Some things in life are always worth appreciating. A good beer. A nice round of golf.
Of course, any golfer knows that you can’t just drink any beer on the course. Aside from the fact that you can’t bring your own beer (you would never do that, right?), some beers might have a more negative impact on your game and day. So, picking the right beers for golf is key.
Here are the best beers for golf that you should be able to find on your course.
Best Golf Beers, Ranked
1. Firestone Walker 805
There’s a lot to love about the 805. This beer is perfectly light, has good flavor, is 4.7% ABV, and doesn’t sit too heavily in your stomach. There are plenty of good occasions to grab an 805 outside of golf, but the course is a great place to enjoy this beer.
2. Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA
I know that adding an IPA is a bold call since IPAs, sunshine, and physical activity don’t mix very well. However, I think the Grapefruit Sculpin IPA gets a pass because the grapefruit flavor is just too perfect. It’s a 7% IPA that leans juicy and crisp, making it perfect to sip. Start your round with a Grapefruit Sculpin, or have one at the turn. Or have one after your round.
If your golf course (or area) doesn’t carry this delicious beer, look for the regular Sculpin IPA or a Hazy Sculpin IPA.
3. Heineken Silver
I don’t want to crowd this list with the “light lager” types (think Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, etc), but I’m going to highlight Heineken Silver. Why? Because it’s low-calorie and I legitimately like the flavor. It’s pretty close to the regular Heineken flavor while still being light and low-calorie, which is a great combination.
4. Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale
The Mirror Pond is a nice pale ale with real flavor, which I love. This beer does lean a little bitter and hoppy, but it’s just 5% ABV, meaning it packs a lot of flavor into a relatively light beer. It’s also available in most areas of the country, so it’s a safe pick if you see it on the beverage cart.
5. Local Lager
Okay, this pick is a bit of a cop-out since it’s not a specific beer, but seriously consider buying a can of a local lager next time you’re golfing. Lagers are the perfect beer for sunshine, and you might find a local brewery that you enjoy! As an example, the Bandon Dunes Sheep Ranch Lager was the perfect pairing for Sheep Ranch, and I’m glad I gave it a try.
6. Athletic IPA
The Athletic IPA, a great non-alcoholic beer, is legitimately one of the best beers to have on the links. Athletic does an incredible job of nailing beer flavor without any of the booze, perfect for someone who is taking their round seriously and doesn’t want alcohol affecting their swing.
Golf Beers FAQs
Most golf courses sell a combination of macro brews, like Budweiser, and craft beer, like Firestone Walker. Courses should also carry some local options, which are always worth trying.
If you care about your score, a non-alcoholic beer is the best choice while golfing. If you’re trying to have fun instead, my favorite beer is the Firestone Walker 805.
Unless your course has a clear no alcohol policy, you’re fine drinking beer that’s sold on the course. Note that bringing your own and drinking it on the course is illegal, and nobody ever does that.
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