Have you ever said or played with someone who believes a few beers/cocktails on the course helps their game?  Alcohol and golf have a fun relationship that dates back to the earliest of times in golf history.  It's been said the reason a golf course has 18 holes is one of the founding fathers would have a little sip of alcohol each hole and by the 18th, he needed to stop.  Stop playing from exhaustion or drunkenness?  I'm not sure what to believe.

Does alcohol improve your game?  It depends is the answer.  The facts are that the more you drink the more you will lose your motor skills.  Those skills are vital to playing good golf.  Also, you will lose your inhibitions and might try some shots you probably shouldn't try.  Alcohol can make a round with friends a great time, as long as your expectations on your scores aren't too lofty.

Here is a little breakdown on how much to indulge in some libations around the golf course.  My general rule of thumb here is if you can pass a breathalyser and operate heavy machinery, you can play solid golf.

(1) Drink per 18 holes:  You should be in good shape especially if you have one early in the round.  It might calm your nerves a bit if you're in a match.  Your scores should be consistent as being completely sober and you might even card a lower than usual round.

(2) Drinks per 18 holes = 1 on each 9:   Still in good shape if the sauce is spaced out.  Assuming you're having 2 drinks over a 3 - 4 hour period of time, you're still good to drive home after a solid round.

(3) Drinks per 18 holes:  Let's say you have 2 on the front side and 1 on the back.  You may get that buzz you're looking for and also may get a little careless with club choices and strategy.  Still you may surprise yourself with some good golf, but your consistency may deteriorate.  Grab a bite to eat at the turn and get some sustenance.

(4) Drinks per 18 holes = 2 on each 9:  For most of us, our decision making won't be the best especially on the back 9.  Better get your scoring in early because the back could be a big number.  Your balance won't be as good, inhibitions will start to leave you thus your decision making will get worse.  But, if you're having 4 drinks on the course, you're probably not too concerned with score anyway.  Lit up a stogie and enjoy a beautiful day on the links.

(6) Drinks per 18 holes:  Try to avoid hurting anyone including yourself or someone's property.  You should have a ride home or call a cab.  Hopefully your playing partner is driving the cart as you probably shouldn't be driving the cart either.  By the back nine, you're probably flying.  You will be able to hit some good shots from time to time, but your putting will be bad.  You'll be swaying over the ball and contact with the club won't be perfect.  The upside is you won't care where the ball is going and at some points you'll be lucky to find it.

(8) Drinks per 18 holes:  Try to keep you clothes on!  Avoid having a sword fight or duel with a playing partner in the middle of the fairway.  You may find your self running all over the green with a club between your legs, slapping your back side like you're heading down the final stretch at the Kentucky Derby.  Do your best not to get kicked off the course or banned for life.  The carts are not bumper cars.  The cart girl isn't winking at you either, but she'll gladly take the 5 spot you gave her because she seems to be hovering around your group.

(18) Drinks per 18 holes:  Death!  Party like you're one of Golf's founding fathers.  Seriously, you may want to head right from the course to the hospital.  Obviously this isn't something you should do.  You probably won't remember hole 4 on and that might be a good thing.  Your score card may look like some first graders art project.

Alcohol can be an nice addition to your golfing experience when consumed in moderation.

Cheers!