Golf And Beer: Forest Park Course Drinking Rules

The Norman K. Probstein Golf Course in Forest Park, St. Louis, is a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels. The 27-hole course offers a unique challenge with its rolling zoysia fairways, mature trees, and natural water features. Visitors often wonder if they can drink beer while enjoying a game of golf or hanging out in the park. While there are no explicit rules prohibiting alcohol consumption, it is advised to be discreet and not cause any disturbances. Some visitors recommend bringing cups to pour beer into, as it is generally acceptable to drink in most public parks in St. Louis as long as you are respectful and not causing any trouble.

Drinking alcohol in Forest Park, St. Louis

Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is a popular destination, attracting over 15 million visitors each year. The park features beautiful landscapes, cultural institutions, and recreational activities. It is owned and operated by the City of St. Louis and is patrolled by the St. Louis Police Department and Park Rangers.

When it comes to drinking alcohol in Forest Park, there are a few things to keep in mind. Officially, according to St. Louis ordinances, drinking alcohol in public places, including parks, is prohibited unless authorised in writing by the Excise Commissioner. However, there is an exception for "picnic groups in public parks," as long as those consuming alcohol are not noisy, riotous, or disorderly.

In practice, many people report that they have consumed alcohol discreetly in the park without any issues. Some suggest bringing cups instead of drinking directly from cans or bottles to be less conspicuous. It is important to note that the park is patrolled by law enforcement, and while they may not actively enforce the alcohol restrictions, it is still advisable to be respectful and responsible to avoid any potential issues.

Additionally, there are restaurants and bars within Forest Park, such as Ruthie's Bar & Grill, where patrons can legally consume alcohol.

If you plan to drink alcohol at Forest Park Golf Course, it is worth noting that alcohol is sold at the course, and reviews suggest that it is a popular spot for golfers, with beautiful views and a challenging course.

In conclusion, while there are official restrictions on drinking alcohol in Forest Park, St. Louis, the city's relaxed alcohol laws and cultural acceptance of drinking in parks mean that many people do so discreetly without issue. As always, it is important to drink responsibly and follow any instructions from park officials or law enforcement.

Forest Park Golf Course's three 9-hole courses

Forest Park Golf Course: Three 9-Hole Courses

Forest Park Golf Course in St. Louis, Missouri, is a highly-regarded golf destination, known for its three distinctive 9-hole layouts. Each of these 9-hole courses offers a unique and enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The courses, named Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud, showcase the natural beauty of the region with rolling zoysia fairways, mature trees, and undulating greens.

The Norman K. Probstein Golf Course, located within Forest Park, is renowned for its exceptional event amenities, dining options, and impeccable service. It has been distinguished as the "Best City Golf Course in Mid-America." The course caters to golfers seeking a beautiful backdrop for a casual round with family and friends, as well as those looking for a memorable locale for tournaments and special events.

Each of the three 9-hole courses at Forest Park Golf Course has its own character and distinct features. The Hawthorne course, for example, offers a traditional golf experience with tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The Dogwood course, on the other hand, incorporates natural water features and rolling terrain to create a visually stunning and challenging layout. Lastly, the Redbud course showcases the area's natural beauty with expansive greens and scenic views.

The golf course also offers putting and chipping greens for practice, and golfers can avail of instruction from a talented team of PGA teaching professionals for private or group lessons. Forest Park Golf Course provides a seamless and low-interaction experience with pre-paid tee times, allowing golfers to choose their preferred time and pay for their round in advance.

In addition to the exceptional golf facilities, Forest Park itself is a remarkable urban public park. Spanning 1,300 acres, the park offers stunning landscapes, nature reserves, cultural institutions, and a variety of recreational opportunities. With over 15.5 million visitors annually, Forest Park is a vibrant and welcoming destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The Norman K. Probstein Golf Course

The course was built in 1913 on the site of the 1904 World's Fair and has been reconfigured by Stan Gentry, the chief architect for Hale Irwin Golf Services Inc., into three nine-hole courses named after trees found in St. Louis: Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud. All three courses have lush zoysia fairways and are par 35.

The Forest Park Golf Course is one of the finest public courses in the country, providing a beautiful backdrop for golfers and a memorable locale for special events.

Alcohol laws in Missouri

Missouri's alcohol laws are among the most permissive in the United States, with a largely laissez-faire approach to alcohol regulation. The state has no dry jurisdictions, and alcohol can be purchased from grocery stores, gas stations, and similar businesses that acquire the proper permits. The drinking age in Missouri is 21, and it is illegal to consume alcohol in a church, school, or courthouse. However, Missouri has no state open container law, and passengers are permitted to drink alcohol in vehicles as long as they are not driving.

Missouri has a three-tier distribution system for alcohol: the manufacturer, the distributor, and the retailer. Each level requires a license to sell alcohol, and there are laws dictating how these tiers interact with each other and the public. Retailers can hold an on-premise license, allowing them to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises (such as a bar or restaurant), or an off-premise license, for selling alcohol for consumption elsewhere. Additionally, Missouri requires anyone selling or manufacturing intoxicating liquor and wishing to sell it on Sundays to apply for an additional license.

To sell alcohol within 100 feet of a school or church, written approval is needed from the city's board of aldermen, city council, or other proper authorities. Alcohol sales are restricted to between 6:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. daily, with some municipalities having separate laws. Missouri also allows for the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Missouri passed laws allowing the sale of to-go cocktails to help bars and restaurants financially. This law became permanent in August 2021, with the requirement that alcohol must be in a sealed, tamper-proof container.

While Missouri has permissive alcohol laws, there are still regulations and restrictions in place. It is important to understand and follow all local, state, and federal regulations to avoid prosecution and ensure the safety of oneself and others.

Forest Park's attractions

Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is considered one of the greatest urban public parks in the nation. The park offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the highlights:

Golf Course

Forest Park is home to the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course, a 27-hole golf course that offers a unique and enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course features three par-35 nine-hole layouts—the Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud—each with rolling zoysia fairways, mature trees, undulating greens, and natural water features. The course is set within the beautiful park, providing golfers with stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding nature.

Cultural Institutions

Forest Park is also home to five of the region's major cultural institutions. These include the Saint Louis Art Museum, where you can explore a diverse range of artistic styles and exhibitions; the Missouri History Museum, which showcases the rich history of the state; and the Saint Louis Science Center, offering interactive and engaging science exhibits.

Recreational Activities

The park offers a plethora of recreational activities to suit everyone's interests. For sports enthusiasts, there's the Dwight Davis Memorial Tennis Center, the Nicholas J. Booker Basketball Courts, and the Richard Hudlin Playground & Tennis Courts. Those who enjoy the outdoors can explore the Kennedy Forest Boardwalks, the Hidden Creek Savanna, or go fishing in the lakes and lagoons (a valid Missouri fishing license is required). During the winter, Art Hill becomes a popular spot for sledding.

Dining Options

Forest Park offers a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Keagan's Restaurant, The Key Bistro at the Missouri History Museum, and Ruthie's Bar & Grill are just a few of the eateries within the park where you can enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink.

Special Events

Forest Park also hosts a range of special events throughout the year. From weddings and picnics to athletic field reservations and cultural exhibitions, there's always something unique and exciting happening in the park.

Frequently asked questions