Golf's Greatest Watering Holes
Everybody likes a good drink or pint while sharing stories about the round, these are some of the most unique golf pubs and bars in the world.
The Dunvegan Hotel
Sitting just a wedge distance away from the 18th green at the Old Course in St. Andrews, lies arguably the most famous golf bar in the world - the “golfers corner” bar in the Dunvegan Hotel.
The walls and ceilings of the bar are completely covered with framed pictures of famous golfers who have stopped by for a pint, from Tiger Woods to Arnold Palmer, basically anyone that is anyone in the world of golf has stopped in at the Dunvegan.
The Dunvegan is frequented by caddies and players who have just completed their rounds on the Old Course, so there is no lack of golf talk and stories. Whether you have played the Old Course or one of the countless courses at or around St. Andrews, you surely won’t want to miss having a pint at the Dunvegan.
The Jigger Inn
About a par 5 away from the Dunvegan is another one of the most famous golf bars in the world. Situated along the “Road Hole” on the Old Course, the Jigger Inn dates back to 1852 when it was part of the St. Andrews Links railway station. Here tourists and golfers alike can enjoy a meal or drink overlooking one of the most famous golf holes in the world, the 17th or “Road Hole” at the Old Course.
The Jigger Inn has gotten the nickname as the “the most famous 19th hole in golf” and during events is frequented by fans and players alike. Louis Oosthuizen dined there multiple times in 2010 when he won the Open Championship at the Old Course. He enjoyed it so much he even returned on Sunday evening with the Claret Jug to enjoy his victory.
Now a part of the Old Course Hotel and owned by Herb Kohler, the Jigger Inn is a part of Destination Kohler. Regardless of whether or not you are staying at the Old Course Hotel, you will want to stop in for a pint and to check out the golf memorabilia at one of the most famous pubs in the world of golf.
Ducks Inn
When it comes to great golf regions of the world, East Lothian in Scotland may take the top spot. While golf is the main attraction here, East Lothian and specifically Aberlady, is home to one of the best golf pubs in the world - the Ducks Inn.
Ducks Inn has become famous in the die hard golf circles for its putting challenge created by owner Malcolm Duck. In this challenge, you putt off a barstool (pictured above) about 30 feet to a duck shaped see-saw. It doesn’t happen often, but those who succeed get their name on the wall for the rest of the Ducks Inn days!
Casa Roberto
While not having the location of some of the famous golf bars and pubs already mentioned in this article, Casa Roberto, near Marbella, Spain, can’t be left off this list.
Opened in 1968, the owner initially hung a single set of his old golf clubs from the roof of the restaurant. From there the collection grew and more clubs have been added over time. By the 1990’s, the restaurant was in the Guinness Book of World Records, for having the largest collection of golf clubs in the world at 4,393 clubs.
The walls are adorned with photos of golfers and there are stories and signatures written all over the walls. Golfers from all over the world have stuck membership badges on the walls as well. Caso Roberto Restaurant, while maybe not a traditional golf pub, it no doubt goes down as one of the most unique golf bars in the world.
Mr. B’s Pub at the Pine Crest Inn
Not much beats a dimly lit, quaint, small bar in any part of the world, add in a golf mecca like Pinehurst and now we are talking. Mr. B’s Pub, filled with both charm and memorabilia, is the perfect place to have a pint after or in between rounds at one of the many Pinehurst courses.
One Pine Crest Inn tradition you will want to try out while at Mr. B’s is chipping balls into the lobby’s fireplace. Maybe if you are lucky enough to be there during a major championship, you could get some chipping pointers from one of the tour pros that frequent the establishment.
McKee’s Pub at Bandon Dunes
There are few places in american golf that make players feel like they are in Scotland more than Bandon Dunes, and its pub - McKee’s, is no exception to this. Bandon Dunes has a variety of restaurants to suit all palets, but McKee’s is the quintessential golf pub.
After golfing all day on the seven courses of Bandon Dunes, McKee’s pub and the patio outside become a gathering spot for players staying on-site at the Bandon Dunes resort. Stories of the great shots and some shanks along the way are told over a pint and the scene is a lively and boisterous one. If you are looking for a pint or a single-malt scotch to end your day at Bandon Dunes, this is the place to be.
Great list, Mike!