Beer on the Golf Course. Just having fun

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By Brandon C

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  1. Brandon C

    Brandon C
    Dallas, TX

    Alright here is a little less serious post.

    Obviously we all love to play golf and more importantly we enjoy having fun on the golf course. My question for you is, who here thinks having a few beers during a round is a must?

    Me personally, I don't like to drink when I am having a good round, but will certainly open a few if the round goes south.

    Does anyone have stories of drinking a few at the turn and their game improving?

    -Brandon

  2. Fred Closs

    Fred Closs
    Denton, TX

    LOL - I don't always play golf, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis. Moving along, years ago, I shot my first round in the 60's and we drank a lot of beer afterward. Then, someone had the brilliant idea that we should play 9 more holes. I whiffed three in-a-row and called it a day. No beer for me until the 18th hole is the norm, but sometimes, it's just for fun. I suspect tomorrow at Pine Forest will be such a round.

  3. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    I normally didn't drink during a round during the old days (except for ship's tournaments and they had someone driving a golf cart cart with beer).

    In Subic Bay PI, PN1 wanted to play some golf so we went to Binictican.  Caddies (which were a whole 20 pesos) were at least one per group.  Mine kept passing by the snack stands and bringing San Magoos (San Miguel) so, needless to say, I was a bit inebriated after 18 holes.  There was a long standing story about how the monkeys would come out of the bushes and steal your golf ball on the 2nd hole - it IS a true story (here to tell you and all that).  The other thing was there was a conveyer that lifted one up to the teebox on the 3rd hole.  

     

  4. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Lou G said:

    I normally didn't drink during a round during the old days (except for ship's tournaments and they had someone driving a golf cart cart with beer).

    In Subic Bay PI, PN1 wanted to play some golf so we went to Binictican.  Caddies (which were a whole 20 pesos) were at least one per group.  Mine kept passing by the snack stands and bringing San Magoos (San Miguel) so, needless to say, I was a bit inebriated after 18 holes.  There was a long standing story about how the monkeys would come out of the bushes and steal your golf ball on the 2nd hole - it IS a true story (here to tell you and all that).  The other thing was there was a conveyer that lifted one up to the teebox on the 3rd hole.  

     

    Just to enlighten everybody, ship's golf tournaments in the old days of the Navy were basically an opportunity to get off work early and to contribute to the ship Recreation Fund (in addition to sales from the Ship's Store or the vending machines); consequently, most of those that played really weren't serious golfers so it basically was a drunkex for them.  They did, however, put those with established handicaps on the earlier tee times and the hackers toward the end.  Most of the tournaments were scramble format but one or two were stroke play.  On my first ship, we had quite a few tournaments because the CO was a golf addict and that kind of activity was beneficial to morale.

    Considering today's society and law enforcement, plus the fact that I barely drink alcoholic beverages these days, wouldn't even think about drinking beer during a round.  O'Doul's most likely, though (and they do sell it at Miramar).

    I do remember during the '70s in my caddy days that quite a few of the members would drink a rather formidable quantity of beer during some of the outings.

  5. pulplvr

    pulplvr
    Spring, TX

    Military

    I'm not a fan of beer during the round, because it doesn't help my game.  I have, on occasion, had a beer when my game is so out of it that the alcohol won't make a difference in the outcome.  Sometimes, it simply has helped me relax and, perhaps surprisingly, my game has improved.  That is not normally the outcome for me, so I reserve my consumption until after the round--or a match--is completed.

  6. Allen L

    Allen L
    Clarington, OH

    Today, usually I'll have a few at the turn if its a hot day.  It doesn't change anything, if its a bad day it stays a bad day.

    In my younger days in the 1970s, I had some partners and we'd play all weekend all over Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Rarely would we take a riding cart so each of us would have a few tucked away in the bag for on course refreshment.  Usually after the first round we'd have lunch with a few more.  Then another round in the afternoon same drill.  I can't say that the beer made any difference in my game back then either but most of the time two of the other guys would be easy pickins on the second round, made some much needed tuition supplemental income.

  7. 19hole

    19hole
    Reading, MA

    Usually not during the round, but definately after!

  8. Dr. Kovatchian

    Dr. Kovatchian
    Carlsbad

    I Never Drink Beer on the Golf Course!

    Having a few cold ones on the links is OK.....but I usually never have one....

    To me an ice cold water is much more satisfying than a crappy on course Bud Light.

    I'll wait for for the perfectly poured Guinness at the Clubhouse.

    Cheers!

    Dr. K

  9. agray

    agray
    rock island, IL

    When playing with the guys, I'll usually have 1 per 9, anymore than that and my game hits the skids. When out playing in a serious manner, I don't . To me it's a workout like situation, where I may not be on a treadmill but I am working on different things and I want to be sharp. I don't think there is a right or wrong, it's just personal preference. I know guys that have to have a beer no matter what time they tee off...I guess it's noon somewhere right!

  10. Todd T

    Todd T
    San Diego, CA

    Military

    Save for 19th and don't care if others partake as long as they keep up, don't get drunk or get stooopid

  11. Mike C

    Mike C
    Dallas, TX

    I have enough trouble driving the ball and keeping it in the fairway on my own accord.  I found that "drinking and driving" on the golf course doesn't improve my driving accuracy.

    Seriously though, everybody is different.  Whatever works for an individual (or whatever they believe works) I am good with.  If it involves some "swing lubricant" in the form of a couple of beers on the course, go for it!

     

     

  12. tdogg21

    tdogg21
    Chambersburg, PA

    i play with a good friend who is a terrible golfer.  but he enjoys being outside and hanging out.  so for him, he always packs a cooler of beer as that's just part of his round.  so when i play with him, i usually have a few.  if i'm in a tourney that has beer on the course, i might have one or two, but i limit it so i don't hurt my team.  now after the round, that's a different story.

  13. Christian G

    Christian G
    Oceanside, CA

    Depends on who I'm playing with really.  When I play with my buddies who only get out to play a few times a year, we will usually partake in a few on course libations.  If I'm on a golf trip/vacation, then that might be another time to enjoy a cold one on the course.  Usually my rounds these days are too darn early to even think about having a beer on the course, but I've definitely played with some guys who didn't mind cracking one open before 9am.  

  14. Tyson F

    Tyson F
    Liberty, IN

    I have a few drinks most every round, I have a beer bucket (6 pack) wager with a buddy each round.  The loser normally buys it the next round on the turn and we drink it on the back 9.  And normally we have a few more after the round courtesy of the days big winner.  Personally, I don't think it hurts at all, but, sometimes it's enough to relax on the back 9 to make a comeback of sorts.  It's very common in our group to have some beverages in the cart.  It certainly doesn't slow the group down, even when we play as a fivesome. 

  15. Jim A

    Jim A
    Winona, MN

    Some of the guys I play with call it aiming fluid. Sometimes their aim is good and sometimes, not so good. During a normal round of golf with friends, we all have a couple per nine, but if it is a fund raising tournament, then the consumption is generally higher.  It all depends on how hot it is and what’s going on.  The hotter it is, the more water we consumed and the more competitive the round, the less alcohol is consumed as a general rule. 

  16. george t

    george t
    Old Lyme, CT

    It generally doesn't help my game, but in a recent 54 hole event at our club, I was in a surprising position after 36 holes.  Nerves were definitely a factor, and I started the last 18 like I'd never played the game before.  I opted for a cold one after 5 holes and had a second one after 14.  While coincidence may have been a factor, I did right the ship and managed to finish strong.

    Hardly a strategy I intend to employ regularly, but this time, I think it may have helped out. 

  17. Ric Y

    Ric Y
    Glenpool, OK

    Military

    To me there's two ways to play golf.  Walking, serious, and nothing but the game counts.  And out for a nice round with the buddies, drinking beer, talking smack and not worrying about anybody's score.  I much prefer the first one, but occasionally the second is a great change of pace.........

  18. Chris K

    Chris K
    Northfield Center, OH

    Brandon C said:

    Alright here is a little less serious post.

    Obviously we all love to play golf and more importantly we enjoy having fun on the golf course. My question for you is, who here thinks having a few beers during a round is a must?

    Me personally, I don't like to drink when I am having a good round, but will certainly open a few if the round goes south.

    Does anyone have stories of drinking a few at the turn and their game improving?

    -Brandon

    Done my share of tipping a few while playing, a couple is fine and does help me loosen up, however more than a few and the game goes way south. Allot depends on who i'm playing with and the mood of the game that day.

  19. Kurt V

    Kurt V
    Austin, TX

    Beer is not a performance enhancing drug! Not for me anyway. 

  20. Robert W

    Robert W
    Franklin, TN

    I usually don't drink during the round unless my game is falling apart.  Sometimes it helps settle me down.

  21. Nick P

    Nick P
    Lincoln, NE

    Great idea for a post.  I have found that when I choose to drink on the course, I need that happy balance and it is a very thin line.  A couple beers, or bloodies in the morning, just loosens me up (my body and state of mind).  Beyond that, the golf gets sloppy.  For me, it also depends on the occasion.  A fun scramble with buddies, or a serious match play or tournament.  Goes without saying, I guess.  

  22. PRO V

    PRO V
    golf course

    Great post.  But I think alcohol it's a crutch for those who clutch.  

    I was playing in my club championship this year.  The reigning champ had me by 5 at the turn on the last day.  He was even for the front.  I was four over.  I watched him go into the bar and have a beer.  I thought to myself, "I have this guy."  He was either celebrating prematurely, scared, or both.  Either way, I knew I had him.   As soon as someone starts drinking during competition, it's a sign of fear and insecurity.  He also started drinking during the back nine along with other guy in competition with me.  All I could hear was beer cans popping on the back.

    Bottom line, I beat the reigning champ by ELEVEN strokes on the back.  I shot four under.  I killed.  The other guy, wasn't even a problem.

    Don't get me wrong,I love to have a few.  But to me, it seems like drinking during golf is like having your dessert before your main course.

    It's not a moral issue, but one of respect for the sport.

    Toast after the round, not during.  You'll enjoy both much, much better.

    That's my five cents (inflation).

  23. Brandon C

    Brandon C
    Dallas, TX

    vurich said:

    Great post.  But I think alcohol it's a crutch for those who clutch.  

    I was playing in my club championship this year.  The reigning champ had me by 5 at the turn on the last day.  He was even for the front.  I was four over.  I watched him go into the bar and have a beer.  I thought to myself, "I have this guy."  He was either celebrating prematurely, scared, or both.  Either way, I knew I had him.   As soon as someone starts drinking during competition, it's a sign of fear and insecurity.  He also started drinking during the back nine along with other guy in competition with me.  All I could hear was beer cans popping on the back.

    Bottom line, I beat the reigning champ by ELEVEN strokes on the back.  I shot four under.  I killed.  The other guy, wasn't even a problem.

    Don't get me wrong,I love to have a few.  But to me, it seems like drinking during golf is like having your dessert before your main course.

    It's not a moral issue, but one of respect for the sport.

    Toast after the round, not during.  You'll enjoy both much, much better.

    That's my five cents (inflation).

    That's a great story!

    I really think it comes down to the nature of the golf day, who your with and what the overall goal is. If your in a Tournament, then yes, drinking is 100% out of the question regardless of score. If its just a regular ole' Sunday outing with the same group of buddies and there is nothing really riding on the line, then yeah go for it.

    But you have a valid point, out of respect for the sport you should play for the best score possible and then reward yourself afterwards.

  24. PRO V

    PRO V
    golf course

    Brandon,

    I just don't get it. If someone needs a substance to relax or have a good time or not be so scared, where does it stop?  How many is enough?  How much is too much?  The great part of golf is it's you against yourself.  How much pressure can you handle before you crack it or it cracks you.  That's what separates the men from the boys, doesn't it?

    The last few years I've seen three of the most talented young golfers totally lose not only their games, but their dreams because of alcohol.  Each one said the same thing that everyone is saying in this post.  "I have a few to relax."  "I'm just having a few with my buddies."  Blah, blah, blah.  But each and every time I played with them, the few gradually became more and more and more until they couldn't play without some type of substance.  They thought they played better, but they were looking through glazed eyes.  And once they hit one bad shot, they went right into the tank.  Literally.  Alcohol is a depressant.  People are deluded to the effect, because what for a few seconds brings you up, brings you right back down harder and deeper than you would be without it.

    Anyway, out of the three great talents who had dreams of playing golf for a living are now living a nightmare.  One of them now spends more time now drinking instead of playing.  The other lost his job and almost his family.  The other has given up the game.

    Again, no one loves beer more than I do.  I love having a few pints after I leave the course.  But I love the feel of overcoming the nerves on my own terms when I'm on the course.  Like the line in the movie, "A League of Their Own:  "It's supposed to be hard! If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great!."  

    What if surgeons said, "I'm nervous when I open up a person's body.  I'm going to have a little something to calm my nerves."  I want the pro who can handle the pressure.  Not the amateur whose pressure handles them.

    But, hey, to each his own. 

  25. Fred Closs

    Fred Closs
    Denton, TX

    Given that the Scots created golf and it's rumored there are 18 holes because there are shots in a pint, it could be argued that drinking alcohol during the round is proper and normal. I can't drink and play serious golf but if some one can, it's their business, and has no bearing on their level of respect for the game of golf. After all, golf is a game and we're supposed to have fun.

  26. Ray T.

    Ray T.
    Wilmette, IL

    If the guy was a previous club champion, I would expect that he knows enough about competition and respect for opponents not to celebrate prematurely.  You may have interpreted his drinking as that and it kick started your game.  But it sounds like that the guy may have problems if it impacted his game that much.  He may need help.

  27. Greg K

    Greg K
    Saint Robert, MO

    Military

    Usually don't drink either unless it's a special occasion.  However, after struggeling on the front nine, a nice shot of whiskey calmed me down on the back nine to finish even on the back.  This was the exception rather than the rule though.  I just I'm just too competitive to drink and play.

    Hit em Straight!

    Greg

  28. Brad m

    Brad m
    New Hamburg, ON

    I am not much of a drinker, and now with the price of beer at the course, I rarely order a beer from the cart. However, one of my fondest memories is when I just graduated from university and I moved home to live with my parents. The 9 hole course on the South Shore of Nova Scotia plays host(not sure if it still does) to the Moosehead Invitational the first week of June. The first 2 holes are par 4's, and then the course bottlenecks with 2 consecutive par 3's. We would be the first group off at 7am, and when we came to the 3rd hole, we would be offered a Moosehead Light before we teed off. The beer actually helped me relax back in the days when I would still get nervous. Where else could you be enjoying a cold one at 7:30 in the morning? 

  29. Marc S

    Marc S
    El Paso, TX

    Military

    Brandon,

    In the early 90's I had the opportunity to go to Florida with a good friend. We played golf for 5 days straight and didn't even see the ocean. It wasn't important. One of the rounds we played was a course named "Serona" I got "cross-eyed" drunk pretty early into the round. Throughout the round, I would make an error and then somehow manage to chip one close or make a long putt to get out of trouble. The only mistake I made that round was 3-putting a par 5. I ended up shooting 70 and for close to 20 years it was my personal best. Not sure if the beer improved my round that day, but definitely relaxed me to the point of just playing golf and not thinking at all. Hard to repeat a day like that one, but had fun doing it all the same. Marc

     

  30. Hotsauce

    Hotsauce
    Georgetown MA

    It totally depends on the round.  There's a lot of different kinds of golf in my mind.  

    There's social golf, where you're just hanging out and catching up.  The game is fun, and you're trying to play well, but it's more about the company than the stroke total.  In this type of golf there's usually a beverage or two involved.  The swing oil can make you play lights out sometimes.

    There's competitive golf where you're trying to win a trophy or some cash.  Then I don't drink and remain totally focused (or try too at least).

    There's practice rounds- where you might have beer at the turn, but you're mostly out there to groove your swing and enjoy the day.  

    Then there's party golf- we won't get into details, but if you play golf for a buddies bachelor party or out of celebration, drinks, stogies, and frequent visits from the cart girl are pretty much mandatory.  With this type of golf you start strong, get a little lubricated and start throwing darts, draining putts, making side bets, and then... well...  we usually stop keeping score by the 10th.

  31. I NEVER drink before or during a round, and rarely after. I usually take a caddie anyways, so, no extra room in the bag. A couple of Gatorade's and a box of Nature Valley bars, along with some other snacks will do just fine for me. 

  32. Matthew P

    Matthew P
    Spring, TX

    it just depends for me.. there is a course that is BYOB so when we play that course ill bring a bottle and have a drink on the back nine or if I'm playing bad around 6 i will pour up.... back in my early twenties i would always buy a 6 pack on the front and a 6 pack at the turn... let me say it didn't last too long... 

  33. Tim Tiger

    Tim Tiger
    Tucson, AZ

    My feeling is that if a player wants to have a few and it is not bothering the group, fine with me.  I do have drinks while on the course casually.  I do not drink in tournaments or competitions normally.  I always have plenty of fluids to stay hydrated either way.

    I do not feel that a few beers bothers my game any.  A few of my buddies play better after a few.

    TT

  34. Smitty

    Smitty
    High Ridge, MO

    I have had instances where my game has improved after a few drinks but in most cases, my game went downhill fast. Those instances where it actually did improve my game were usually when I was playing with clients and the beer helped to relax my nerves. I also had a few instances this past summer where my game tanked on its' own, so I began drinking and my game improved - I'm guessing it helped to relieve the anxiety and stress of my poor playing.

    I have since stopped drinking during a round, because it tends to do more harm than good... but after the round, line'm up... and move aside!

  35. John L

    John L
    Dewey, OK

    i dont have a drinking made me better story but i have a hang over killed me one. So several years back i played a tournament after drinking (ALOT) the night before. Basically i tee'd off still drunk from the night before. (don't worrie i didn't drive to the course) i was 3 under threw 8. and said to my self man. i have a chance at wininng this thing. so i had a choice. get some beer and stay drunk or sober up and play on. needless to say i tried to sober up and by the time 11th hole cam around and the hang over started the wagon wheels fell off. finished 6 over. 

  36. Ray T.

    Ray T.
    Wilmette, IL

    John L said:

    i dont have a drinking made me better story but i have a hang over killed me one. So several years back i played a tournament after drinking (ALOT) the night before. Basically i tee'd off still drunk from the night before. (don't worrie i didn't drive to the course) i was 3 under threw 8. and said to my self man. i have a chance at wininng this thing. so i had a choice. get some beer and stay drunk or sober up and play on. needless to say i tried to sober up and by the time 11th hole cam around and the hang over started the wagon wheels fell off. finished 6 over. 

    Good story.  So do you regret the drinking the night before or not staying drunk?

  37. SD_Golfer

    SD_Golfer
    Aberdeen, SD

    I typically enjoy a beer after my round, unless I play in a 4 person best ball, then I make sure I have a ride after the round, and enjoy with the rest of the group.  Like you Brandon, if my round isn't up to "par" (sorry, couldn't resist) I will have a beer before heading out on the back.

    There is one exception ... I had a back injury several years ago.  I was in a hurry, and instead of waiting for a new guy to lift and push, I basically pulled a good sized cabinet onto the delivery truck on my own.  I hurt my lower back,  while I only needed 2 weeks off of work ... every so often, I am reminded of my stupidity by reliving the pain (albeit, not as much, as the years have passed by).

    One morning at my home course, a friend I used to enjoy golfing with regularly (until he went to a different course) showed up at the 1st tee.  Sure enough, after my approach shot, my back started acting up.  He talked me into continuing play, partially by offering me the use of his back brace.  When we got to Hole #5 which is by the Pro Shop, I went in and ordered a beer (this was right around 7am). After #9, I got another beer, it seemed to dull the pain a little.  When we got to Hole # 13, I phoned the club house and asked if they could deliver another beer, happily they felt sorry for me, and sent the Marshall out with another one.  

    I'm not going to say I played well, but it was nice to play a round of golf with an old friend :)

    Paul

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