Golf is a sport where the 19th hole is often considered to be more important than the 18 which precede it. We take a look at the best 19th holes in golf, including the famed Jigger Inn with views over the Road Hole at St Andrews, Sawgrass with the largest clubhouse we’ve ever seen, Cabot Highlands with its stunning views across the Moray Firth and Royal Porthcawl with a history few could match.
It’s impossible to compile any list of anything to do with golf without mentioning the home of the game, St Andrews; and up in the old toon the place to be after the last putt drops is the jigger inn, which sits on the famous Road Hole. While the food is reasonably priced and the bar offers a nice selection of Drams and Ales, the real attraction here is the golfing memorabilia that covers the walls and the knowledge that you are surrounded by genuine history.
The Jigger Inn dates back to the 1850s when it was the station master’s lodge and now, in the shadow of the old course hotel, it serves its purpose as the ideal place to relax, unwind and soak in the indescribable sense of nirvana that only that purest of Golfer will truly understand.
Sawgrass
There are clubhouses and there are ‘clubmansions’ but then there is the 77,000 square foot Mediterranean palace that awaits Sunday hackers and Tour Pros alike at the Sawgrass facility in Florida, USA. No matter how many of your balls have found their fate at the bottom of the lake surrounding the infamous 17th, the vast array of dining options and the PGA memorabilia that could fill a museum is sure to lift the spirits.
An elegant blend of old-world charm and bespoke amenities give an upmarket feel which mirrors the mature yet modern nature of the course the clubhouse serves. With so much to see and do around the clubhouse, make sure you take the time to take it all in, just be careful not to get lost!
Cabot Highlands
The Art Deco clubhouse at Cabot Highlands was designed with one idea in mind, the panoramic view over the Moray Firth. An iPhone photographer’s dream, the multi-level building stands majestically over the course and firth, but the best time to really enjoy the view is at dusk when a brilliant orange hue dances around the natural shadows of the rolling landscape.
When the wind blows the course can be a seriously difficult place to score but mother nature pays the troubled golfer back with a hypnotic backdrop which makes Cabot Highlands one of the most important Golfing locations north of the border.
Royal Porthcawl
Royal Porthcawl, so named after given Royal status in 1909 by Edward VII, now sits in the formidable shadow of the Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales, however, its equally formidable history and unrivalled hospitality still means it shines just as bright as its younger cousin. Having previously hosted the Amateur Championship, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, British Masters, Welsh Golf Classic and Senior Open.
While the memorabilia that grace the clubhouse walls can keep even the most astute of Golf historians entertained, the real history can only be found in conversation with a member, who will be sure to tell you of Tiger Woods’ Walker Cup visit and his eventual failure to master the links.
There are many factors that define the ultimate 19th hole; a superb facility, a great selection of drinks, a setting steeped in golfing mythology and a view to keep the jaw fully pressed to the floor can all amount to a great way to end a game of golf. However, what really makes a great 19th are the stories of success and woe, the settling of bets, the congratulations and condolences and the chance to sit back with your mates and remember the great day you’ve just enjoyed.
Best 19th Holes in Golf as Voted by our Clients
We’re always keen to swap stories with our fellow golfers about your own experiences and the destinations you have loved. So a while back, we asked you which was your favourite bar after a round, the Best 19th Hole in golf.
There is nothing quite like quenching your thirst with a delicious beverage, regaling shots from your round with friends and of course, watching others on the course from a balcony above.
So which venues got your vote?
Aphrodite Hills
Situated in Cyprus, Aphrodite Hills oozes the holiday feels. Views over the Mediterranean Sea, championship golf and swimming pools aplenty. The Aphrodite Hills Golf Clubhouse is located adjacent to the PGA National Cyprus golf course and is a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing drink
This 19th Hole gets approval from Les.
@AphroditeHills1 of course pic.twitter.com/RD5t2lzzv0
— les (@lesgedge) January 11, 2021
Montgomerie Maxx Royal
Located in Belek, Turkey many golfers now rate Montgomerie Maxx Royal as the best championship golf course in the country and it has hosted the Turkish Airlines Open many times on the European Tour.
On the terrace is the ideal spot for a post round drink. It is from here you can watch fellow golfers on the 18th hole, as the clubhouse directly overlooks it.
Mark gives this place the thumbs up for the best 19th Hole (And it’s all-inclusive!)
The Monty Belek September 2020 pic.twitter.com/wAZ8nbHuMQ
— Mark Ringstead (@mogo55225) January 11, 2021
Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort – Stadium Course
Playing golf in the sunshine… something a lot of us haven’t done for a while. Camiral (formerly PGA Catalunya) not only delivers on the shorts and t-shirt weather most of the year-round but it is known as a contender for the best golf resort in Spain.
The Club Cafe is our favourite spot at PGA Catalunya Resort, where you can soak up the sunshine with stunning views of the Stadium Course and the mountains in the background.
“PGA Catalunya, September 2019… Epic Cold beer on the terrace and wonderful sunshine after a brutal round on The Stadium Course!”
Tony
Kauri Cliffs
New Zealand as a whole is a breathtaking place and the golf courses more than live up to this description. At Kauri Cliffs you will experience panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean and world class golf.
And the views get even better from the clubhouse – so be sure to stick around for a drink and a bite after your round. Panoramic views stretch along the Cavalli Islands to Cape Brett. When you sit here, you truly appreciate the beauty around you as time passes you by.
Phil stated it was the best 19th Hole he has been to and it’s pretty easy to see why!
Kauri cliffs ,Bay of islands , NZ. Could sit here all day with beers after golf. pic.twitter.com/7wvlQT5LYV
— phil crawford (@philcra16226636) January 11, 2021
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago in the Algarve gets my vote for the Best 19th Hole. Not only does the all encompassing resort have three fantastic championship courses on site, there is a Paul McGinley/TaylorMade performance centre and ‘mini-golf’.
Sitting on the patio overlooking the driving range in front of you is a great way to soak up the Portuguese sunshine. Just when you thought the ‘friendly’ competition was over for the day, mini-golf is just to the side – and who can resist a final attempt at winning one over on your friends…
Memories Made at the 19th Hole
Our favourite sport brings so many great memories, made on and off the golf course. It is a fun sport to play with friends and to socialise. Whether you as a two-ball or a group, we hope that you all get to to visit some of these Best 19th Hole spots soon.
Where do you think has the Best 19th Hole in golf?
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