Something New To The Course: Golf Snack Shacks
Whether you know them as snack shacks, comfort stations or turn shacks, there’s a new trend on the golf course that’s leveling up the traditional drink cart.
Snack shacks feature a broad range of food and drinks from basic fare to truly culinary delights. While catching the traditional drinks cart is often hit or miss, these stationary facilities are always in the same place on your favorite courses.
Some feature basic options like chilled fruit, hotdogs, chips, nuts and a wide selection of hot or cold beverages including alcoholic offerings – and the more elaborate stations might offer warm breakfast sandwiches and even chef-inspired tacos or sliders along with custom cocktails. Snack shacks provide golfers with an oft-needed respite from a challenging course or the elements of the day. Even the greatest golf purist among us can appreciate a snack stop. However, there are typically grab-and-go options for those who prefer to literally stay on course.
We love this trend and have enjoyed them on two courses recently. Here’s our experience with the snack shack trend.
1. The Reserve at Moonlight Basin Golf Club, Big Sky Montana
This course designed by Jack Nicklaus is often on the list as one of the most scenic courses in the country, set amidst a backdrop of ski mountains and offering spectacular views. In keeping with the vibe of the area, Moonlight Basin’s comfort station looks like a rustic log cabin complete with Adirondack chairs on the porches and bear spray for your golf carts. Players pass the cabin twice during a round and can grab snacks like like chips, nuts, granola bars, ice cream, and other sweets along with beer on tap and non-alcoholic beverages.
Pictured here is KINONA Co-Founder, Tami Fujii with friends at Moonlight Basin’s Comfort Station.
Pictured is the Comfort Station at Moonlight Basin
2. KuKui’ula, Kaua’I Hawaii:
This exclusive member’s only club designed by Tom Weiskopf features magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean from every one of its 18 holes. The comfort stations are a perfect example of the Ho’okipa (“hospitality”) that guides every aspect of guest interaction at this beautiful club and feature local delights including a rotating Musubi of the Day, a rice ball wrapped in nori (aka seaweed) with a protein such as SPAM, teriyaki chicken, or pork belly. They also offer items that are easy to grab-and-go like portion-controlled chicken salad, frozen grapes, beef jerky, chips, and even margaritas and beer. You can stop in at the comfort station or even order food to be delivered directly to your cart on the fairway.
Pictured is Musubi of the Day at Kukui’ula Snack Shack
Whether your course features the simple snacks or more elaborate, made-to-order fare, these stations are also a great place to catch up with friends, commiserate over a challenging hole, and show off your golf style in a favorite new KINONA outfit.
Have you seen one on your course? Follow us out on Instagram and Facebook and tag us in your snack shack pictures.
