SOUTHPORT, England — Enjoying a pint at the pub while watching live sports is as tried-and-true of a tradition as any in the U.K. But for fans attending the final major championship of the men’s golf season this week, it isn’t that simple.
While there’s plenty of beer, wine, and spirits available for purchase at the Open Championship, which began Thursday, enjoying those adult beverages around Royal Birkdale takes a little more effort than it does at golf tournaments in the U.S.
At the Open, alcohol sales start at 10 a.m. each day. Pouring hours vary across most U.S. golf events—the Masters sells beer and wine as soon as gates open at 7 a.m., while the Ryder Cup last September started selling booze at 9 a.m. (which didn’t prevent the rowdy American fans from turning ugly on the dominating European team).
The vast spectator village at Royal Birkdale has multiple options for alcoholic beverages—including free Scotch whisky tastings—but there are no golf holes within direct view, requiring fans to walk with their drinks to see live golf. The Open Arms bar has multiple locations, but most food trucks and vendors do not sell alcohol. That’s a drastically different strategy than American golf tournaments, where various beers, seltzers, and signature cocktails are seemingly available around every corner.
