Back in 2022, Golfweek’s Best added a one-time wrinkle, asking our raters to top off their yearly rankings with a new category: The best 19th hole.
Not surprisingly, they selected the famous Tap Room at Pebble Beach as the best, a place where generations of golfers have celebrated victories (and drowned sorrows), pairing a few pints with the resort’s legendary prime-rib chili.
The famous watering hole was starting to show its age a bit, but a renovation to the property has it looking ready for the next wave of golfers.
The Tap Room’s collection now features a true piece of history: the wedge Tom Watson used for his legendary chip-in on Pebble Beach’s par-3 17th during the 1982 U.S. Open. Alongside it, rare photos, scorecards, and personal artifacts from golf’s greatest names line the walls — making this space as much a shrine to the game as a dining destination.
Deep green walls and tailored leather booths pay homage to Pebble Beach tradition, while rich wood accents and layered lighting infuse a modern vibrancy. The newly added Champions Room offers private dining for larger groups, and the lively bar scene brings a fresh pulse to the iconic setting.
“The Tap Room has always been more than a restaurant — it’s where Pebble Beach history comes to life,” David Stivers, CEO of Pebble Beach Company, said in a release. “With a refreshed design and menu, it builds on its legacy as the gathering place where the game’s past and present meet.”
When it comes to 19th holes, views are important, but not everything. Same goes for the food. The drinks menu matters, of course. Service is key. But none of these alone is enough to earn a place on that 2022 list of top 19th holes that included three private clubs and, perhaps more importantly, seven spots where anyone can grab a seat.Instead, it’s all about the vibe. A chance to relax, just hang out. Enjoy a sip, the conversation, the golf and the heritage. It can be difficult to describe what makes one space a better hangout than others, but you know it when you see it. And then you never want to leave.
Here’s a look at that list:
Golfweek’s Best Top 10 19th holes (2022)
1. The Tap Room at Pebble Beach ResortPebble Beach, California
2. The Deuce at Pinehurst ResortPinehurst, North Carolina3. The Ryder Cup Bar at Kiawah Island Golf ResortKiawah Island, South Carolina
T4. The patio and Adirondack chairs at Arcadia BluffsArcadia, Michigan
T4. McKee’s Pub and firepit at Bandon Dunes Golf ResortBandon, Oregon
T6. The first-tee patio at Merion Golf ClubArdmore, Pennsylvania
T6. The porch at Secession Golf ClubBeaufort, South Carolina
T6. Sticks at Spanish BayPebble Beach, California
T6. The patio and Heckle Deck at Sweetens CoveSouth Pittsburg, Tennessee
T6. Ben’s Porch at Sand Hills Golf ClubMullen, Nebraslka
Golfweek’s Jason Lusk contributed to this report.
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