**The Best Golf Beers: A Celebration of the Game’s Icy Companion**
Golf, the activity we love to hate, reward and punish, is often accompanied by a cold beer. The worst day at golf is better than the worst day at golf, and a beer can make even the most frustrating round more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll celebrate the best golf beers, from those with golf in their name to those brewed exclusively for golf clubs.
**The Rankings**
Our panel of four golf enthusiasts, including Nick Piastowski, Chad Underwood, Scott Coleman, and Ryan Guthy, have compiled a list of the best golf beers. We’ve categorized the beers into three groups: best beers with golf in their name, best beers for golf clubs, and best overall golf beers.
**Best Beers with Golf in the Name (Top Five, in Alphabetical Order)**
1. **Duck Hook** by Southern Pines Brewing Company, Southern Pines, South Carolina: A delicious hefe with a hint of banana flavor.
2. **Pin High Pilsner**, Market Garden Brewing, Cleveland: A crisp, refreshing pilsner with a portion of the proceeds going to youth golf education programs.
3. **Ridin’ Birdie** from Wrong Crowd Beer Company, West Chester, PA: A hazy IPA with a tropical flavor profile.
4. **Tart Path Only** by Dogleg Brewing Company, Vista, Calif.: A tart, refreshing beer perfect for hot summer days.
5. **Yippie IPA** from St. Andrews Brewing Company, Scotland: A hoppy, citrusy IPA with a nod to the famous Scottish golf course.
**Bonus!**
Ryan Guthy, co-founder of Wicked Weed Brewing, has a new beer in the works: “White Tees.” This Belgian White beer is perfect for everyday golfers.
**Best Golf Club Beers (Top Nine, In Alphabetical Order)**
1. **1854 IPA**, brewed for the Philadelphia Cricket Club by the Conshohocken Brewing Company, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania: A returnee to our list, this IPA is perfect for golfers who appreciate a good hoppy beer.
2. **Allegheny Airstrike**, brewed for Allegheny Country Club by Pittsburgh’s Links Brewing Company: A beer with a unique history, brewed to commemorate the country club’s use as an airport during World War II.
3. **Bandon Pale Ale**, brewed for Bandon Dunes by Hop Valley Brewing Company, Eugene, Ore.: A returner to our list, this pale ale is perfect for golfers who appreciate a balanced beer.
4. **Cliff Hanger**, brewed for Whistling Straits by Eagle Park Brewing Company, Milwaukee: A beer with a great name and a great flavor profile.
5. **False Front**, brewed for Rolling Green Golf Club by Levante Brewing Company, West Chester, Pa.: A beer with a unique name and a delicious flavor profile.
6. **Merion IPA**, brewed for Merion by Workhorse Brewing Company, King of Prussia, Pa.: A beer with a great name and a great flavor profile.
**FAQ**
Q: How did you come up with the rankings?
A: Our panel of four golf enthusiasts compiled a list of the best golf beers based on their personal preferences and experiences.
Q: What criteria did you use to evaluate the beers?
A: We evaluated the beers based on their flavor profile, aroma, and overall drinkability.
Q: Can I submit my own beer for consideration?
A: Yes! We encourage golfers and beer enthusiasts to submit their own beer for consideration. Please email us at [nick.piastowski@golf.com](mailto:nick.piastowski@golf.com) or contact us on Twitter at @nickpia.
**Conclusion**
Golf and beer are a match made in heaven. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, a cold beer can make even the most frustrating round more enjoyable. In this article, we’ve celebrated the best golf beers, from those with golf in their name to those brewed exclusively for golf clubs. We hope you’ve enjoyed this journey and will continue to explore the world of golf and beer. Cheers!**The Best Golf Beers: An Unscientific Ranking**
As any golfer knows, there’s more to playing the game than just hitting the ball. A great round is often accompanied by a refreshing beer, one that complements the sunshine, fresh air, and camaraderie of the course. But with so many beers to choose from, which ones truly stand out as the best golf beers?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 12 golf beers, in alphabetical order, from our unscientific ranking. These beers have been sampled and vetted by experienced golfers and beer enthusiasts, so you can trust that they’re among the best.
**The Top 12 Golf Beers**
1. All Day IPA from Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, MI – One of our raters said: “As the brewery says, it satisfies your palate while keeping your senses sharp (until you no longer care).”
2. Bad Birdie Juicy Golden Ale by Four Peaks Brewing, Tempe, Arizona – A collaboration between Four Peaks and Bad Birdie, this beer is a delicious treat on the golf course. Just the right amount of “juicy” flavor. Lower the alcohol content. Big, big fan.
3. Crow’s Nest Wheat Beer – Who brewed it remains unknown, although GOLF’s Josh Berhow tried to find out.
4. Del’s Shandy by Narragansett Beer, Providence, Rhode Island – “Queen your summer thirst,” said one of our raters.
5. Freak of Nature by Wicked Weed Brewing, Asheville, North Carolina – One of our raters said: “This is the best pre-round beer. It inspires confidence and makes you let go.”
6. Fore Y’all Muni Lager, brewed for the Charleston Muni Lager by Freehouse Brewery in Charleston, South Carolina – “A beer for the average guy that’s often ranked among the best Muni beers in America,” said one of our raters.
7. Greenskeeper Session IPA from Land-Grant Brewing Company, Columbus, Ohio – Back Again. A sincere thank you to those who keep our courses running.
8. Guinness Beer from The Guinness Company in Dublin, Ireland – One of our raters said: “I made my first pilgrimage to Ireland this year, and while it’s been mentioned in previous articles, I can assure you that this recommendation is as good as it gets. Probably perfect imagination.”
9. Heady Topper by The Alchemist, Stowe, Vermont – The author’s favorite beer. A bit strong, but great for after turns.
10. Irish Red, Smithwick’s, Kilkenny, Ireland – A rater who played golf in Ireland this year noted: “I quickly discovered that for some of us, Guinness just doesn’t settle in the stomach after a while. That leaves too much room in.”
11. Par Punch by Workhorse Brewing Company in King of Prussia, PA – Extremely smooth. Perfect.
12. Salty Golfer Pineapple Blond by Grand Strand Brewing Company, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – One of our raters said: “I had the pleasure of tasting this beer with Salty Golfer himself, a Pawleys Island native. of legend. A moderate amount of pineapple can add a hint of sweetness.”
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What makes a good golf beer?
A: A good golf beer is one that’s refreshing, easy to drink, and enjoyable in the sun. Look for beers with a crisp, clean taste and a moderate ABV.
Q: Can I drink beer on the golf course?
A: It depends on the specific course rules and regulations. Some courses allow it, while others do not. It’s always best to check ahead of time to avoid any issues.
Q: What’s the best golf beer for a beginner?
A: For a beginner, we recommend starting with a lighter beer with a lower ABV. Some options include the Del’s Shandy or the Fore Y’all Muni Lager.
Q: Can I bring my own beer to the golf course?
A: It’s usually best to check with the course before bringing your own beer. Some courses may not allow it, while others may have specific guidelines.
**Conclusion**
When it comes to the best golf beers, there are many options to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s a beer out there for you. Remember to always drink responsibly and respect the course rules and regulations.
So the next time you’re hitting the links, be sure to grab a cold beer and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Cheers!
