beer! Crow’s Nest Wheat Ale: The author enjoys this one — after his stories are filed, of course. 

— Bonus! A club cocktail! KFC, mixed at the Golf Club: Wrote a reviewer: “This cocktail, which originated at the Golf Club, has been replicated by many clubs throughout the Midwest. A delightful combination of Ketel One, Fresca and cranberry, you won’t be disappointed when you give this one a whirl. I’ve started making it on my own on hot summer days.”

Best golf beers (top 15, in alphabetical order) 

— Bourbon County Brand Original Stout, Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago: This beauty is meant to be had post-round, as it’s higher in alcohol, but it’s very, very delicious. 

Lifestyle

Best golf beers? Best beers with golf in the name? Here’s an unscientific ranking 

By: Nick Piastowski

— Genesee Cream Ale, by Genesee Brewing Company, Rochester, N.Y.: Said one of our raters: “After my first go-around at Oak Hill East this summer, I was delighted to hear they had Genesee Cream Ale on tap. While I’ve been drinking it for years on my annual trips to the Finger Lakes, this light and easy drinker took on new meaning after a day facing the East course. It was a revelation, and I even bought a 30-pack to bring home with me!” 

— Greenskeeper IPA by Land-Grant Brewing Company, Columbus, Ohio: A mainstay on this list. 

— Guinness Draught by Guinness, Dublin, Ireland: Maybe the author’s best beer moment of the year came via a post-round Guinness at the Brazenhead in Dublin. 

— Heady Topper by The Alchemist, Stowe, Vermont: The author’s favorite beer. A bit stronger, but perfect for after the round. 

— Lakeside Lager, by Ithaca Beer Co., Ithaca, N.Y.: Wrote a reviewer: “Another post-round beer on my trip to Central New York this year. This lager was full of flavor and packed a punch, yet was light and refreshing. A must-try if you’re up in that area, and a perfect beer after a round in the scorching heat of mid-summer.

— Lime Drop, by Wicked Weed Brewing, Asheville, N.C.: Wrote Guthy: “On a hot summer day, this salted lime lager that comes in at 4.8 percent is a must for your golf cart.”

— Michelob Ultra, by Anheuser-Busch InBev, St. Louis: Said a reviewer: “You always need a crusher in your bag. Ultra is very versatile — whether you want to throw back some beers, need an easy sipper or are counting calories, this beer is always consistent and really made for the game of golf.”

— Moon Boots, by Sideward Brewing, Orlando, Florida: An excellent IPA — and it’s also served at Bay Hill.  

— Moon Man Pale Ale, by New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus, Wisconsin: Wrote a reviewer (and not the native of Wisconsin rater): “I’m a little nervous about this being sacrilegious. Everyone who’s taken a trip to Wisconsin knows about the Spotted Cow farmhouse ale, but on my recent trip to Sand Valley, I found I preferred this pale ale, which I had never seen before. I always found Spotted Cow a little light for my taste, and the Moon Man tastes more like I want my beer to taste to me.” 

— Par Punch by Workhorse Brewing Company, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania: Easily one of the best beers on this list. 

— Pernicious, by Wicked Weed Brewing, Asheville, N.C.: Up and down the East Coast, Pernicious is quickly becoming the go-to IPA. 

— Tempest Hazy IPA, by Narrows Brewing, Tacoma, Washington: The author loved this beer after playing a round this summer at Chambers Bay. 

— That’ll Play, by Cushwa Brewing Company, Williamsport, Maryland: Wrote Coleman: “Brewed in collaboration with Lock Kyle of Make Golf Fun Again to simply make the game we all love a little more enjoyable. Crisp lager with just the right amount of lime to quench your thirst any time of year.”

— Yuengling Traditional Lager, by Yuengling, Pottsville, Pennsylvania: Said a rater: “For those who prefer an amber lager, you can never go wrong with choosing ‘America’s Oldest Brewery.’”

Editor’s note: You can read the 2024 rankings here, the 2023 rankings here, the 2022 rankings here and the 2021 rankings here. 

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The post Best beer? Hangover cures? 21 questions with a brewery co-founder and golf nut  appeared first on Golf.

The post Best beer? Hangover cures? 21 questions with a brewery co-founder and golf nut  appeared first on Golf.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Ryan Guthy’s well-stocked beer cooler is resting at the ready in the carriage at the back of his golf cart, when he waves his hand, catching you off-guard. 

The beer cart approaches. He’s buying from them, too. 

He says he always does actually. 

“I do think it’s OK to bring a few beers on the course,” he said. “And I do think it’s very important to support whoever’s running the cart or working the turn house.

“I think it’s important to tip.”

Of all the ways to depict Guthy, the scene does it well. He’s a stick, which you eventually fully learn through his sub-75 score. He’s a beer man, as he’s a co-founder of Wicked Weed Brewing, a popular brewery based in Asheville, N.C. And he doesn’t lack courtesy. While it’s understandable for someone like Guthy to break course etiquette and smuggle beers — his own beers — onto the course, he also takes care of the house and cart driver.  

What better source, then, to talk golf and beer, a pair often intertwined at their respective homes. On the golf course, you imbibe. At the bar, you celebrate your wins — or drown your double bogeys. Below, over beers after a round, is a conversation with Guthy. We talked about which beers are best for golf. And hangover cures. 

And his thoughts on BYOB. 

Wicked Weed’s co-founder on golf course drinking 

NP: What is the right amount of beer for the course to maximize the ‘sweet spot?’

RG: I’m a huge, huge believer in the sweet spot in golf. I think it’s real. So I would say, I like a pre-beer before I tee off. That’s one of the things I always like. And I would say post-that, you have a beer every four holes. Pre-tee off; two beers front; maybe, if there’s a long turn, you have a beer there, and then you finish with two beers on the back side. And that is if you’re not driving. But if you’re just hanging out, having a good time, I think that’s the right combination for the sweet spot.   

NP: What’s the right amount of beer for the course for, say, a money match, where you’re really focused, but you and your friend do like having a beer?

RG: Money match, OK. It’s a good question. It doesn’t vary too different from where I am. I think the sweet spot is very much the money match. I would say, I’m more of like one beer pre-(round), one beer nine, second beer nine. I would say that’s the ultimate of, OK, I want to go low. I want to go low, I don’t want to have more than really a beer a nine. I want to have one to be social and be out there and enjoy something, but I want to be more focused on what I’m doing. 

NP: What’s the right amount of beer for the course for, say, a bachelor/bachelorette party, where there’s a driver and fun is maximized?

RG: The fun is maximized. OK, so I do a guys’ trip every year, which is a lot of fun. So wake up, we love to do an 8 or 9 a.m. tee time, so we can be in, be out and enjoy the back end of the day.

Travel

Planning a golf buddies trip on a budget? Check out this glorious summer destination

By: James Colgan

NP: Sleep is a second thought.

RG: Sleep is a second thought. A thing like that is, some people do beer, some others, they want a bloody [mary], they want a transfusion, they want something to get themselves rehydrated from the night before. But to me, that’s more of I want to stick with light beers because I know it’s going to be a longer day across the board. Well, maybe I want to be my ultimate self — I want to have a [Wicked Weed] Pernicious here, a Pernicious there and have the beer I really want to enjoy, but on a trip like this, we’re going to look at the lighter side of things, the pilsners of the world.    

NP: How many beers is too many for the golf course?

RG: Whew, once you start hitting out of bounds. 

Wicked Weed’s co-founder on golf course beers

NP: If you’re going to have four or so beers on the course, are there any combos to lean into or avoid?

RG: So, as much as I love sour beer, I try to stay away from sour beer on the golf course from just a straight indigestion — I’m getting older now and that’s not what I’m looking for. I’m looking for crisp, refreshing. I’m personally not a dark beer fan on the course. I want to keep it either hoppy or lighter. If you keep it in that wheelhouse, you’re in good shape. I got a few buddies that are like, OK, we’ll do a bourbon stout in the morning and then kind of transition out — that’s their coffee of the day. 

NP: What’s the best beer for the course, Wicked Weed division?  

RG: Wicked Weed division. So for me, it’s changed over the years. A few years ago, Appalachia — that’s a session IPA. Moved to Daylight, which was our take on a domestic light lager. Now, with us doing really traditional lagers and styles, I would say Pils first. This time of year, I love the Fest Bier that kind of complements the lager series, but that’s what I want to drink when I’m on the golf course. I want something a little lighter, a little bit more crisp and a little bit lower in alcohol — that’s my go-to when it comes to having a beer. 

NP: What is the beer for the course, non-Wicked Weed division?

RG: Non-Wicked Weed division. Like this question. From the craft beer side of things, I like two beers, I would say. I do like Founders All Day IPA. That’s one of the beers that I really enjoy. Highland makes a really cool one here locally — the AVL IPA that is a little lower in alcohol, which is nice to get something hoppy. And then, you know, I love an Ultra, the PBR that is crispy and refreshing when I need it. 

NP: After the round, what does a brewery owner do when they see a bartender pour their beer? Do you just turn away? I would call you an expert on that, and when you see someone do it, do you cringe, do you watch? 

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RG: I’m always watching what’s going on. I love to see not only what I’m ordering and how it’s poured and how it’s delivered, but what consumers are looking for, the person on the golf course. What’s getting pulled the most from the draft system? What is getting taken from the cooler? I think always have an observation of the clientele and the base and what they want is critical. I love it. I love watching somebody pour a pint of Pernicious and just seeing the smile on my face, the bartender’s face, the consumers’ faces is crazy, and I think we started out as a small, little brewpub not thinking we’d ever have beer anywhere else. Now see it poured not only in North Carolina but whether you’re in Florida or New Hampshire, wherever you are, seeing it being poured in these states, I have to pinch myself. 

NP: What was it like when you first saw one of your beers on a golf course?

RG: I’m trying to remember the first course. I’m going to go outside North Carolina because North Carolina is one of the states we expect beer to be poured in. I went to Kiawah Island, and we have an awesome wholesaler down there, great relationship. I did not know if we had beer on the golf course or not and it was absolutely one of the most crazy experiences. The cart person came by, and I asked, hey, what do you have for craft beer, and I heard Pernicious was in there — I almost cried I was so excited to see it outside of our home state.

NP Did you honestly get it?

RG: Oh, yeah. Of course. You have to. I’m the person who still — if you see Wicked Weed beer in any restaurant or any town or any gas station or any grocery store, that’s what I’m buying. Love supporting what we do and love supporting the brand. That’s the first choice. Love other craft beers, but I’m going to purchase a Wicked Weed beer. 

Wicked Weed’s co-founder on golf and beer 

NP: What’s a good golf beer game?

RG: I guess my favorite golf beer game, which I would say isn’t necessarily beer related, but it’s Bourbons and Buddies, where somebody in your group that you’re playing with makes a birdie, the whole group — someone has a flask and you take a little swig off the birdie. 

NP: Should the golfer who makes a hole in one buy whoever is around them a round of drinks? 

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RG: Yes. I know a lot of people think that might be a backwards concept, but it’s a tradition at this point, and one that I think if you don’t do, I’m fearful that you won’t get your next hole in one. That’s something you want to keep from a superstition standpoint. But yes, I’m an advocate of you get a hole in one, you buy the group a round, and, hey, If there’s some people around the bar with you and you want to celebrate a little extra, let’s make that happen too.

NP: I don’t like asking a brewery owner to talk about wasting beer, but this comes to light because Justin Thomas at the Ryder Cup four years ago struggled with this: What’s the best way to shotgun a beer? 

RG: From a golfer standpoint, I think there’s a lot of great ways. A golf tee — you got to start with a golf tee. We typically start with a golf tee. 

NP: The best beer cart has … 

RG: The best beer cart has food, as in not just bars and candy. You have a hot dog or to-go sandwiches. You have a cocktail bar that can do transfusions, bloody marys, whatever you’re in the mood for. You have a great domestic list for people who want just light whatever and then you’re pulling from local, regional breweries from a craft perspective. 

NP: What does the proper beer cooler look like?

RG: I tried to pack one today. For a foursome, it had a six-pack of Fest Bier, so a little lager. It had a six-pack of Pernicious, our IPA. And it had three Freak of Natures, which I like to say is the kickoff beer. You have the kickoff beer and then you have that. If you get through it all, then bless you, and if not, then you have enough to take home or whatever you need. 

NP: If you never take a cart, what’s the best way to stash your beer while you’re playing a shot?

RG: Walking with beer is much more difficult, I have to say. It’s one more weight that you’re carrying, and because you’re more exposed to the sun, it’s going to heat up quicker. I think the best way to do it is you pop a beer between putting green and tee box, and I think from there, you’re going to get a good amount of your sips in. And by the time you’re down to the next green, hopefully you’ve been able to do it, because walking with beer is such a different experience — you just need to do it a little quicker. 

NP: What do you do with warm beer when you’re playing golf?

RG: I’m lucky that I’m in the brewing industry and I can afford to dump a beer. If I get to a warm beer, one, I’ve probably not done my part to let it get warm. But two, I’m not going to drink it. Yeah. Back when I was 21 years old and would have whatever came in front of me, maybe then. Yeah, just not going to do it. 

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NP: What beers pair best with hot dogs?

RG: I’m going back to the pilsner aspect of things. A Bud Light, a Daylight, a Wicked Weed Pils, that with a hot dog, I think, is the right combo. I can argue a fruited wheat beer could be there. From a pairing aspect, do you really want to start getting creative with toppings, flavors, et cetera? But outside of that, a lot pairs with hot dogs, but I think those are the two go-tos. 

NP: From a brewery owner’s perspective, why is there such an overlap between golf and beer?

RG: Socialization would be the No. 1 thing. I think you tend to golf with people you love to be with, and you tend to drink beer with people you love to be with. And I know you can play golf as a single, you can drink as a single at the bar, and that’s also fun, but I do think the reason they pair so well is the socialization aspect of the game. 

NP: What’s the best hangover cure for a morning round? 

RG: So I hate — I’m never a fan of having to take Advil or anything in general, but I know if I’m going to do a big guys’ trip or I’m really excited for a round the next morning that’s earlier and I know we’ve had a big night out prior, I think an Advil or two at night before you go to bed is the number one motivator to get you up and moving the next morning. I’m also a fan of a little hair on the dog action. I’m not necessarily the liquor guy who wants a bloody or a transfusion or something like that, but right before we tee off, make sure you have a nice 12-ounce beer in your system and you’re good to go. But a combination of water and an Advil or two before you go to bed is the number one hangover cure for me.

NP: I’m asking this question from personal experience: Is there science behind playing better with a hangover? The system is maybe calmer, so to say. 

RG: I don’t know if the science is there, but my gut reaction is with you. There are times that maybe I didn’t feel like waking up and being my best self like physically, mentally because I had a little hangover going into the golf round, but I’m with you — I think some of the best rounds and nine holes especially that I’ve played — I think the more you can take your mind off from focusing on what you do when hitting the golf ball and you just let your body do what it’s designed to do, the better you play. I don’t think it’s a — whether you’ve had two or three beers and that’s your way of your sweet spot or you’re a little hungover and you’re not overly thinking, I think there’s a combination of being in that realm where you stop thinking about what you normally think about and you just let your body do what it should do. I’m with you. I think the more we can get out of our own heads, the better we play. I think that’s the best way to say it — from a hangover to a beer or two, if that’s what it takes to kind of stay out of overthinking, beautiful thing. Overthinking in golf is the worst thing in the world. 

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The post 20 for 20: 20 reasons why golf could be even greater in 2021 appeared first on Golf.

The post 20 for 20: 20 reasons why golf could be even greater in 2021 appeared first on Golf.

As 2020 comes to a close and we turn the page to 2021, GOLF staffers are taking a minute to reflect on … whatever they want. Welcome to 20 for 20.

Josh hit his ball down the middle of the fairway. I hit my ball down the middle of the fairway. Josh hit his ball onto the green. I hit my ball onto the green. Josh marked and picked up his ball. I marked and picked up my ball.

“Hey, Josh,” I said. “I don’t think this is mine. What ball you playing?”

“Titleist 2,” Josh said. “Yeah, I don’t think this is mine. What ball you playing? 

“Titleist 3,” I said.

“You got mine.”

“You got mine.”

Josh had hit my ball from the fairway. I had hit his. We didn’t hit either Josh’s Titleist 2 or my Titleist 3 again. We sheepishly laughed, dropped both balls to the green, darted to our separate carts, doused our hands in hand sanitizer, put ourselves down for 4’s and drove off to the next hole. 

That was my eighth hole of the year.

That was my eighth hole of the Covid year. 

We made two ’Rona pars, the people behind us found two Titleists right smack dab on the middle of the green, and we stayed safe. But as the calendar turns to 2021 and we turn our hopes toward the vaccine and the end of the pandemic, here’s to hanging onto perfectly good golf balls, one of 20 reasons why golf may have been great in ’20, but it could be even greater in ’21.

Those lost balls? Hopefully yours again 

Should you and I, when it’s safe again, find a golf ball in the woods, or under a leaf, or, shoot, on the green, it’s yours again, (somewhat) worry-free. 

News

Golf and the coronavirus: how to play with confidence, according to an expert

By: Nick Piastowski

Speaking of, this brings up one of my funnier stories of the year. 

Back in March, I wrote, “Golf and the coronavirus: How to play with confidence, according to an expert.” The second rule — “How you should handle your golf balls” — led to this quote from my infectious disease source: “If you’re picking up random golf balls, don’t touch your mouth. Maybe leave it behind.” Except the original quote didn’t have the word “golf” in it — which led to a text asking if I could add that in, as the source’s co-workers had printed the story out and put it on a bulletin board. 

One to a cart? Hopefully it’s two again

I rode for most of the summer. And except for one round with my wife and one round with a friend with a giant piece of clear plastic between us, I rode solo. No conversations. No catching up. No jokes. Just me and my thoughts (scary!), and my friends in socially-distanced carts yards and yards away. Hopefully, when it’s safe again, we ride again.

Beer here!  

Speaking of carts … 

I played somewhere around 25 rounds this year, at just about a different course each time. I saw two beer carts. Two! No Miller Lite. No Bud Light. No Coors Light. No craft beer. No cocktails. No oasis on wheels. Of course, maybe this is why I played better. But, hopefully, when it’s safe again, and I see a cart far off into the hazy horizon, I’ll know it won’t be just a maintenance wagon.

Let’s shake on it 

I like the fist bump. And I have to admit: I actually like the putter-tap move to your playing partners on 18. Has a sort of “Lord of the Rings” sword vibe to it. (Nerd!) But, when it’s safe, I’m a handshake guy. Remove the cap, walk over, look the other player in the eye and say, “Good round,” as if you have just climbed Mount Doom or something. (Nerd!) 

Hug it out   

Same as above. But with two arms. A hug. For those special rounds. That 69, 79, 89 or 99, when it’s safe, should get a little love.

What’s on the menu? 

I’ve had a cheeseburger and fries after a round at Bethpage State Park in New York. At Shadow Creek In Vegas. And at Currie Park in Wisconsin. And at Dodge Riverside in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Other courses, too. I’m a cheeseburger-and-fries-in-the-clubhouse golfer. You add up the scorecard. You ask to get the game on. You stretch your legs out. You eat. This year, only a few of the courses I played at had food, and the ones that did served it in a styrofoam box. It filled me up, but I was hungry for more. When it’s safe, I’ll be eating a burger, medium well, with swiss or american cheese, lettuce, ketchup and pickles; hold the tomato.

Cheers! 

I’ve had a tap beer after a round at Bethpage State Park in New York. At Shadow Creek In Vegas. And at Currie Park in Wisconsin. And at Dodge Riverside in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Other courses, too. Gotta wash that cheeseburger down, right? A glass is class. A Guinness just doesn’t seem right without it. Plastic cups are for college kegs. 

(And hey, when it is safe and we do eat and drink and saddle up at the bar, tip. These staffs have been hit. Hard.)

Smile! 

Back to my first round of 2020. I wore a mask up until I teed off on 1, and I put it back on when I putted out on 18. In between, my mask was in my front-right shorts pocket, where, occasionally throughout the round, I’d thoughtlessly drop in a muddy tee right next to it. I was protected against Covid, but not against my own stupidity. When it’s safe, I’ll smile, and you’ll be able to see it.      

So fresh and so clean    

Sometime during the summer, while paying for a soda at the turn, I turned to the hand-sanitizer dispenser, pressed it and properly cleaned not just my hands, but my forearms, my shirt and my shorts. That bogey on 9 had pumped me up to pump down. Like our swings, it’s all about tempo. In 2021, we’ll be the Adam Scotts of hand sanitation. 

Awkward! 

My last round of the year was just as Covid-awkward as the first. On the par-3 3rd hole, while we were waiting for the group ahead of us to finish up, one of the players we were paired up with had something to say to me. He began talking. And walking. Closer. Closer. The prescribed 6 feet became 5, then 4, then 3. Then I backed away. But he kept coming. It was a tee box tango. When it’s safe, hopefully we can leave the dancing to Miguel Angel Jimenez.   

Ryder Cup is back 

In 2012, before his tee shot on 1 during his Sunday singles match at the Ryder Cup at Medinah, Bubba Watson asked for noise from the crowd, the crowd answered, and he swung away. The event is as much about the fans as it is the golf. It made sense, then, to move it from ’20 to ’21. When the American fans can cheer DJ and JT and boo Rory, and the European fans can cheer for Tommy-Tommy-Fleet-wood, and boo Captain America. 

The Open Championship is back 

Three men’s major championships were played in 2020. One was not. The oldest one. The Open Championship was canceled last April, but it will resume in July. Fans on one side of the pond will celebrate a champion over dinner, and fans on the other side will celebrate over breakfast. 

Fans will be back

The other day, I rewatched Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa’s back-to-back bombs on 18 at the Workday. I relistened, too. There were a few claps. A few shouts, not including Thomas’. You can actually hear someone whistle. The roars would have been deafening. Instead, only the silence was. Fans should gradually return in 2021. So should the noise. 

Patrons will be back 

Maybe it was just me, but the Masters without its patrons this year was like a pimento cheese sandwich without all its pimentos. It was the Masters, yes, but it was missing some zing. Though Augusta may ultimately go without a gallery in 2021, too, here’s to hearing the roars again.

Homecoming 

I played my first golf tournament at Currie Park in Milwaukee. (At the time, I had been playing for about three months, hit my 5-wood about 150 yards and shot 108. Charlie Woods, I was not.) I broke 40 for nine holes for the first time at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee. (Par for the front nine is 34, but a 39 is a 39.) I played golf with my dad the one and only time at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee. (And we cheated, too!) I was born in Milwaukee. I lived there for the first 22 years of my life. I’ve come back home at least once a year ever since. The streak hopefully starts anew in 2021.  

I’m going to play golf with Matt again

You all have a Matt. The friend you’ve played golf with since high school. The friend who needles you when he outdrives you by 50 yards, and who you needle right back because, even though the drive went 50 yards farther, it also went 100 yards to the right. The friend you played golf with the day before his wedding, and the friend who played with you the day of your wedding. In 2021, Matt and I are hopefully going to play again. He just texted me the other day about a deal he found at Fire Ridge in Grafton, Wis. Book it. 

I’m going to play golf with Ethan again 

You all have an Ethan. The college friend who didn’t play golf before you met him, whom you convinced the sport did have sun and beer so it couldn’t be that bad, and who would end planning a buddies’ trip to Bethpage State Park as your best man’s gift. In 2021, Ethan and I are hopefully going to play again. The sweet thing is, Ethan and Matt are friends. Add in our other friend Matt, and I have my foursome. Book it. 

I’m going to play golf with Jay, Ross and ‘Gus’ again 

You all have a Jay, Ross and “Gus.” The friends who you met somewhere along the way, whom you stayed connected with when you all went in separate directions, and whom you meet somewhere once a year to eat, drink and be merry. Man’s Trip 1: Nick and Jay defeat Ross and Gus in a scramble at Grant Park in Milwaukee. Jay tees off with a putter at various points. Man’s Trip 2: Nick and Jay defeat Ross and Gus in a scramble in Kansas City, and the golf is so good, we play the next day, too, at Swope Memorial, a Tillinghast design and one of the funnest munis I’ve ever played. Man’s Trip 3: Nick, Jay and Ross play at a small track in Minneapolis. In the rain. Man’s Trip 4: Nick, Jay and Ross play the Sydney R. Marovitz public course, which is sandwiched between Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. Jay, Ross, Gus and I are hopefully going to play again. Book it. 

I’m going to play with my nephew again 

I saved this for last. It’s the most important. I have a small family, and I was really the only one who played golf. Until Mason. My wife and I have played nine holes at Hansen Park in Milwaukee with our nephew. We’ve played 18 at Hansen with him. We’ve played nine at Eagle Run in Omaha with him. And we’ve eaten at Culver’s after every round. He’s turning 13 in January. I have only a few years left where I’m still outdriving him. This hopefully will be one of them. 

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The post This strange trick will make your on-course beer taste even better appeared first on Golf.

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Late last week I saw an article coming across my feed from Lifehacker that could my eye. It had a picture of a beer with a pickle in it. Sure, I’ll take the bait. The article, written by Claire Lower, features some pretty unconventional but handy advice that relates to golfers: To put a pickle in your glass of beer. It works best with lighter beers, she says, and the reasoning is simple:

The pickle gives the beer flavor—something it desperately needs—and the salt tastes particularly welcome on a hot, sweaty day (it’s the electrolytes). The gentle sourness imparted by the pickle is balanced by whatever bitterness is present in your tallboy, and the whole thing is quite refreshing. Also, you get to eat the beer-soaked pickle when you finish your beverage. It’s good!

On the course during a stiflingly hot round over the weekend, I couldn’t wait to give it a try myself. I cracked open a cold budget beer at the halfway house, asked for a pickle spear (which you’ll almost certainly receive free of charge, along with a slightly strange look that’s also free-of-charge), combined the two, waited a few seconds and took my first swig.

The first taste was definitely subtle. I almost didn’t notice it at first until the pickle taste came up on the back end. After about a minute of letting it soak in, though, it came alive. The pickle added a genuinely nice salty, tangy element that paired nicely with the crisp, light beer. I was worried it would become overly pickle-y, but it never did. The longer the pickle soaked, the more pronounced the flavor became, but it never became overwhelming. You don’t need to love pickles in order to enjoy it; as long as you don’t hate it, give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

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