Why is a Thai lager the “official beer of the British Open?” We were wondering the same thing

HOYLAKE, England — Nothing says the British Open like a Singha beer, right?

The Thai beermaker became an Official Supplier and the “Official Beer of The Open,” signing a deal that debuted this year and runs through 2025, an R&A spokesperson confirmed. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

It made several spectators wonder, what in the name of Bass and Sam Smith is going on here? And truth be told, it seems odd to have “the original Thai beer,” as the beer of choice being sold at a tournament being played this year in England, next year in Scotland, and in 2025 in Northern Ireland (hopefully there’s room for a tap or three of Guinness). But never fear: it turns out there is a tie – or should we say Thai? – to the United Kingdom, after all.

Singha is brewed in the UK by Shepherd and Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, who also supply the championship with other beer brands for the public bars and hospitality.

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The Open previously featured European beers, with Stella Artois, the Belgium beermaker, designated as the official beer from 2014-18, and Dutch beer Heineken in 2019.

More than 290,000 thirsty spectators are expected to attend the 151^st British Open. In addition to the Thai Lager, which Shepherd and Neame began brewing for the UK market in 2022, guests will be able to enjoy Whitstable Bay Pale Ale and Orchard View cider. Singha branding is ever-present in the concession areas.

“The Open is a world-renowned event and offers a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of our award-winning brands with new audiences,” Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame told Beer Today. “We are particularly excited to showcase Singha at the Championship, which has a long history of supporting flagship sporting events in the UK and globally.”

Neil Armit, chief commercial officer at the R&A added: “We look forward to working with them during the next three years to offer our fans and guests a range of high-quality British-crafted products at the Championship.”

So, Singha, it is — just don’t try taking a cold lager to the grandstand (see photo below).

A sign informing spectators that beer is not allowed in the stands. (Adam Schupak/Golfweek)