Three of the top names in professional golf are now in the beer business. Freddie Jacobson, Keegan Bradley and Graeme McDowell are launching a series of easy-drinking craft beers through their new company, GolfBeer Brewing Co. The move marks the first time professional golfers have started their own beer company and have been associated with craft beer.
“Our lives have always revolved around golf, but we also are passionate about great beer, so we’re really excited about this,” said Jacobson, a founding partner of the GolfBeer concept. “I was first introduced to the idea of brewing a beer after a conversation I had with my friend and business associate Patrik Waxin. I immediately jumped at the opportunity to combine three of my passions: golf, beer and building a business. After doing my research and assembling a team of brewing experts, I reached out to my fellow players Keegan Bradley and Graeme McDowell to join me in this venture. Not only do they share my love of great beer, they also have an interest in building businesses and careers which transcend the golf course. Together we created refreshing and drinkable craft beers you can enjoy, whether you are on the course, at the 19th hole with friends or at home watching a tournament on television.”
The beers were created to meet each golfer’s preference and taste profile: Freddie Jacobson’s Scandinavian Style Blonde Ale is a light ale brewed with Crystal malt and a variety of European hops; Keegan Bradley’s New England Style Lager is an easy-drinking lager brewed with two-row barley and a variety of North American hops; and G-Mac’s Celtic Style Pale Ale is a crisp, refreshing pale ale with a floral hop aroma and a snappy finish, according to the company. Each of the golfers played a role in the design of the packaging, which features their name, signature and silhouette. All three beers are between 4.5 and 5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and will be priced comparably to other premium craft beer.
“For me as a golfer and a restaurant owner, GolfBeer is the perfect marriage, bringing together two of my favorite things,” said McDowell. “I am excited to join the GolfBeer team and I look forward to sharing our beers, both at my restaurant Nona Blue and at courses and clubs throughout Florida.”
GolfBeer initially will be available on draft and in 12-oz. cans at select golf courses, restaurants and country clubs throughout the state of Florida. The company plans to introduce all three brands in 12-oz. glass bottle (six-packs) and expand to grocery stores, bars and restaurants in 2015.
“To have a master brewer develop a beer based on my taste preference has been an incredible experience,” said Bradley. “The beers are delicious, the concept is unique and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
The team chose the Florida market to debut GolfBeer for a variety of reasons. The company says demand for craft beers in the state is growing at a faster rate than anywhere in the country, to the point that wholesalers and retailers can’t get access to enough craft beer to meet the demand. This need, coupled with the large number of recreational golfers and golf courses that call Florida home, made it the perfect market to introduce the company’s first line of beers, according to the company.
