An Essential Guide to Epic 19th Holes

My taste in 19^th holes is quite eclectic– ranging from sipping a single malt in Wales overlooking the ocean at a top 100 course to chugging a frosty can of beer in Florida under an oak tree at a city-owned golf course.

No, this is not a definitive list, rather a compilation of some of my all-time favorites where I either hoisted a few frosty ones or had a couple of whiskies (neat, of course).

Let’s just say all of them have The Golf Travel Guru seal of approval.

Cheers!

1. Royal Porthcawl (Porthcawl, Wales, England)

Adorned with black and white pictures of past club presidents, plaques listing past Royal Porthcawl club champions and appointed to rich wood tables and leather chairs and sofas, the bar is a phenomenal place to drown your sorrows or celebrate your victories after playing one of the world’s great links courses. An seaside view and great collection of beers, ales and whiskies makes this simple bar a spectacular experience.

2. Chambers Bay Grill (Tacoma, Washington)

The golf is phenomenal at Chambers Bay and toasting to your good fortune is just as good at The Grill. The spacious veranda offers views of the picturesque links style course and panoramas of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. You might even see a train chug by in the distance with tracks bordering several holes. My drink choice was a Widmer Hefeweizen on draught, but they have some excellent micro brews, too. Don’t miss the Wagyu burger, it’s freakin’ amazing.

3. Golfers Corner Lounge at The Dunvegan (St Andrews, Scotland)

Yeah, Yeah, I know it’s always packed with Americans and a bit touristy, but I just can’t visit St Andrews, play golf and not drain a few at “The Dunny”. I love to gaze at the historic pictures adorning the wall and chat it up with Old Course caddies. The classic Yogi Berra line, “It’s so crowded, nobody goes there anymore” could well describe this St. Andrews favorite. Dubbed “The Dunny” by locals, the bar is situated just 112 yards from the 18th green of the Old Course.

4. McDonnells (Bellmullet, Northern Ireland)

If you’re lucky enough to play Carne Golf Links in Northern Ireland, I suggest you have a few cold ones at the bar/restaurant overlooking the stunning, naturally beautiful courses. After that, continue your celebration at McDonells a few minutes away. The nickname for this cozy pub teeming with locals is “The Lobster Pot” (because once you go in, you never come out). Suggested to me by Carne Golf Links G.M. Jerry MacGuire, I sauntered into McDonnell’s one night and, yes, I did make it out, but just barely. The locals are a friendly bunch and there’s a great selection of beers and ales.

5. The Jigger Inn (St Andrews, Scotland)

It’s one of golf’s most famous 19^thholes in the world. Set adjacent to the Old Course Hotel in an historic building that dates back to the 1850s, this traditional Scottish pub is brimming with golf memorabilia. It’s a great place to grab a pint and sit near an open-hearth fire and listen to golf stories from other patrons or spin a few yourself. When it’s time to dine, my go-to is the Jigger Burger with Mull Cheddar, Ayshire Bacon and Fries.

6. Lounge and Spike Bar at Royal Liverpool (Hoylake, England)

After playing this Top 100 links course that has hosted twelve Open Championships, you probably made a few birdies or the wind was howling and you needed a calculator to tally up your collection of snowmen, triples and doubles. Either way, I highly suggest you retire to the Royal Liverpool Lounge and Spike Bar. Following my pitifully played round, I bellied up to the bar and ordered a single malt. I was expecting a two finger pour and I can only assume the bartender looked at my sad mug and decided to make it a four finger. After a few sips of the golden nectar, my mind had me thinking I had actually made a few birdies. Whisky can help that way, I guess.

7. Flora-Bama Lounge (Perdido Key, Florida)

If you venture to the Gulf Shores, Alabama area to play courses like Kiva Dunes, Craft Farms and Lost Key, by all means conclude your day with a few rounds at the Flora-Bama Lounge. It gets its name from its location on the Florida-Alabama border. Former Oakland Raiders quarterback and serious partier in his day, Kenny Stabler, once called it “the best watering hole in the country.” A combination oyster bar, juke joint and seafood shack, the Flora-Bama is an authentic American roadhouse. Don’t miss the Mullet Toss Festival staged the last full weekend in April.

8. Winter Park 9 (Winter Park, Florida)

Absolutely no frills here. You sit under massive, shady oak trees at tables with umbrellas and enjoy a $2 Budweiser or Coors Light (yeah, only 2 freaking bucks a can) as you celebrate your 2-hour round at one of the world’s best short courses. Owned by the city of Winter Park, WP9 is a fabulous short course golf experience.

9. Sun Valley Resort (Sun Valley, Idaho)

If you’re looking for pure bliss after a round of golf, this clubhouse has a wrap-around terrace with an outdoor fireplace, postcard beautiful mountain panoramas and an excellent menu of burgers, sandwiches and salads. Doubling as a Nordic ski center in the winter, the Sun Valley clubhouse has perfected the idea of providing the “good life” for its patrons, whether they’re playing golf or swishing down the slopes.

10. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club (Orlando, Florida)

Arnie drank here. Enough said. Kettel One on the rocks, the bartender told me was his drink of choice. The Members Bar is a relaxing, fireside bar with comfy leather chairs and sitting areas and drink menu featuring a good selection of single malt whiskeys, traditional cocktails and Arnold Palmer wines. Though it’s a members bar, hotel guests are afforded access. It’s simple and unpretentious just the way Arnie wanted it. If you’re an Arnold Palmer fan (and who isn’t?) you absolutely must enjoy a libation here after playing Bay Hill.