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Stogie Tips: Cigars and Golf

2 May 2011

[Editors’ Note: In celebration of the five-year anniversary of StogieGuys.com, we’re updating and re-publishing some of our oldest articles, many of which focused on cigar basics. Our hope is to encourage a discussion among readers and reacquaint the community with important cigar fundamentals.]

Golf and cigars go together perfectly. You’ve got hours outdoors, you can ash your cigar anywhere without getting dirty looks (except for the greens), and compared to the rest of society, golf courses generally provide cigar-friendly environments.

There are plenty of firms looking to cash in on this match made in heaven with all kinds of specialty golf cigar gadgets ranging from cigar tees to hold your cigar to golf bag humidors. But dropping extra cash on a gadget is completely unnecessary if you follow a few simple tips.

First, make a good decision about what to smoke. The golf course is perfect for a Churchill or, if a smaller ring gauge is more to your liking, a lonsdale. Remember that your cigar may sit un-smoked for awhile as you four-putt, only to find that it went out. Larger cigars have a higher tolerance for re-lighting.

Second, you need to light your cigar properly. While golf courses are perfect for smoking a stogie, the wind that never seems to be blowing at your back can make lighting a cigar awfully difficult. If blocking the wind with your hand doesn’t get the job done, you may want to try using a hat to block the breeze. Or sit in your golf cart (if you’re riding, not walking) and duck behind the clear plastic windshield. A torch is preferable to matches under windy conditions.

After you’ve got your cigar selected and lit properly, the next challenge is deciding where to rest your cigar while you swing away. Plenty of outfits hawk special “cigar tees,” but all you need is a flat, non-flammable surface: various places in golf carts, tee box markers, or even a few tees from your bag. Just try to avoid laying your cigar directly on the grass—especially the greens—as many golf courses are saturated with chemical fertilizers.

Our final tip regards how many cigars to bring to the course in the first place. The standard is one cigar for every nine holes. But it’s better to come over-prepared, especially if the course has a slow pace of play. That makes three cigars per 18-hole round a good rule of thumb. Just remember to store your stash safely in your golf bag inside a simple leather case or a cigar tube.

The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

77 Responses to “Stogie Tips: Cigars and Golf”

  1. Hammerhead Monday, May 2, 2011 at 4:57 am #

    Unless its back at the clubhouse, I find that the golf course is not a good place to enjoy a smoke considering the fact that you are always on the move, hitting a shot, moving in a golf cart, walking in a hurried pace. I've pretty much given up smoking anything other than a $2 stick when playing a round.

  2. Hammerhead Monday, May 2, 2011 at 4:58 am #

    Nice thought but in reality not very practical.

  3. Todd Monday, May 2, 2011 at 6:04 am #

    Hammer- Why isn't it practical? PGA golfer Miguel Angel Jiminez is known for smoking cubans while playing tournaments. Hasn't stopped him from winning 21 PGA events.

  4. hammerhead Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:15 am #

    the reason why its impractical to smoke a cigar worth over $2 is for the reasons cited. Yeh, Jimenez can afford to smoke a $12 cigar on the run whereas 99% of us can't. If I smoke a DECENT cigar, its gonna be sitting down in a nice relaxed environment coupled with my favorite cigar beverage. Been there, tried that, MANY times.

    Like I said, nice article in theory, but in practicality, not very realistic unless again, you're smoking a cheap cigar.

    Plus I don't like smoking a fine cigar in the wind….waste of money. ; )

  5. Hammerhead Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:17 am #

    That being said, I do bring a cheap stick for the round and the $5=$12 stick for after-round clubhouse festivities.

  6. Guy Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:27 am #

    Hi Guys,

    Well, Golf is really an obsession for the moment, one of the reasons why I stoped my subcription to "cigar AFICIONADO" 70% COMMERCIALS, 23% Golf, cars & watchs and only 7% cigars,( with a real small c ).

    What I getting at is, I don't really have to come to this site if I wanted to learn about Golf. I think that it would be better to either

    smoke your cigar, taking the time to appreciate it or, you play the game of Golf. Both are not compatable, all you get out of that experience

    is a bad game and a very wet and a pretty eaten up rest of what used to be a cigar. LOL LOL.

    Please do not be offended by this comment, it's just that I've had n-nuff with all this Golf & cigars thing.

    All that aside, thanks for a great site.

    Amicalement,

    Guy,

    France

  7. Orchestra Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 9:52 am #

    Cigars can have its moments on a golf course methinks. When I go out to golf i will bring along a few cheaper, mild big ring gauge stogies along to smoke paired with a nice cold beer or soda. Granted, it can be a challenge to juggle with golfing, but while waiting to tee off on busy days or even on dead ones, it can be a nice 'hit-da-spot' moment 'here and there' to help soak in the rare combo of beautiful weather and scenery in the Northeast! Thicker ring gauge helps keep relighting to a minimum. My two cents.

  8. Ed Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 10:10 am #

    First off I am with Guy about Cigar Aficionado (won't be renewing again).

    As for cigars on the golf course, it is like almost everything in life (i.e. a matter of taste). There are obstacles (e.g. wind, etc.) but soaking in the scenery while smoking a cigar with friends while golfing is a nice way to spend some of my time; however, if someone doesn't see it that way, then I guess Guy from France would say "C'est la vie".

    I don't bring a cigar every time I golf but if I do it is a large ring gauge.

  9. Jeff Good Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 2:53 pm #

    Weather has been horrible in Ohioso far…but golfed once so far and enjoyed a wonderful Fonseco. Golfing again over the holidays

  10. SpittyE Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 2:54 pm #

    I last played yesterday and smoked a CAO Soprano.

  11. Brlesq Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 2:55 pm #

    I always enjoy 2 cigars on the golf course: one for each nine. Played 2 weekends ago on a very cloudy day, and the weather looked so bad that it scared everyone else away, so I finished in 2.75 hours! (And had some of my second stogie left to enjoy afterwards at the 19th hole.) Smoked a 3 year old PDR Oscuro Toro on the front, and an HdM Dark Sumatra on the back. That is the life!

  12. MikeE Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 2:56 pm #

    Played the game 4 weeks ago while smoking a La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor.

  13. Dan Kalish Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 2:56 pm #

    I last played golf on Monday 5/23, smoked a Paul Garmirian artisan selection. (Great golf cigar!)

  14. Lloyd Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 2:57 pm #

    Last month was the last time I played golf (and horribly, I might add), at MCAS Miramar. Didn't smoke anything, however.

  15. Christian Ingram Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 2:57 pm #

    I've been playing golf more and more after reuniting with my estranged father, who is an avid golfer down in Maryland. The last time we played together (about a week ago) I had Perdomo Lot 23 and gave him a Tatuaje Face, which he greatly enjoyed. The golf course has become another outlet for me to enjoy quality time with friends over a quality cigar. Thanks for putting on this contest, Stogie Guys!

  16. David Littlejohn Jr Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:07 pm #

    Played a couple rounds last week at the Brassie here in NW Indiana. Had an HDM Dark Sumatra and an LGC Serie R. Too ashamed to give my score … but it's still early!

  17. Scott Silva Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:08 pm #

    Fathers Day was my last game. Lit up a Padilla Achilles Salomon on the front 9, and a Perdomo Lot 23 on the back.

  18. Howard Thompson Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:11 pm #

    The most beautiful scenery in the world can be found on a golf course, and what better way to relax and enjoy the game, than with a great cigar and good friends. I find a cigar to be a perfect leveler when your game may not be quite up to par. The last place I smoked cigars and golfed was at Cabo del Sol, NE of Cabo San Lucas. With the Sea of Cortez as a backdrop, the ocean breeze, and the immaculate course underfoot, I was in heaven. A Liga Privada #9, a Padron 1926 Anniversary, and an Ashton VSG, was all I needed to make the day on the links a memorable one. Too bad my golf game didn't smell as wonderful as the smokes.

  19. James Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:13 pm #

    Played this past weekend with a bunch of old high school buddies. Actually didn't smoke on course, smoked a La Flor Dominicana back at the lake house we rented over-looking Lake Austin.

  20. Shelby Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:14 pm #

    Last game was 3 days ago and my cigar was a Partagas Lucitania. Nice long smoke for golf

  21. Adam Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:16 pm #

    The Brickhouse has been my go to cigar for golf. I live very close to city park golf course in new Orleans where I shoot way over 100 :p 🙁

  22. Christian Logay Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:17 pm #

    Great article on the relationship between cigars and golf. Have to say, when I play golf, I always have a generous supply of smokes on hand for myself and my friends while we shoot the round. This past weekend however, I took my wife to the course and introduced her to the game. After some instruction and practice at the driving range, we played the front 9 at Timber Creek in Roseville, CA. While we were there, I enjoyed a Camacho Coyolar Super Toro while playing and had an excellent day! My wife is now hooked on the game of golf and we're going back out to try the back 9 this Memorial Day weekend.

  23. EdS Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:23 pm #

    Played last Saturday and smoked two R&J Reserva Real and a Nat Sherman Hobart

  24. Jeff Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:23 pm #

    Love Golf. Last played in Edinburgh, Scotland last Fall. Relocated back to USA… been too busy. Playing tomorrow May 27th. Smoked a Partagas Black Label Corona.

  25. @dannysguitar Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:26 pm #

    Last time I played a full round was 2 weeks ago. Smoked a few cigars. La Herencia Cubana and Perdomo "Fresh Rolled" from CI. Both are good smokes at a GREAT price!

  26. Jeremy "Germs" Dover Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:26 pm #

    Wow, I feel so left out! I've never played golf, but it is surely something I'd like to try, very soon! I think I'd like to smoke two cigars, while playing…a Drew Estate T52 and a Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial 6×60! Those are both works of art! Love the site and the newsletter!

  27. Mark Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:32 pm #

    I always go with a General Cigar maduro on the course, usually Hoyo Sultan, Punch Chateau L or Excalibur No.1 . Their wrappers always seem to hold up in the wind a lot better than others; and of course, for their taste. Last time out was a 79 (with a lucky 30 footer to break 80) and the Punch.

  28. @Lorax429 Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:33 pm #

    Love a good smoke on the links. I smoked a Hoyo Excalibur Legend golfing out at the Sanford Golf Club a few weeks ago. Windy day but the cigar held up nicely. My golf game however did not…..

    -Matt

  29. Dave Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:34 pm #

    I last golfed on Good Friday in a outing. I smoked a CAO La Traviata. Very good smoke and the company was good. My game was middle of the road.

  30. mOjO Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:37 pm #

    Last round was at a local muni. last weekend. Played like hell but weather was perfect. Cold beer and a nice Rocky Patel 1992 made the day just perfect. Cheers!

  31. Jerry Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:38 pm #

    I played a week ago. I smoked an Oliva V Torp and a La Gloria Cubana. The weather has been crap here lately, so I hope to play again soon.

  32. Ian Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:39 pm #

    I got a solid 9 in on last saturday and had a San Cristobal Lancero. Great cigar.

  33. George Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:43 pm #

    Last played Twisted Dunes in Atlantic City about a month ago. Weather has been crap, and have been busy with the honey-do list. Shot a 101 in 40-50mph winds. Was not a lot of fun. I did manage to enjoy a Nub Habano and a Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro, so that helped!

  34. Wyatt Jones Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:50 pm #

    Yesterday. A Montecristo White.

  35. Calvin Chou Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 3:56 pm #

    Played a course call the links. First of the year with 50 km winds so the score stunk. My first cigar of the year was at a friends BBQ, a Cohiba he gave me for xmas. A great cigar.

  36. Richard Maxwell Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 4:13 pm #

    1 week ago and enjoyed a LFD Double Liegro.

  37. Jason Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 4:18 pm #

    Wow, the last time I played golf I was not a cigar smoker! The last time I played golf was over one year ago (before my son was born)! I played at the Kingwood Country Club near Houston and shot an 82. Not a bad round, even though it was too darn hot. Could've used a nice premium cigar.

  38. charles Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 4:19 pm #

    the 18th I played poorly. I had a Perdomo Habano Corojo on the front nine and a San Lotano Habano on the back nine.

  39. Peter Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 4:29 pm #

    Pampano beach, Smoked a pretty damn good Rocky 15. I shall leave my handicap and score out of it. I don't want to make anyone feel bad. Namely myself.

  40. Nathan Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 4:36 pm #

    First time out for the year was last weekend. Smoked a Romeo Y Julieta Numero Dos Torpedo.

  41. Big Daddy Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 4:48 pm #

    Played last weekend with the boys in a tournament…a box of montees was the order of the weekend! Grilling steaks and enjoying cocktails afterwards we never looked far for our box…our night continued went into the wee hours and it seemed that the box of Monticristos never ended and neither did we! Wow what a great weekend with the boys and Montee….

  42. Chris Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 5:00 pm #

    Played last weekend in a company tournement and shot horrible ! Luckily it was a 4 man scramble…..they picked up the slack that day. I am normally a 18 handicap but that day I was a 50 handicap. I smoked a Tatuaje Cojonu 2003, and CAO America …….both great sticks !

  43. Kevin Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 5:14 pm #

    I played last Friday and Saturday while on a "business trip" to Denver Co. On Friday I played terrible (87) but enjoyed a Montecristo #2. It was a fantastic smoke and made the round even better. On Saturday it was sunnier but winds gusting to 45 MPH, but the mountainous backdrop and a CAO MX2 made the day much better. Saw a rattlesnake in the rough and still played terrible (85), but it was well worth it.

  44. Craig Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 5:38 pm #

    Played at Erie Golf Club last week between downpours. Smoked a Siglio Special Reserve and a Macanudo. Both cigars are better than my golf game.

  45. Michael Zions Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 6:00 pm #

    Hm. I've been mini-golfing but I wasn't able to smoke near the kids. Were I to hit a real fairway though I'd probably go with my three favorites: an Entubar, a Nub Habano or Connecticut, and a Man O' War Ruination.

  46. R.Lee Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 6:03 pm #

    The last time I played golf was May 15 at the Silver Lake CC. I smoked a Punch Gran Cru Maduro 7×48.

  47. Jay Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 6:23 pm #

    I last played on March 17 at the TPC at River Highlands, site of the Travelers Champioship, where I smoked a Padilla Cazadores.

  48. Robert Ritchie Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 6:32 pm #

    I have never played golf…

  49. jimbobber Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 6:51 pm #

    My last game was at Putt-Putt-A-Rama with my grandson, and I smoked a Fonseca KDT Cadetes.

  50. Gary Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 7:04 pm #

    I played golf today, and smoked a Macanudo Cafe on the front 9 and a Perdomo Patriarch on the back.