I had a really good British friend for about 15 years and would travel to the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland) 1-2 a year to visit for some days.

Two points:

1) The difference between British pubs and American bars is really big. Yes, there are pub-like places in the US for sure, but not the general pub culture. Practically every neighborhood has a pub, and stopping in for a pint on the way home or on the way out (or both) is just part of common life.

2) Not dissimilarly, golf courses in the UK are like playgrounds at US suburban schools: ubiquitous and for everyone. Go to the local course, pay your £7 or 10 and off you go. Is it fancy? No. Is the beer just as good at the end? Hell yes.