Contact us Email

40 Great 19th Holes, Golf Pubs & Bars – On Both Sides Of The Pond

October 22, 2015
Premier Golf

Updated on 9th November 2023

One of the pleasures of golf travel is discovering great places to celebrate a round of golf, regardless of the score. Memorable and historic 19th hole bars and lounges, cozy sitting areas in legendary clubhouses, and a wide variety of engaging pubs are some of the places golfers go to enjoy a few and relish their surroundings. 

With recommendations from our Premier Golf staff, Facebook followers and selected golf writers, here are 40 of our favorites:

SCOTLAND

Bee Hive (Edinburgh) — A classic Scottish pub in the historical Grassmarket area of town. Sink a pint at the same place Robbie Burns once did, then head out to explore one of Edinburgh’s 21 golf courses. 

Castle Stuart Golf Club (Inverness) — A spectacular Art Deco clubhouse along the Moray Firth with floor-to-ceiling windows offering fantastic panoramic views.

Deacon Brodie’s (Edinburgh) — It’s a bit touristy for some, but this classic pub on the Royal Mile is at least worth a visit for a pint or two for first-time visitors to Edinburgh.

Dreel Tavern (Fife) — An old-school village pub with roaring fires, river views, and a menu built around the best local produce.

Golfer’s Corner Lounge Bar at the Dunvegan Hotel (St. Andrews) — Don’t miss this caddies’ favorite, located a nine iron or so from the 18th green of the Old Course. The “Dunny” is a fixture of local life … and chances are you’ll pick up some good golfing stories, too.

The Golf Tavern (Edinburgh) — Just a few steps away from the famous Bruntsfield Links, this Edinburgh favorite has been serving thirsty golfers since the fifteenth century. 

The Grand Tea Lounge & Bar at Trump Turnberry Resort (Ayrshire) — Offering stunning views across Ailsa Craig and Isle of Arran, this elegant lounge has traditional Afternoon Tea, an excellent selection of single malts and a choice of champagnes by the glass.

Jigger Inn (St. Andrews) — Set adjacent to the Old Course Hotel, this traditional Scottish pub is brimming with golf memorabilia. It’s a great place to grab a pint, sit near an open-hearth fire and enjoy a Jigger burger topped with Mull Cheddar and Ayrshire Bacon.

The Jigger Inn, St Andrews

Prince of Wales Bar (Aberdeen) — Built in the 1850s, this classic drinking spot has the longest bar in Scotland, wood-paneled walls, excellent cask ales, and a legendary steak & ale pie.

The Scotia (Glasgow) — Established in 1792 and just a few miles from Pollok and Rouken Glen Golf Courses, it’s the oldest pub in Glasgow. The interior of the pub has changed very little since the 1920s.

ENGLAND

Molesworth Arms Hotel (Cornwall) — Close by the stunning sea views of St Enodoc Golf Club, the Molesworth is a classic wood-beamed hotel and pub, serving local seafood and ales.

Sunningdale Golf Club (Berkshire) — Oozing with English sophistication, Sunningdale’s patio is a great place to enjoy a Pimms and Lemonade as you watch the action on the 1st and 18th holes.

Tandridge Golf Club (Surrey) — The Tandridge Lunch is rightly famous among golfers. Take a break and enjoy a four-course feast with views over the best of English parkland and countryside.

WALES

Celtic Manor (Newport) — Celtic Manor boasts several golf courses, including the Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course. But some would say that the jewel in their crown is Steak on Six: an award-winning restaurant with sixth-floor views across the rolling hills.

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club (Porthcawl) — This traditional clubhouse bar is a hidden gem, with green leather chairs, black and white photos of past club presidents dotting the walls, and views of crashing waves of the Bristol Channel.

IRELAND

Cliff House Hotel (Kerry) — Sitting above Ballybunion Beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, this friendly, family-owned hotel serves up drinks, food, and live music in Bernie’s Bar.

Clubhouse Terrace at Old Head (Cork) — This five-star restaurant boasts views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Old Head lighthouse. And don’t forget to stop by the Lusitania bar, filled with memorabilia from great transatlantic ships. 

Hargadon Bros. Pub (Sligo) — Hargadon Bros. is an institution in Sligo, serving local drinks and food in a stunning traditional building.  Don’t miss the Irish steaks and freshly-caught seafood.

Hi-B (Cork) — Hi-B is Cork’s smallest bar — and the strictest! Put away your cell phone and settle down for a few drinks with some real Irish craic.

Long Hall (Dublin) — One of the oldest pubs in Dublin, it has Victorian style decor with lots of chandeliers and lanterns. Stop by for a drink while you choose from over 30 golf courses in the county.

McDonnell’s (Mayo) — It’s nicknamed “The Lobster Pot” because once you go in, you won’t want to come out! After playing golf at nearby Carne Golf Links, McDonnell’s is a great spot to soak up some local atmosphere.

O’Connell’s (Galway) — This popular local bar is a real beauty, with tiled floors and stained glass windows … plus, their own exclusive whiskeys and beers.

Percy French (County Down) — Nestled in the grounds of the Slieve Donard hotel and close by the Royal County Down course, the Percy French offers log -burning fires and a fabulous menu.

Tom Barry’s (Cork) — You can’t miss this pub with its distinctive bright-blue frontage. It has a popular beer garden where you can enjoy a frosty one on a summer night.

Smugglers Inn (Kerry) — Just as you might guess from the name, the Smugglers Inn sits right on the beaches of Kerry, close by the Waterville Golf Club. A favorite hangout of Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara, and Payne Stewart, it offers gourmet meals and whiskeys.

USA

Arcade Tavern (Bandon, Oregon) — This family-run bar has golf memorabilia dotting the walls and an excellent selection of beers and ciders on tap.

Alice & Pete’s at Marriott Sawgrass Resort (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida) — A tribute to golf architects Pete and Alice Dye, this pub has a four-sided bar, darts, pool and a floating hole-in-one challenge just outside the front door.

Atlantic City Country Club (Northfield, New Jersey) — Opened in 1898, Atlantic City Country Club is one of America’s oldest golf clubs. The Taproom Bar & Grille is a vintage treasure to match, with its well-worn hardwood floor, polished wood bar, tin ceiling tiles, and golf memorabilia and vintage photos dotting the walls.

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge Member’s Lounge (Orlando, Florida) — As a guest at the lodge, you’re afforded access to this comfy enclave, which has a fireplace and a great selection of single malts and Arnold Palmer wines.

Clubhouse and putting green at Arnold Palmers Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Trails End Bar (Bandon, Oregon) — If you like sitting outdoors and breathing in the sea air in between sips of a microbrew or whiskey, this spot is absolute nirvana. It has glorious views of the 18th green at Bandon Trails Golf at Bandon Dunes.

Blackwolf Run Restaurant (Kohler, Wisconsin) — Dine indoors in front of a huge fieldstone fireplace or al fresco on the terrace overlooking the 18th greens of the River and Meadow Valleys courses.

Erin Hills Golf Course (Hartford, Wisconsin) — The Irish Pub and Terrace is a terrific place to celebrate a round of golf. Overlooking the first hole, the open-air terrace has a gas fire pit where you can sit in comfy chairs and enjoy the verdant surroundings.

Irish Pub (Atlantic City, New Jersey) — Once a hangout for Joe DiMaggio and other New York Yankees as well as boxing writers, the walls of the Irish Pub are dotted with vintage photos of sports celebrities. Don’t miss the classic American menu and Irish beers.

McGettigans 19th Hole (Galloway, New Jersey) — Located across the street from Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, this friendly and popular pub is made for golf lovers.

McKee’s Pub (Bandon, Oregon) — Another hit from Bandon Trails Golf, this Scottish-style pub offers Northwest microbrews, single malt scotches and classic dining choices such as fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, and clam chowder.

Mr. B’s Lounge at Pinecrest Inn (Pinehurst, North Carolina) — Decorated with photos and paintings of golf architect Donald Ross, who once owned the establishment, Mr. B’s has been voted the best 19th hole in the US several times.

Phil’s Grill at Grayhawk Golf Club (Scottsdale, Arizona) — If you like Lefty, you’ll love this place. Opened in 1995, it’s loaded with Phil Mickelson memorabilia. It’s cosily appointed with a fireplace, hard-wood bar and leather couches.

Ryder Cup Lounge (Pinehurst, North Carolina) — Named for the 1951 Ryder Cup at Pinehurst Resort, this classic lounge is located in the Carolina Hotel. Just about every big name in golf has dropped by at one time or another. And who can blame them, when the food is this good?

Streamsong Bar (Fort Meade, Florida) — The sleek and stylish clubhouse looks as if it was air-dropped in from southern California. It’s a relaxing place to enjoy a cool libation after playing the Scottish-style Streamsong courses in Central Florida.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach, California) — The Taproom at the Lodge offers a steakhouse menu and an excellent selection of draft beers, vintage wine, and premium spirits.

FAQs

It depends on the golf club. Many offer temporary packages for visitors, including “stay and play” deals with local hotels. Alternatively, you might be able to play at a golf club if you have a traveling membership with partner clubs.

Every golf club is different: some have very detailed rules, while others are less bothered. In general, it’s a good idea to dress on the smarter side. Be aware that the rules can change between the golf course and the clubhouse, or between daytime and evening.

One big difference between US and UK clubs is that UK clubs are more likely to be open to non-members. Some cities, such as Edinburgh, even have free golf courses that are open to the public. The other major difference that you’ll notice is a lack of drink carts on UK golf courses. UK golfers prefer to play a round, then finish with a drink at the 19th hole — whether that’s the clubhouse or a beloved nearby pub.

The term “19th tee” refers to a clubhouse or bar at a golf course where players gather after a round for food, drinks, and socializing.

Bill Hogan Golf

Meet the Author: Bill Hogan

Bill Hogan is based in Austin, TX and has over 35 years of experience in the luxury golf travel industry.
He has played golf in 57 different countries to date, is a long- time panelist for GOLF Magazine World & USA Top 100 courses, and on the ranking panel for Platinum Clubs of the World.