The link between golf and beer goes far beyond simply popping a top on the course. While each can be enjoyed in solitude, craft beer and golf also evoke a solid sense of community. As with any sport, there can be friendly competition. Post-game beers are often a traditional way to unwind, discuss the highs and lows, and celebrate victories.
“Craft beer is an expansive culture with a huge gradient of beers, breweries, and folks who enjoy all aspects of brewery culture. Golf is the same, with its athletes, enthusiasts, and fun seekers,” says Heather Kraemer, co-owner and co-founder at Kraemer & Kin, located on Alburg Golf Links in Vermont.
Kraemer & Kin is one of many breweries situated on a golf course. There are even more that are simply inspired by the game, producing beers with golf enthusiasts in mind or striving to combine the beer experience with that of the game.
“We aim to create refreshing, sessionable beers that can be easily enjoyed on the golf course without affecting performance,” says TJ Walker, general partner of Backswing Brewing Co., which offers player-friendly brews such as Citra Kolsch, Wheat Ale, and Backspin Apple Wheat Ale.
Each of these breweries offers its own draws for golf—and beer—enthusiasts.
Kraemer & Kin | Alburgh, VT
Kraemer & Kin is conveniently located on the Alburg Golf Links, an 18-hole course featuring 6,562 yards of golf. The brewery’s location allows for the ability to grow hops and expand production for creatively brewed beers such as Lilac Sour, Coffee IPA, and Garlic Mustard Saison. Once golfers are done playing the course, they can enjoy fresh beer and wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Backswing Brewing Co. | Lincoln, NE
Backswing Brewing Co., located near Eagle Run Golf Course, was founded by three friends who loved to play a round together and enjoy a few beers afterward. The brewery hosts regular viewing parties for major golf tournaments at both its Lincoln and Omaha taprooms. It also collaborates with local golf courses and bars to sponsor tournaments and offer discounts for golfers. Beer lovers can also find the classic Golden Tee arcade-style golf game in both taprooms.
ShawneeCraft Brewing Company | Shawnee, PA
ShawneeCraft Brewing Company is located within The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Pennsylvania. Along with the championship course situated along the scenic Delaware River, there’s also a practice facility designed by golf architect Tom Doak, golf camp and lessons, and a driving range. Afterward, players can enjoy 16 beers and hard seltzers in the brewery’s taproom, such as Mosier’s Mosaic New England IPA, Clubhouse Kölsch, and Seven Bridges American Amber Ale.
Canyon Lakes Golf Course & Brewery | San Ramon, CA
Canyon Lakes Golf Course and Brewery features both 18 beers on tap and an 18-hole golf course—coincidence? Golf-inspired beers include Fairway Gold Cream Ale, Players Premium Lager, Green Jacket American IPA, Members Only California Common Lager, and Scrambler India Pale Lager. A post-game meal here includes expansive options such as pub grub appetizers, soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches, and hearty entrees.
Upland Brewery | Bloomington, IN
Upland Brewery has several locations around Indiana, one of which happens to be perched on The Pfau Course on the campus of Indiana University. The golf course was designed by architect Steve Smyers and two-time major winner and Hoosier native Fuzzy Zoeller. There are also two driving ranges and a short-game practice area with a 100-yard fairway, two green complexes, a 10,332-square-foot putting green, and two practice bunkers.
Hank Hudson Brewing Co. | Mechanicville, NY
Hank Hudson Brewing Co., located at the Fairways of Halfmoon Golf Club, offers an eclectic variety of beers such as Two Buttons Deep Blueberry Golden Ale, Best Summer Ever Sour Ale, Sweet Ruby Black IPA, and Matty A’s Liquid Therapy Double IPA to go along with brick oven pizza, paninis, and small plates.
Whistle Hop Brewing Company | Fairview, NC
While sipping a Honey Fig Vanilla Saison, Chai White IPA, Elderflower Session IPA, or other creative brew, guests can partake in a game of miniature golf at Whistle Hop Brewing Company. It’s a six-hole train-themed course with steel truss bridges, tunnels, other train-related obstacles, and of course places to rest your beer throughout. The miniature golf course is free for guests, along with other outdoor games such as mini bowling, disc golf, Connect Four, and bocce ball.
3 Iron Brewing Co. | Colton, CA
Many of the beers at the aptly named 3 Iron Brewing Co. are inspired by the game, including Albatross Double IPA, Eagle IPA, Short Iron Pale Ale, Ball Striking Blonde, and Hacker’s Honey Wheat. Each of these beers is brewed one barrel at a time to ensure the highest quality. 3ironbrewingco.com
Ironclad Golf & Beer Garden | Hampstead, NC
Ironclad Golf & Beer Garden serves Ironclad Brewing’s beers such as Smoked Honey Lager, Chocolate Coconut Porter, and Expedition Pale Ale, along with shard seltzers. Shaka Taco is on-site for tacos, wings, nachos, and taco bowls. In addition to an 18-hole course, there’s also a driving range and night golf, along with a pickleball center.
Sockeye Brewing | Boise, ID
Sockeye Brewing has two locations in Boise serving an eclectic beer list: Barrel-Aged Coco Peak Milk Stout, a Mexican lager with lime, and Means of Subsistence Extra Special Bitter. Located right inside the Alehouse location is a nine-hole putting course called The Turn. The course and beers complement a food menu of sliders, pretzel bites, and pizzas.
Dogleg Brewing Co. | Vista, CA
Dogleg Brewing Co. points out that with both golf and brewing you have to be creative, calculated, adaptable, and precise, but at the same time social. The brewery, started by friends who met through golfing, serves inspired brews such as Range Session IPA, Blind Shot Hazy Pale, Foggy Fairway Juicy IPA, and Dubbel Bogey Belgian Dubbel. Golf enthusiasts can join the golf league, enjoy golf-related events, play on the on-site putting green, or venture to the golf simulator that offers courses such as Pebble Beach.
Links Brewing | Pittsburgh, PA
Links Brewing doesn’t have a taproom (yet) but the brewery takes its inspiration from golfing, with each beer’s description circling back to the game. Hazy IPA is brewed so you can keep playing despite the weather, Summer Citrus Wheat is when you find yourself two back with three to play, and Christmas American Ale is for when you’re planning a golf trip to Arizona or Florida.
Breweries with Golf Simulators
The list of breweries offering an on-site golf simulator continues to grow. These simulators allow players to virtually golf at a variety of courses around the world while sipping local craft beer.
- 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. – Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Knee Deep Brewing Co. – Auburn, California
- Kings & Convicts – Highwood, Illinois
- Great South Bay Brewery – Bay Shore, New York
- 3 Trails Brewing Co. – Independence, Missouri
- Black Monk Brewery – Erie, Pennsylvania
- Hillsboro Brewing Company – Hillsboro, Wisconsin
- Iron Spike Brewing – Galesburg, Illinois
- Bald Birds Brewing Company – Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania
- North High Brewing – Beachwood, Ohio
- Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. – Helena, Montana
Golf-Inspired Beers
Aside from the aforementioned breweries, many others offer golf-inspired beers.
- Swing Lube Blonde Ale (Twisted Irons Craft Brewing Co.) is “all you need to get through a frustrating round of golf,” coming in at a deceptive 7.5% ABV.
- Pin High Pilsner (Market Garden Brewery) is a Czech Pilsner whose proceeds support youth golf educational programs at Cleveland Metroparks golf courses.
- The label for Emergency Golf Match Amber Ale (McKenzie Brew House) shows two golf attire-clad co-workers tiptoeing away from the office with their clubs in tow.
- Swing Juice IPA (Big Lake Brewing) is a juicy IPA that notes “Having a bad round of golf? Reach for some Swing Juice.”
- Beer for Golf (Off Color Brewing) is the perfect choice for when the links open, brewed with Meyer lemon juice, coriander, lemon peel, and black tea.
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