Every round of golf tells a story, but the 19th hole? That’s where the legends are truly born. Whether you’re celebrating a personal best or nursing a scorecard full of what-ifs, the post-round beverage is sacred. Across the country, golf courses and clubhouses have developed signature drinks that perfectly cap off a day on the links. Here’s a tour of some of the best 19th hole drinks—and the courses where they’ve become tradition.
1. The Transfusion – East Coast Classic
Where to Sip It: Winged Foot Golf Club (Mamaroneck, NY)
What’s in It: Vodka, ginger ale, and a splash of grape juice
Why It Works: Light, refreshing, and sneakily strong, the Transfusion has become an unofficial golfer’s drink, especially popular in the Northeast. Winged Foot’s take is particularly legendary.
2. Bloody Mary – Brunch and Birdies
Where to Sip It: Sand Valley (Nekoosa, WI)
What’s in It: Vodka, house-made mix, and enough garnishes to qualify as a meal
Why It Works: Ideal for early tee times that end around brunch, Sand Valley’s Bloody Mary is as much an experience as a drink—served with pickled veggies, cheese curds, and beef sticks.
3. Bourbon on Ice – Southern Tradition
Where to Sip It: Augusta Country Club (Augusta, GA)
What’s in It: Straight Kentucky bourbon, neat or over ice
Why It Works: There’s no better way to wind down in the South. At Augusta Country Club—just across from its famous neighbor—the post-round pour is smooth and classy, much like the course itself.
4. Clubhouse Lager – Craft on the Greens
Where to Sip It: Bandon Dunes (Bandon, OR)
What’s in It: A locally brewed, easy-drinking lager
Why It Works: After 36 holes on the Oregon coast, you’ll want something cold and easy. Bandon Dunes’ Clubhouse Lager, brewed just down the road, hits the spot.
5. Spiked Arnold Palmer – Classic with a Kick
Where to Sip It: Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst, NC)
What’s in It: Half lemonade, half iced tea, with a shot of vodka or bourbon
Why It Works: An iconic drink with a boozy boost, perfect for sipping on the patio as you relive that miraculous up-and-down on No. 17.
6. Local IPA – Hoppy Endings
Where to Sip It: Chambers Bay (University Place, WA)
What’s in It: A rotating tap of Pacific Northwest IPAs
Why It Works: Big views deserve bold beers. The clubhouse at Chambers Bay serves up hoppy, flavorful IPAs brewed locally—ideal for golfers who like their drinks as complex as their course routing.
7. John Daly – For the Bold & Thirsty
Where to Sip It: TPC Scottsdale (Scottsdale, AZ)
What’s in It: Spiked Arnold Palmer, often with sweet tea vodka
Why It Works: Named for golf’s most unpredictable showman, this drink is refreshing, bold, and just a little rebellious—much like the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.
A Toast to the 19th Hole
Golf is a game of tradition, competition, and camaraderie—and few places capture that spirit like the bar after a round. Whether you prefer a crisp lager, a strong pour of bourbon, or something wildly garnished in a mason jar, there’s a perfect 19th hole drink waiting for you.
So raise a glass. You’ve earned it. And maybe—just maybe—buy one for your playing partner who kept you out of the trees all day.