Beer has always been as much a part of golf as birdies, bogeys, and banter. From the 19th hole to the beverage cart, golfers across the U.S. have long blended sport with suds. But a new survey pulls back the curtain on which states are truly leading the charge when it comes to beer consumption during an 18-hole round.
The findings confirm what many already suspected: some states embrace golf as both a competitive sport and a rolling tailgate. The numbers don’t just tell a story about drinking habits; they reflect regional culture, tradition, and how seriously (or not) golfers treat their rounds.
Wisconsin’s “Beer Brat Golf” Reigns Supreme
Topping the list is Wisconsin, where golfers average a staggering 5.2 beers per round. That’s more than a six-pack split between two holes. The Badger State has long prided itself on beer culture, from Milwaukee’s brewing heritage to Lambeau Field’s tailgates, and golf is no exception.
Locals even have a name for it: “Beer Brat Golf.” The ritual isn’t just about scoring; it’s about soaking up the sunshine, firing up bratwursts after the round, and enjoying a cold one on nearly every tee box. For Wisconsin golfers, beer is less of an accessory and more of a requirement.
Florida and Texas Bring the Heat
Not far behind Wisconsin is Florida, with an impressive 4.8 beers per round. Between year-round golf weather and an endless supply of retirees who play as much for the fun as the competition, it’s no surprise the Sunshine State ranks high. A leisurely pace, warm afternoons, and social vibes make beer almost mandatory.
Texas sits in third place with 4.6 beers per round. With its mix of cowboy bravado and a love for tailgating culture, Texas golf often doubles as a social event. Whether it’s a casual scramble or a weekend round with buddies, golfers in the Lone Star State are never far from a cold domestic–or, increasingly, a craft brew.
The Middle of the Pack
North Carolina and New Mexico tie at 4.3 beers per round, showing that both barbecue country and the Southwest desert embrace the balance of golf and alcohol. Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Nevada all sit just behind at 4.2 beers. These numbers suggest that beer on the course is less about geography and more about mindset: if you treat your round as a party, the beers keep flowing.
Nevada deserves special mention. Between Vegas’ “what happens here stays here” attitude and destination golf courses that cater to bachelor parties, 4.2 beers per round might even seem conservative. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s blue-collar golf culture ensures that beer is part of the round, whether it’s a Miller Lite or a local craft brew from Pittsburgh or Philly.
Utah and New England Outliers
On the other end of the leaderboard, Utah clocks in at just 1.1 beers per round. That number barely registers compared to Wisconsin’s 5.2. The low average makes sense given Utah’s cultural landscape, where alcohol laws are stricter and the drinking culture is more subdued. In Utah, hydration usually means sparkling water or sports drinks–not lager.
Massachusetts and Vermont aren’t much higher, each averaging 1.6 beers. The cooler New England climate, combined with a more competitive, “get-your-round-in” style of play, may explain the lower averages. For golfers in these states, beer isn’t necessarily frowned upon; it’s just less central to the experience.
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