When most people think about a round of golf, they picture green fairways, a calm breeze, and maybe a classic cold drink in hand. Today, golf isn’t just about the traditional outdoor course — virtual golf has brought the game indoors, making it accessible year-round and turning it into a lively social activity. With friends gathered around, immersive screens, and great food and drink options nearby, one question naturally comes up: what drinks pair well with golf?

For casual groups and social players, the drink selection can shape the entire experience. One of the most popular options today is craft beer. The rise of craft brewing has given players an incredible range of flavors, styles, and aromas to match different moods and moments during a round. Whether you are working on your short game or celebrating a perfect drive, choosing the right drink can make the experience even more enjoyable.

If you’re planning a visit to a virtual golf venue, exploring the drink menu is a great place to start. Let’s look at why craft beer is such a popular choice, what styles pair best with golf, and how you can turn your next virtual golf session into a mini tasting event with friends.

The Appeal of Craft Beer in a Social Golf Setting

Craft beer isn’t just about alcohol content; it’s about flavor, variety, and community. For social players, virtual golf is often more about connecting with friends than keeping score. Craft beer fits this vibe perfectly, offering a drink that sparks conversation and invites exploration.

Craft breweries experiment with ingredients and brewing methods, resulting in beers with notes of citrus, pine, chocolate, coffee, tropical fruit, or even spices. Each sip can be an experience on its own. This variety allows players to pick a beer that complements their taste and the tone of the game — light and crisp beers for a relaxed afternoon, or bold and hoppy brews to toast a winning round.

Another reason craft beer works well with golf is its sessionability. Many craft breweries make lower-ABV (alcohol by volume) beers that let players enjoy a few pints without affecting their swing or concentration too much. This balance is ideal for those who want to enjoy both the drink and the game.

Matching Craft Beer Types to Your Round

Different craft beer styles bring out different moods, and understanding them can help you choose the perfect pairing for your game. Here are a few common craft beer types and how they fit into a virtual golf outing:

1. Light Lagers and Pilsners

When you want something crisp, refreshing, and easy-drinking, a lager or pilsner is your best choice. These beers are light in color and body, making them a perfect fit for longer sessions where you’ll be sipping throughout multiple rounds.

2. Pale Ales and IPAs

For players who like a bit of boldness, pale ales and IPAs deliver hop-forward flavors with notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. These beers are a good match for groups who want to celebrate big shots or keep the energy lively throughout the game.

3. Wheat Beers and Hefeweizens

These are smooth, slightly fruity beers that offer a softer drinking experience. They pair well with relaxed play and go great with food like soft pretzels or grilled snacks.

4. Porters and Stouts

For evening sessions or cooler seasons, porters and stouts bring chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt flavors to the table. They are great for players who want something richer and more robust while enjoying the slower pace of an indoor round.

When planning your visit, you can find a variety of these styles on the main venue site and get an idea of what might be available before you arrive.

Creating a Tasting Experience with Your Group

For foodies and casual groups, one of the most enjoyable ways to approach pairing drinks with golf is to turn it into a mini tasting event. You can order a few different craft beers for the group and sample them between holes.

A good approach is to start light and work toward darker, stronger beers. For example:

1. Begin with a crisp lager to cleanse the palate.
2. Move into pale ales or IPAs for a little more flavor and complexity.
3. Finish with a stout or porter as a dessert-style option.

This progression lets you experience a range of flavors without overwhelming your taste buds early. To make it more fun, encourage everyone in the group to rate each beer or guess the style before checking the menu.

You can even match beers to virtual golf course themes. If you’re playing a course set in a tropical location, try a citrusy IPA. If you’re playing a course with rolling green hills, a smooth amber ale might feel just right. You can view available virtual courses ahead of time with this course list and plan a themed drink menu around your choice.

Complementing the Food Menu

No golf experience is complete without good food, and pairing your beer with the right snacks or meals can take things up another level.

• Lagers and pilsners go great with lighter bites like salads, flatbreads, or fried appetizers.
• IPAs pair nicely with spicy wings or bold flavors, as the hops help cut through the richness.
• Stouts and porters match well with desserts or hearty dishes like sliders or BBQ options.

If your group loves food as much as the game, you can build a small tasting menu that complements the beers you choose. Sharing plates, sliders, or a sampler platter keeps everyone engaged and creates a relaxed social atmosphere.

Why Drinks Matter for the Social Experience

Golf has always been about camaraderie as much as competition, and drinks play a big part in that. Choosing the right craft beer, wine, or non-alcoholic option helps create a shared experience where everyone feels included.

Virtual golf makes this even more accessible since you don’t need to worry about course rules, long waits, or weather conditions. The indoor setting gives you time to slow down, chat, sip your drink, and enjoy the social side of the game.

If you’re planning a group outing or event, you can also reach out to the venue staff to ask about drink packages or special arrangements. For questions or reservations, use the contact page to plan ahead and make sure your group has the perfect setup.

FAQ: Drinks and Golf

Q1: What drinks pair well with golf?

Light lagers, wheat beers, and pilsners are refreshing and easy to drink during play. For more flavor, try pale ales or IPAs, and for an evening round, consider a porter or stout for a richer experience.

Q2: Are non-alcoholic options available?

Yes, most venues offer non-alcoholic beers, sodas, or mocktails so everyone can enjoy the social side of the game.

Q3: How many drinks should you have during a round?

For most players, one to two drinks per nine holes is a good balance, allowing you to stay focused while enjoying the experience.

Q4: Can you pair food with beer during virtual golf?

Absolutely. Many venues offer a full food menu, making it easy to create pairings such as IPAs with wings or stouts with desserts.

Q5: Can I plan a beer tasting event around golf?

Yes, you can organize a casual beer flight tasting with friends, starting with light beers and progressing to stronger ones, making it an interactive part of the golf session.