Walk into any decent golf course these days, and you’ll find as many cigars as vicious slices and Big Berthas. Visit any well-stocked pro shop and bear witness to handmade smokes as plentiful as Slazengers and Title Holders. Check out some of the better country clubs’ grill menus, and you’ll see a cigar list seemingly as endless as those for wine and brandy.
So, yes, you might need that cigar holder for golf cart after all. Because cigars and golf? They are practically a match made in heaven! Think of it this way: if you were lucky enough to feast on a rack of rare lamb’s rib and mature merlot, you would have experienced the dining equivalent of a fine cigar and a game of golf.
But did you know this wasn’t always the case?
The Love Affair Between Golf and Cigars
There wasn’t much hype around golf back then, so no one felt the need to make it a “cooler” sport. That all changed when golf started to become the Tiger-charged, televised phenomenon that it is today.
This transition occurred simultaneously with the cigar-smoking explosion in the US and, consequently, resulted in golfers no longer being able to enjoy a round of their favorite sport without a fine cigar. The leisure-time trend became pervasive and then eventually turned into a culture.
How Should You Smoke on the Golf Course?
Now that it’s been established that smoking and playing golf is the “cool” thing to do, you may think about giving it a go. It won’t hurt to try, but don’t let golf’s pop culture pressure you into it. Do it because you want to, regardless of whether it’s cool or not.
And if you do it, do it right. There are certain rules of etiquette to follow when smoking a cigar on the course. Follow them to a T, so you won’t be dubbed an inconsiderate golfer.
Rule #1: Be Considerate
Know what direction the wind is blowing; don’t just puff away without minding where or who your smoke is blowing towards.
Position yourself so that the wind blows the smoke away from the area where there are people. It is also common courtesy to bring enough cigars to share with the other golfers at your party.
And don’t assume that your cart-mate would be okay with you lighting up; ask if he really doesn’t. Golfer or not, smoking isn’t for everyone, after all.
Rule #2: Mind Where You Place Your Cigar
Finding the appropriate place to lay down your cigar can be challenging, especially in between strokes when you can’t hold on to them. Though one thing you should know is never to set a burning cigar on the greens.
You mustn’t let it rest on the golf cart or anywhere where it could drop ashes on the greens, either. Acquire a cigar holder designed expressly for that purpose. That way, you should be able to leave your cigar in the cart between strokes.
But you know what would look much cooler and save you a lot of stress? If you keep the cigar in your mouth!
Rule #3: Store Your Cigars Properly
Bringing a whole box of cigars to the course is a nice gesture—if you intend to share. And should a club have a cigar-rolling booth, there won’t be a need to bring the entire box with you.
Your shirt and pant pockets are not good places to store your cigars. And not because the cigars may damage your pants (they won’t), but because doing so can affect the cigar’s flavor.
The ideal way to bring your cigars around the greens would be to use a portable humidor or quality cigar case.
Rule #4: Light Correctly
Lighting up with a match on a windy day? Nearly impossible.
So being the well-prepared golfer that you are, bring along a butane or torch lighter (the windproof kind) for lighting up your stogie. Also, light evenly, puffing on and rotating it carefully as you expose the end to the flame.
And always steer clear of the cigarette lighter. This will never do your cigar justice and will impact the flavor negatively, too.
Rule #5: The Bigger the Cigars, the Better
Hitting the course on the weekends means there will be more players. Hence, you could be waiting longer for your turn to play through.
If you’re playing during a packed day, choose a larger cigar, as it stays lit longer and could be easier to relight in case it goes out.
Focus on the Sport, Not the Stogie
While you smoke on the course to enjoy, the activity should play second fiddle to the swinging. Relax, take in the sights, and enjoy the game with fellow players. There will always be room for another cigar back at the clubhouse.
Smoking should improve your golfing experience, not the other way around. Let proper etiquette dictate how you go about each, and you should be in for a memorable time.
