In the world of golf, the iconic milkshake has become a clubhouse treat at many prestigious courses. Jack Nicklaus, known for designing both Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, and Castle Pines Golf Club, claims that Muirfield Village was the first to offer this delicious treat. However, George Solich, the general chairman at Castle Pines, argues that they were the true pioneers of the milkshake during the PGA Tour’s 21-year fixture as the home of the International. It was World Golf Hall of Fame member Tom Watson who eventually settled the debate, stating that Castle Pines was indeed the birthplace of the famous milkshake.
Solich proudly explains that the secret to their famous milkshakes is using Haagen-Dazs ice cream, which gives the shakes a rich and velvety texture. While Muirfield Village initially used soft serve ice cream, they eventually switched to Haagen-Dazs as well. The International’s reputation for delicious milkshakes grew exponentially, with players and their guests devouring them so quickly that the Haagen-Dazs bill reached an astounding $17,000. At concession stands where the shakes are sold, they often run out of ice cream due to high demand.
The most popular flavor of milkshake at Castle Pines is chocolate, but other options such as strawberry and vanilla are also available. For those with a sweet tooth, flavors like peanut butter, heath bar, and dreamsicle are offered. Adults can enjoy spiked milkshakes with alcohol-infused flavors like strawberry reposado and banana rum, with unique additions like ginger snaps and chocolate chips baked in-house. Executive chef Travis Teague estimates that they go through an impressive 70 gallons of vanilla ice cream a day just to keep up with the demand for shakes in the clubhouse.
The tradition of the milkshake has become an integral part of the Castle Pines Golf Club experience, adding to the club’s reputation for exceptional hospitality and unique offerings. In recent years, the milkshake has become a highlight for visitors and players alike, with many coming specifically for the legendary drink. The club continues to innovate and expand on their milkshake offerings, ensuring that they remain a popular and coveted treat for years to come. With their use of quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations, Castle Pines has set the standard for what a truly delicious milkshake should be.
As the debate over the origin of the famous milkshake continues to spark conversation in the golf community, Castle Pines Golf Club stands firm in their claim as the true pioneers of this beloved treat. With a history steeped in tradition and a commitment to excellence, Castle Pines remains a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts and milkshake aficionados alike. The legend of the Castle Pines milkshake lives on, captivating guests and leaving a lasting impression that will be remembered for years to come. Whether enjoying a classic chocolate shake or a unique spiked creation, visitors to Castle Pines are sure to experience a taste of golfing history unlike any other.
