Sometimes the best part of the round is the post-round. Neil Helsper highlights some of the coolest 19th holes around the world.
Phil’s Grill – Grayhawk Golf Club:
If there’s a pro who was born to have his own restaurant, it’s Phil Mickelson. And at Scottsdale’s Grayhawk Golf Club, you can kick back with a cheeseburger and watch a game while surrounded by Mickelson memorabilia. Sprawl out on the leather couches, check out the gorgeous McDowell Mountains and hey, maybe order another burger-it’s what Phil would do.
Dunvegan Hotel Lounge Bar – St Andrews Golf Club:
If St; Andrews was the first golf course, then the bar at Dunvegan Hotel might have been golf’s first 19th hole. While not officially affiliated with the golf club, it’s been the post-round favorite for generations: it’s just “112 yards from the Old Course.” (Did a caddie walk off that distance?) Recap your round with one of the bar’s 50 malt whiskey selections, or finish off your day with some fish and chips.
Tavern at Granite Links – Granite Links Golf Club:
Granite Links is private, but luckily its Tavern is not. Situated on rolling hills just outside Boston, this golf course restaurant offers burgers, steaks and plenty of seafood. But the real attraction is the panoramic sunset views of the downtown skyline. This 19th hole is the perfect blend of city and country.
The Tap Room – Pebble Beach Golf Links:
Classic: that’s the vibe at the Tap Room at Pebble Beach. Like any good 19th hole, it’s filled with golf mementos. But they also serve drinks as timeless as Tom Watson’s chip-in at the 17th and steaks more perfect than Tiger’s 2000 U.S. Open victory. So if you somehow got onto Pebble Beach and want to prolong your day just a little more, belly up to the bar and soak it in.
The Clubhouse – Finca Cortesin Resort:
Forget golf course bars-this is one the most stylish bars you’ll see anywhere. With a sleek, contemporary feel, the clubhouse at this Spanish luxury resort serves up signature cocktails and sandwiches in a spectacular setting. Take your drink out on the patio and check out the mountain views over the golf course, home of the Volvo World Matchplay Championship. Is that Ian Poulter down there?
Dub’s Pub – Cog Hill Golf & Country Club:
Like the dive bars in nearby Chicago, Cog Hill’s hangout is a basement tavern with a ton of character. Plaid carpet, rich leather chairs and portraits of Western Open champions decorate the space, where beer runs freely and Chicago-style food is plentiful.
The Tap Room – Atlantic City Country Club:
Another 19th hole called “The Tap Room?” Yes. What the name lacks in originality it makes up for with charm. It’s in Atlantic City CC’s 110-year-old clubhouse, and the boys fromBoardwalk Empire would’ve felt right at home here. Take advantage of the happy hour specials and drink like Prohibition just ended as you enjoy crab cakes and fairway views at one of the East Coast’s oldest golf clubs.
The Plantation House – Kapalua Resort:
You don’t see a lot of tropical drinks at your usual 19th hole, but then again, your usual course isn’t on the coast of Maui. At The Plantation House at Kapalua’s Plantation Course, you can relax after your round with a fruity drink as you check out views of the golf course and the surrounding pineapple fields. (Don’t worry tough guy, they have beer and wine too.) Stay long enough and you can watch the sun set over the Pacific.
Brooks’ Bar & Deck – Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course:
Not many 19th holes have mountain views like this. Erase that snowman from your scorecard and look up at the snow-capped Sierras instead at Brooks’ Bar & Deck at Edgewood Tahoe. With vaulted wood ceilings and huge picture windows, this bar feels light and airy even if you’re drinking the heavy stuff.
