Drinking on the Golf Course

Good morning and welcome back to our regularly scheduled Wednesday post.

Drinking on the golf course is a contentious topic online these days. With the influx of new players, my Twitter feed is filled with tales of booze-fueled fights and antics. While we can all agree that fighting has no place on the fairways, opinions on alcohol’s role in golf are sharply divided.

I’m not a fan of drinking during a round. I prefer to experience golf in its purest form, using each game as an opportunity to hone my skills. Not everyone views golf this way, and that’s fine. For me, focusing on the beauty and complexity of each shot is central to my enjoyment, and I don’t want to compromise that. Even when playing with close friends, I save the drinks for after the round. I’m aware I’m certainly in a small minority in our rapidly growing sport, but it’s how I choose to play.

That being said, I recognize the social aspect of golf and believe it should be embraced. Drinking is deeply ingrained in human socialization and undeniably part of golf today. Some clubs fully embrace this culture, while others keep alcohol at arm’s length until the round is over. If you enjoy a few beers while playing, make sure you understand the culture of the club you’re joining.

The debate over drinking on the course often overlooks a key point: moderation. A drink or two can enhance the camaraderie for some players without derailing the game. Problems arise when excess takes over, leading to disruptive behavior that detracts from everyone’s experience. Respecting the course and fellow players should always come first, whether you’re sipping a beer or sticking to water.

Ultimately, golf is about personal choice and shared enjoyment. Whether you drink or not, the game thrives on mutual respect and appreciation for its traditions and challenges. By honoring the course’s culture and your fellow players’ preferences, you contribute to a positive experience for all, keeping golf the timeless pursuit it’s meant to be.

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Wayne Stiles (1884–1953), a self-taught Bostonian, crafted over 140 golf courses during the Golden Age (1910–1930s), yet remains under-recognized. Starting as a draftsman, he opened his landscape design firm in 1915 and began designing courses in 1916. Partnering with John Van Kleek, Stiles created strategic, affordable layouts, mostly in New England, blending natural beauty with playability. His reserved nature kept him out of the spotlight, but his courses endure as hidden gems.

Woods Hole Golf Club (Falmouth, MA): Expanded to 18 holes in the 1920s, this private course offers stunning Buzzards Bay views and a strategic layout.

Wilson Lake Country Club (Wilton, ME): A 9-hole gem from 1932, praised by Patty Berg as “the best nine in Maine,” retains its classic charm.

Stiles’ focus on client satisfaction and natural integration produced timeless designs. The 2008 book The Life and Work of Wayne Stiles and the Wayne Stiles Society highlight his legacy, urging golf enthusiasts to rediscover his masterful contributions.

With country club golf competition in full swing this time of year, make sure you have a clear, distinct mark on your golf ball at all times. It’s an easy way to take one look at your ball to ensure you don’t mistakenly hit the wrong ProV1 out of the rough/bunker.

Here is some inspiration from the pros.

Personally? I’m a big highlight the Titleist guy. It takes minimal effort, and is easily identifiable. Alternatively, you could be my brother who buys custom ProVs so he can put all of his favorite desserts on them. Have to respect that.

The high soft bunker shot is one that I’m trying to improve in my own game, and Jason Day puts on a master class on how to hit them high and low.

In the quiet coastal plains of Port Lavaca, Texas, lies TXO, a private golf club so exclusive that it remains a whisper among golfing circles. Formerly known as Wolf Point Ranch, this 1,600-acre retreat was crafted in 2008 by architect Mike Nuzzo for Al Stanger, a businessman who envisioned a personal golfing paradise. The 18-hole course, with its wide, rumpled fairways and wildly contoured greens, plays firm and fast, evoking the spirit of classic links courses. Renowned architect Tom Doak has hailed its greens as the finest in Texas, a testament to its exceptional design.

TXO’s exclusivity is legendary, only about 200 golfers have played here since its inception. Access is strictly by invitation, and its current ownership under the Dormie Network’s parent company ensures it remains a bucket-list destination for the privileged few. Adding to its allure, the property features a 5,000-foot runway and a climate-controlled hangar, catering to members who arrive by private jet. With a $3 million construction cost, including a state-of-the-art irrigation system, TXO blends raw beauty with meticulous craftsmanship.

For those fortunate enough to secure an invitation, TXO offers an unparalleled golfing experience, steeped in secrecy and sophistication, making it one of the United States’ most enigmatic private clubs.

Great clubs don’t advertise. Neither do great newsletters.

Share your invite link below, 1 referral you access to our exclusive Saturday column.

Talk soon,

BTG