Non-alcoholic beverages are gaining a foothold among golfers.
Beer will always have a place in golf, but drinks that are not water, don’t contain sugar or alcohol and aren’t packed with electrolytes have traditionally been limited in variety. Until now.
“That golf-and-beer association has always been there and always will be,” says Nathan Herbertson, founder of Clubhouse non-alcoholic hop soda. “But in a more health-conscious society, this is another option.”
Hop soda is a new category in the broader beverage market, one that has required some education of the entire market, not just golfers. It’s an in-between drink, Herbertson says, but one with an adult flavour that’s more sophisticated.
“Once they taste it, most people get it. As soon as it hits their lips, they understand,” he says.
Within the two-strong Clubhouse range, the Classic (or 01), is the more beer-like pick of the pair but is a choice you can reach for without guilt or worrying about how choosing a beer or two instead might inhibit whatever you have planned for the rest of the day. The Focus (or 02) provides more of a boost thanks to the ingredient yerba maté, a herbal source of caffeine. Herbertson says you might opt for the 02 on the second nine in a round of golf.
Here are some options for when you’d rather steer clear of alcohol on the course or after a round.
Heaps Normal
Heaps Normal’s range of non-alcohol beers offers refreshing, flavoursome alternatives to traditional brews, crafted for social moments without the alcohol. The line-up includes crisp lagers, pale ales and limited releases, each designed with balanced bitterness, aroma and character. Made by Australian brewers, these beers deliver a satisfying craft experience while supporting mindful drinking choices. Whether on the golf course or relaxing with friends, Heaps Normal provides versatile options that don’t compromise on taste or quality.
Edenvale
Alcohol-removed wines provide many health benefits, including being high in antioxidants and low in calories. While a healthier alternative, premium alcohol-removed wines, such as the Edenvale range, retain the taste and aromas of their alcoholic counterparts. With an extensive range of varietals for every taste, Edenvale has a range of red, white, sparkling and rosé non-alcoholic wines that are easily available online and at local supermarkets.
I tried it: Clubhouse
Clubhouse is a fresh take on soda that calls itself a “social hydration beverage” – an indication that the occasion can matter as much as the chosen drink. Whatever your interpretation of that moniker might be, there are three aspects about which there are no confusion: they contain no alcohol, no sugar and no carbs.
The soda qualities of the 01 version are instantly recognisable. There’s a tart first ‘hit’ that softens with subsequent sips, and a flavour that’s not quite sour although is anything but sweet. As someone who’s never been fond of anything related to mineral or soda water, I found myself quickly warming to it.
The 02 has a little more depth with a hint of a green tea taste thanks to the yerba maté. The soda component still shines through, just with a different tang. I enjoyed the contrast, as the duo offer complementary yet distinctive options.
To call both refreshing is neither cliché nor inappropriate. Clubhouse could easily become your pre-golf, on-course or post-round beverage selection in a heartbeat. – Steve Keipert
