Golfing News & Tools

Some cigar smokers enjoy nothing more than getting out on the water, in the woods or to the campground and lighting up their favorite brand of cigar. Being outside, there are no concerns about the aroma and one is free to puff to their heart’s content. Of course, lighting a cigar is a particularly intricate affair and doing it incorrectly can ruin a fine smoking session. There are several ways in which one may overcome this though some of them carry some concerns about influencing the taste of the cigar in a negative way.

Lighting a cigar with a Zippo has been a debate in the cigar aficionado community for a long time. These lighters have been around since World War 1 when they were offered to soldiers as a way of generating light without the position-betraying flare characteristic of a match. While matches may have been a liability in the trenches, many cigar smokers prefer them for lighting up in modern times, claiming that it is the best way to get a cigar burning without adding any unpleasant taste.

Butane lighters are another popular choice. When these lighters came out, they were almost universally cheap and disposable. Today, there are lighters that use butane for fuel that are of as high a quality as any fluid-filled lighter. Many of them are windproof, offering some stiff competition to fluid-filled lighters in that regard, as well. While this may be a concern when out in the elements, however, most cigar smoking is done in much less-extreme conditions and most choices in lighting devices are made according to taste more than they are according to concerns regarding their ability to function in trying conditions.

Fluid-filled lighters are still very popular and, because many are given away to mark special occasions, many individuals have a nostalgic attachment to them. There are several brands of lighter fluid available which are formulated to eliminate the chemical taste. Even if a lighter fluid does give this taste, it is usually only for the first few puffs and it dissipates quickly.

Whether or not the taste of lighter fluid is something about which one should harbor concern is entirely for the smoker to decide. Being outdoors is as much about the equipment as it is about anything else and using a Zippo has something of an adventurous feel to it. These lighters long history of reliability makes them an advantageous choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The butane models, however, are very affordable and there’s nothing to say that it’s a bad idea to bring along more than one lighter and to see which proves superior in adverse outdoor conditions.

Popularity: 6% [?]

One can easily picture the scene. A smoker has stubbed out their cigar halfway through, they pick up the stogie, grab their Nibo lighter and get ready to relight it and are immediately warned by a friend that they should only smoke the first half of the cigar.

Is this true or not? The question is bandied about an awful lot, perhaps more than is truly merited. It’s more of an academic question, really. The real answer is, of course, that smokers should smoke however much of their cigar they desire and, if someone objects, that person can smoke their own cigars halfway if they so choose. There are various reasons why this debate endures.

Relighting the cigar is the origin of much of this debate. A cigar which is relit must be lit in the same fashion as is a fresh cigar. One takes a match or a high-quality lighter”Nibo lighters are popular with cigar aficionados”and toasts the tobacco a bit before lighting. This ensures a good light. Many half-smoked cigars are simply plunged into the flame which results in a much harsher taste due to excessive temperatures. Remember to relight a cigar with the same care afforded a fresh stogie.

A cigar’s flavor may change a bit because, of course, the tobacco dries out a bit as the heat from the smoke travels through the wrapper. This also gives the last part of the cigar a slightly different flavor than the first part. This is unavoidable and, again, there are no hard and fast rules about this. Some individuals will stub out their cigar halfway through and others will chew on the butt long after its gone out on its own. It’s all up to the individual and one’s own preference should be the only thing that guides their choice in this regard.

One may choose a mellower cigar, for starters. Though it may taste much lighter when first lit, it will become less sharp as one puffs their way toward the end. This is far-preferable to wasting so much tobacco. Some smokers actually find the last half of the cigar to be the most enjoyable. Experiment a bit with different brands to see which one proves to be the best. It’s likely that there’s a brand out there that will appeal to any smoker, no matter how far along they are in the process of burning the entire cigar. Waste is not a desirable thing where the prices of some cigars are concerned and finding a different brand is a good way to avoid it.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Finding the best golf stand bags can be a daunting task, especially with all the golf stand bag reviews mixed up in the internet. The best golf stand bags should have all the essential tools and accessories to help you focus on your golf game, and not your golf bag. So here are some tips to consider when searching for the best golf stand bag for you.

First of all, take the time to know what you want in the best golf stand bags because only you know your needs. If your regular game requires you to walk 18 holes, then choose the lightest golf bag. If organizing your many stuff is your main concern, then look for a bag that has enough storage space. If you don’t golf a lot but want a bag that will last, then look for the best price without sacrificing quality.

Basically, to determine the best golf stand bag for you, the only thing thats important is your need, not what a certain bag has to offer. This way you can sort through golf stand bag reviews easily free of frustration. Making a decision of what golf stand bag to buy should be easy. If you just focus on your need and avoid any other bags you should be able to find the best golf stand bag just for you.

If you want to buy accessories for your golf stand bags, Take a closer look on some of the features. When looking at golf stand bag reviews, take note of the weight of the golf bag. A lighter golf bag is obviously a better choice. It will be harder to carry a heavy bag than a more comfortable, lighter bag.

The number of places to keep your valuables and other things is also imperative in choosing a golf bag. Many of the best golf stand bags contain small compartments for your valuables. This is a nice feature to consider in a golf bag. You will not have to worry about your wallet, keys, or your watch being lost when playing a round.

In all these, the quality of the golf stand bag is the most crucial factor in your buying decision. This is where good golf stand bag reviews come into play because usually, the reviews will make inaccurate claim of golf bags durability. To avoid this, look for a bag is popular for its quality and durability. The worst thing that can happen would be a tear in your new golf bag after only a few uses.

Hopefully these tips on how to choose the best golf stand bag helps you find your perfect match. Durability is the number one concern. Then look at what you need in a golf stand bag. And lastly, look at the weight and number of compartments you will need. In no time you will be looking sharp on the golf course.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Its difficult to find an honest golf stand bag review, so before coming up with any decision, here are some things to consider first. Choosing the right golf stand bag for your individual needs can be a delicate decision since there are so many bags to choose from. After all, every golfer needs a golf stand bag. The following are some tips to help you choose the right kind of golf stand bag.

The first thing you should think of when buying a golf stand bag is the comfort of carrying it for a round of golf. Read all the golf stand bag reviews first so you can be sure you pick the most comfortable golf stand bag. Product reviews are a great way to get a general understanding of what you are buying before you spend your money. I have done this with many products before I make the decision to buy.

Your concern should not be limited only to the comfort of carrying the bag, but see to it that that the bag can also carry clubs, tees, and other miscellaneous golf accessories. It’s frustrating when you can’t find something as simple as a tee or scorecard because the golf bag is poorly designed. You will have fewer worries while playing your round, and this can help you play your best game.

Also make sure that the golf stand bag can easily fit all your golf clubs, and you can see which ones do that the best in the golf stand bag reviews all over the internet. If you golf bag makes it hard to get your clubs in and out your bag, you will be frustrated very easily and end up regretting your decision to buy that bag. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Lastly, you should always consider the weight of the golf bag. A lighter bag will be easier to carry around. You dont have to be exceptionally strong to carry your own golf bag. That being said, the golf stand bag should be built strong enough so that you won’t have to worry about the fabric tearing or any of the legs breaking. This is one of the most features to look into when reading golf stand bag reviews.

Using these few tips should help you in buying the best golf stand bag for your needs. There are many golf stand bag reviews on this site so make sure to do your research and in the end you will be pleased with your decision.

Popularity: 2% [?]

What to keep in your golf bag.

There are many golf bags available; some are designed for fashion, some for utility and some that combine both features. There are big bags, bigger bags and bags so big that they would keep everything I need for a long week-end vacation in one of the side pockets!

Generally speaking, you need a bag which is just large enough to hold your clubs, extra balls, your glove, tees, car keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever, sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large umbrella.

It is also recommended that you carry in your bag: some tissue paper, sticking plasters and, whether necessary or not, some insect repellant.

A small pack of wipes can be just what you need too if it gets hot or you get covered with sand in one of the bunkers or you have to fish your ball out of a stream.

If you suffer from any allergies or illnesses, it is a wise precaution to carry antidotes with you. For example, if you are sensitive to bee stings then anti-hystamine or whatever you take if you are a diabetic. However, remember to replace drugs before their expiry date.

You should also switch off your mobile phone before stowing it away in one of your golf bag’s side pockets to prevent it from upsetting other players. You have to be considerate to you fellow players and mobile phones on a golf course are considered a nuisance as they are in restaurants.

Knowing that you are prepared for most of the minor problems that can arise while you are out on the course will help you to enjoy your game. And the game is mostly about being relaxed. You are prepared for bee stings, ant bites, blisters and rain, so you can get on with your game safe in that knowledge!

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“Drive for show, putt for dough” is the lesson we’ve all seen and learned from watching the professional golfers in every tournament and championship either live or on TV.

The best players of golf can drive a ball from the tee to kingdom-come, but in the end, it all comes down to how many hits of the ball it takes to get that ball in the hole. The long accurate drives don’t mean a thing if you’re unable to putt accurately on the green.

Your choice of putter is very important, but using the putter you have consistently, is even more so. I’ve had the same putter for fifteen years, so I know what it feels like in my hand, I know it’s weight and I know how that plays into my putts.

Putting takes a great deal of practice. For example, typically, we drive the ball eighteen times during a game, but putt at least twice that amount. So doesn’t it make sense that we should practice our putting at least twice as much as our driving? So, if you can’t get to the practice green often enough, just practice on your carpet at home.

Bear in mind that the ball can not make it to the hole, if it doesn’t have enough power behind it to get it in there. So, take the time to get down on your knees and look at the path from your ball to the hole. Does it slope one way or the other? Does it run uphill or downhill?

So, stand with your feet spread apart for balance and line up the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders completely still. Imagine that you are a “bobble head” but that you move from just below your chest. Keep your head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady – the movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball, following the ball through with your club.

Try to learn from each putt and remember the lesson. Practice, practice, practice!

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The sport of golf has really boomed in public awareness over the last 45 years. It has produced fantastic world-champions such as Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and Tiger Woods and world-renowned courses like St. Andrews, Sunningdale, Pinehurst ans Augusta.

Why has golf become so popular these days? Its the opportunity to be outside, to get a good whole body workout, network with friends or business colleagues at a leisurely pace, and to play a game that you can never play perfectly.

Your scorecard, over time, will demonstrate your improvement, which keeps you playing time and time again.

Here is a very basic lesson in golf for the person who hasn’t a clue about the game.

The typical round of golf is played on a course of eighteen holes, each or which has its own ‘par’. Par is the total number of shots it should take a player to complete that hole, ie all the tee shots (drives), fairway shots, chips (short shots onto the green) and puts into the hole.

The par number is based on the length and difficulty of the hole. Pars range from 3 to 6. If you get the ball in the hole in five shots on a par five hole, you “made par.” If it took you six shots, its called a bogie, if you made it in four, its a birdie.

‘Hazards’ or obstructions are usually placed before all the holes. Ponds, sand bunkers and trees are positioned in such a way as to make it more difficult to reach the green. Novice golfers should try to find a course with fewer hazards, which is therefore easier to play.

Each player keeps his or her own score, marking the total number of shots for each hole. At the end, each person adds up their scores – the one with the lowest number is the winner.

It is important for beginner golfers to not take themselves too seriously. It takes a long time to get good at this game; even though the professionals make it look so easy.

It makes very good sense to take a few lessons from the course pro, when you are just beginning to learn to play golf, because then you will learn how to stand and swing the golf club correctly.

Popularity: 3% [?]

We have all the seen the bewilderingly long and yet accurate drives of Tiger Woods. When he hits the ball, it flies through the air only to land in the bang middle of the fairway, 300 odd metres away.

It is difficult not to let jealousy rise in us as we wonder if we could ever dare to hope to drive like that. Luckily, long drives are not the crux of the game of golf.

So, we get to the ‘short game’ because without decent short game skills, all those great long drives are not worth a candle.

The “short game” is made up of those shots that get you onto the green from no more than about a hundred feet out, whether it’s from the fairway, a bunker, the rough or a drop zone. It includes chips, sand shots and pitches.

It is in this middle stage of the game of golf that you get to use the higher numbered clubs, your pitching iron and sand wedge or lob wedge.

You will find practice areas on most golf courses. You really ought to spend some time practising hitting the ball onto the green from various distances. Try to hit the ball into a ten-foot circle in the centre of the green at first. Experiment using your wedges, but remember that what works well for one person, might not work so well for you because your particular swing is an unknown factor in the equasion.

When you can perform this skill fairly consistently, it is about time to start practising how to get out of a sand bunker. Being able to get the ball out of a bunker can really cut your score quite dramatically and it is very frustrating if you can’t do it.

The way to get out of a bunker is to place your feet firmly in the sand with your left foot turned to point towards the hole. Draw an imaginary 4-inch circle around the ball and try to hit the outer edge of that circle with a short, sharp chip.

Take lots of sand with your ball and swing through completely. Don’t decelerate at all when or after you hit the ball. It should pop up onto the green and stop. This doesn’t work well though unless the sand is dry, soft and powdery. On hard surfaces, you might need to avoid actually hitting the sand at all.

However, as in every skill in the game of golf, it is only continual practice that will help you to improve your game.

Popularity: 3% [?]

We’ve all the seen the incredibly long yet accurate drives of Tiger Woods. The ball flies through the air and lands in the middle of the fairway, 300 yards away.

How can you not become jealous as you wonder if you could ever dare to hope to drive like that? It is consoling to know, that long drives are not crucial to the game of golf.

Enter the short game for without good short game skills, all the long drives are not worth a light.

We call the ‘short game’ those shots that get you onto the green from roughly a hundred feet away from the hole, no matter whether it’s from the fairway, a bunker, the rough or a drop zone. It includes all chips, sand shots and pitches.

This is where you get to use your higher numbered golf clubs, as well as your pitching iron and sand wedge or lob wedge.

You will find practice areas on most golf courses. You really must spend some time working on hitting the ball onto the green from various distances. Try to hit a ten-foot circle in the centre of the green at first. Experiment using your wedges, but remember that what works well for one person, might not work so well for you and your particular swing.

After you have got into the habit of being able to perform this skill consistently, it’s time to start practising in a sand bunker. Being able to get the ball out of a bunker can cut your score dramatically.

The way to get out of a bunker is to place your feet firmly in the sand with your left foot turned to point towards the hole. Draw an imaginary 4-inch circle around the ball and try to hit the outer edge of that circle with a short, sharp chip.

Try to take up lots of sand with the ball and swing completely through as you normally would. Don’t pull back on your swing at all when or after you have hit the ball. It should spring up gently onto the green and stop dead in its tracks. This doesn’t work very well though unless the sand is quite soft and dry. On harder or compacted surfaces, you might need to avoid actually hitting the sand completely.

However, as in every skill in the game of golf, it is only continual practice that will help you to improve your game.

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The term ‘the long game’ refers to your drives (shots off the tee) and fairway shots; that is every shot except the shots you make to actually get onto the green.

For the reason that each hole has a different difficulty level, a different par and different obstructions, saying that you should use your driver on every tee every time would be totally wrong.

But don’t worry about it. This is something that you will have to learn with experience as you learn the various types shot you need to make, which will vary according to the club, the placement of the ball and your own personal style of swing.

Generally speaking, the lower the club number, the longer and lower your ball will fly. A 4-iron shot will travel a long and low trajectory and will most likely roll on the ground, whereas a 9-iron shot will have much more loft and go less distance both in the air and on the ground.

Don’t the professionals on the television make it look easy? They whack the ball long and straight time after time after time and never slice the ball sending it a sickly eight or nine feet or miss the ball altogether.

A very important part of the game is driving and if you spend many hours at the driving range you will see a big improvement in your distance shots. You should keep using the same club in the experiment to see what works for you if you move the ball forward or backward in your stance. And take a lesson or two from a pro, if possible to learn the proper swing from the beginning.

You need to get to grips with ‘the long game’ as it will ensure that you get to the green in fewer strokes, which will keep your score level and frustration level down. Bear in mind that it takes a long time to learn to be consistent and also always remember: you’re supposed to be having a good time!

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