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Golfer vs. Food: The Quest for the Best Clubhouse Burger


It must be the fresh air, the open blue sky and maybe even the green grass. But there’s something about summertime that makes us want to barbecue. Burgers, ribs, hot dogs, chicken kebabs – we love anything and everything cooked over the glory of a smoky open flame.

It can’t be a coincidence that those same three elements – fresh air, open sky and green grass – are synonymous with being on a golf course, so that got us thinking about which courses offer amazing eats before or after your round. Namely, where to find the best clubhouse burgers.

Of course, when it comes to judging burgers, the issue becomes intensely subjective. But taking into consideration feedback from GolfNow golfers like you, here’s a roundup of some golfer-favorite 19th hole burgers in the country.

Encinitas Ranch Golf Course | Encinitas, CA

Low scores and ocean views aren’t the only claims to fame for this San Diego-area course. The “Western Burger” served at the snack bar apparently leaves a lasting impression – “it was one of the best burgers I ever ate.”

Rolling Hills Golf Course | Longwood, FL

Hill’s Grill at Rolling Hills is a perfect way to end your round with a fully-stocked bar and “the best burger in town,” according to several GolfNow golfers. Which is saying something, considering the Orlando area is home to more than 140 courses.

Tapatio Springs Country Club & Resort | Boerne, TX

This Hill Country resort brings a southwest flavor to its grill, but the burger is eight big Oh-Zees of Angus beef grilled to taste with all the trimmings. It’ll take care of your Texas-sized appetite.

Silverado Golf Club | Scottsdale, AZ

One GolfNow reviewer summarized the burger thusly: “….perfect size, great flavor…always fresh and cooked exactly to order.” That’s hard to beat. Put that next to the rolling green terrain set against the chocolate mountains and you have a perfect lunch.

Buenaventura Golf Club | Ventura, CA

Consider this comment from a golfer review on Golfnow: “I can say it was above fantastic. One of the nice deals there is you get to stack as much on top of that cheeseburger you want. I’m good for mustard, ketchup, pickles…heavy lettuce and about 4 slices of tomato! A little dressing and grab the napkins, because it’s the the big boy sandwich…try one and build it your way! It’s double yum.” The course measures only 5,800 yards, but its burger apparently ups the course value in its reviews.

Foster Country Club | Foster, RI

“Hands down, the best. Char-grilled and huge with all the fixings” was one comment. What more could you ask for? Well, the Chipotle Burger for one: Cheddar Cheese, Applewood Bacon, Fried Onions, Chipotle Aioli. Save room for two burgers? Yes, please!

Jade Greens Golf Club | Auburn, WA

A wide-open, nine-hole course meant for laughter, friends, a few beers and more laughter. And, of course, a burger, “[W]ithout a doubt!!! Just like Mom’s!!” Not sure Mom would want to drive to the base of the Cascades to compare – but maybe so.

Western Skies Golf Club | Gilbert, AZ

When it comes to burgers, this comment raises your curiosity if not some hungerpangs: “[N]ot a memorable course except for the fact it has the best burger I have ever ate. Avocado bacon over easy egg the works with some fries. hmmmmmmmm burger.”

Deer Run Golf Club | Victoria, MN

Here’s a prototypical Midwestern course and it has that oh-so-American knack of finding a way to be memorable. According to one reviewer, Deer Run has “the BEST burgers I’ve ever had at a golf course OR restaurant.” A half-pound of grilled beef can do much to kill the pain of a few bogeys.

Country View Golf Club | Lancaster, TX

Maybe it was a good round on a tough, tough track. Maybe it was a once-in-a-lifetime putting round, or an eagle or…maybe the burger is just really, really good. As one commenter put it, “the burgers are to die for.” And that’s what a good burger does: Puts an exclamation point on a good day.

Do you agree with our list? Where did you find the best clubhouse burger you’ve ever had?

3 responses to “Golfer vs. Food: The Quest for the Best Clubhouse Burger”

  1. Rebecca Mc Alexander says:

    Diamond Woods Golf Course in Monroe, Oregon..OMG the best Hamburgers ever…The course is great but can be unforgiving…

  2. Barbara in NC says:

    TEN years ago at a golf course around North Tahoe in Caifornia!! Too bad it was a once in a lifetime event since we live in NC. What a burger. No burger I’ve eaten since has lived up to the taste of that one.
    Course name ? / Rocky Mount, NC

  3. […] Encinitas Ranch, try the “Western Burger.” I mean, it did get voted one of the best 19th Hole Burgers by […]

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