Golf Digest lists its 50 best 19th holes: Some of my favorite watering holes around the world for a beer

I was just perusing through Golf Digest’s list of the “50 Best 19th Holes” between watching action of the Players Championship, and it inspired me to crack open a Bud - and go down memory lane, thinking about my own favorite 19th holes.

Surveying their list, what bugs me most is that many of their picks are private clubs like the Country Club at Brookline and Oakmont. Now, you would hope a couple hundred thousand dollars in initiation fees would warrant a decent clubhouse bar.

But I’m more concerned about the 19th holes we can all have a drink in (because how can a 19th hole be good if it’s not inviting to everyone?). I have been to some of the mag’s picks, like posh Fallen Oak in Mississippi, Princeville on Kauai, Legends Resort’s Ailsa Pub in Myrtle Beach, and they’re all good.

A few of my favorites not on the list from all over the world immediately come to mind:

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club’s rowdy back patio that overlooks the 18th hole. Grab a beer and heckle (and cheer) players as they try and make it over the long water carry to the green.

Poipu Bay Golf Course over on Kauai has a wonderful bar and restaurant with asian pacific appetizers and idyllic Hawaiian sunsets.

About 45 minutes from me here in Austin, the Horseshoe Bay Resort’s beautiful new stone Cap Rock clubhouse overlooks Lake LBJ and the Ram Rock and Apple Rock courses.

In Cornwall, Royal North Devon’s clubhouse features a seriously good collection of memorabilia, and some of the friendliest membership I’ve come across. They have to be kind souls, because the sheep and horse-filled golf course they play every day is wacky.

Last week, I was at the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, and their 4th floor Road Hole Bar has the best views of the Old Course anywhere. They also have whisky from every distillery in Scotland.

The new Finca Cortesin Resort over in Spain features a beautiful clubhouse patio that overlooks the golf course and Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

In Malaysia, Tiara Melaka has an enormous pool and waterslide next to the outdoor (shaded thankfully) terrace. After 18 holes in 90-degree heat and high humidity, it looks mightily inviting.

At Bandon Dunes Resort’s Bunker Bar, grab a stogie and join in on a game of poker.

Of course, sometimes the best 19th hole in mind is simply “the next one". I’m headed to San Antonio on Sunday and looking forward to discovering some brand new 19th holes and jolly blokes to have a beer with.

I’m also curious if any readers out there have any of their own favorite places for a pint…

Having just returned from Scotland, I just posted a feature on East Lothian’s best 19th holes at ScotlandGolf.com.

A foursome enjoys a cigar and a pint outside the Jigger Inn, just off St. Andrews’ Road Hole.