Pipe smoking and Golf...

[volsmcfalls]

Any golfers out there? I am looking for some guidance on pipe smoking and golf. Cigars are pretty common on the golf course. So common, in fact, that they sell cigar holders that clip onto golf bags, carts, or even clubs.
But, I am not a cigar smoker. I would MUCH rather have my pipe with me. However, I find that I do not have anything to "hold" my pipe while I hit. Does anyone else have this problem? And, how do you solve it?
Ideally, I would like to find a clip-on pipe holder for the cart or bag. Or even something to put in the cup holder of the cart as a "cradle" for my pipe (like one of those bean bag holders). My brother-in-law (who is also a member of this forum and will likely click on this because it has golf in the title) has a sitter pipe which is perfect for the golf course. I, on the other hand, do not have a sitter and personally am not very fond of the shape of them.
While this does seem like a good reason to purchase another pipe, I was wondering if anyone has any solutions that do not involve a sitter...

 

[classicgeek]

Clenching? Just a thought. Might help your game, remembering to relax the jaw so you don't bite through the stem on drives.
Actually, I golf pretty rarely, but I was definitely thinking about taking my pipe the next time. There's a Chacom volcano at my B&M that has a poker-style flat bottom on it; you could rest that puppy on anything.
Looking forward to the insights from the real golfers.
Simon

 

[sjolie]

I used to be a very avid golfer, but that predates my pipe smoking. I'd typically have cigs on the course, but I can see where a pipe is more difficult.
I've since traded in my time on the course for time on my sailboat. So glad I did!
Can't wait to have a pipe on the boat once all this snow melts!
Sean

 

[cornguy]

Oh yeah, I'm a golfer.

I play 2 or 3 times a week as soon as the snow melts.

Yes, I understand your problem and wish I could offer a solution but I have yet to find one that works in every situation. (That's why I smoke a cigar every now and then.)

However, as a student of golf history, I know that it's entirely possible to play and smoke a pipe at the same time.

After all, the great Harry Vardon and Ted Ray often smoked their pipes while on the links. And, of course, Bing Crosby puffed while playing.

If you're walking the course with a carry bag, it's relatively easy. Just find a place on your bag that will hold your pipe when you address the ball, maybe a half-zipped pocket or a metal loop or container on your towel attachment. Some experimenting is required here. Get creative.

If you're riding in a golf cart, you can keep your pipe in your mouth or your hand while the cart is moving then place it in a cupholder (cradled in a very small towel) when the cart is not moving. You could also find a small wooden rectangle-shaped box (something that won't scratch your pipe) and wedge it securely in the the wire basket using towels or headcovers and put your pipe in the small box when you're not smoking it.

Whatever method you use, be prepared to re-light often. I'm not sure a one-match bowl is possible on the golf course.
Personally, I usually wait until after the round is over and I'm enjoying a cold beer at an outside table, otherwise known as the 19th hole.
Good luck...and keep it in the short grass.

 

[tanless1]

You may also need to pack your pipe in a manner more congruant to wind. Don't want to burn your bowl. That's why I'm perfectly fine with a cigar on the course. There are plenty of great sticks out there that get neglected these days.
I realy enjoy the padrons ; and with my increased pipe smoking....the padron transitions are more pronounced ,and appreciated.
So I say "treat yourself". You may be suprised.

 

[pstlpkr]

I suggest a classic straight shape with a rusticated bowl. Something rugged with a good stout stem for clinching.
Down here it's called "Cow Pasture Pool".

 

[jsharp]

I have shown you how to do. With the sitter. Just put it down on the green, putt, then puff. Maybe you need a sitter that you just use to play golf with.

 

[schmitzbitz]

I may be a new pipe smoker, but I am an old hand at golf - been playing for more than 5/6ths of my life, and fortunate enough to live in a climate that allows me to play pretty much year roundm, and parents who are both involved with the sport at a high level, albeit on the administrative end. I suppose I should also mention that unless I am playing a ridiculous mountain course, I am going to carry.

That said, when I am on the course, I have been carrying a cheapy rubber putter-cover, which I lopped the top off of. When I need to put the pipe down, I'll drop this on the ground (like a cup), and place the pipe bowl in it (to keep it off of the grass/moisture - in dry weather, I may be inclined to simply use a ball-marker to keep it from the dirt). If my pipe wont rest nicely, I'll use my divot repair tool, dig the pick-end into the ground, and rest the stem on the handle (think metal, with the notch, not the round plastic ones).

 

[bowhatchie]

I play golf on the occasion, but ride my Bad Boy Buggie..very golf cart like quite often... I took an old shot bag..( canvas bag) cut it off to about 8 inches and filled it with Pea gravel...Lead shot would work as well... tied the top with a piece of leather( boot lace).. I have found this to be a great rest.... You can push the pipe down and it will settle down creating a cradle for itself....also.. the weight of the bag keeps it where you put it.... I also use this when operating my duck hunting boat...

 

[cornguy]

Schmitz, you might be onto something with that old putter cover method.

(I used to be a club junkie, but I still have 5 putters in my golf closet).

Actually, a larger full-mallet style cover should work quite nicely with some minor alteration, and such covers are always available for cheap on flea-bay.

On a windy day, I've packed a small MM cob with baccy and tucked it unlit in my wind jacket and then just put it in my mouth every now and then for some "faux" pipe smoking. Rather enjoyable and when I did light it up at the end of the round it was a very pleasant smoke.

The snow is almost gone and I'm gonna head to the practice range today. My swing has accumulated a lot of rust over the winter.

 

[puffintuff]

Im not a big golfer, but I do go out to the range now and then and smack

some balls around.

How about a pipe with a lid ? I know Peterson makes some, there must be more

out there.

 

[volsmcfalls]

Thanks for all the input, but it looks like the problem is solved.
My wife knew about my pipe / golf problem because I was talking to her about it a few days ago. Unbeknown to me, she had purchased me a new sitter for Valentine's Day. Normally, I don't like the shape of sitters, but the one she got me is actually a bent brandy shape with a small appendage on the bottom that is flat and makes it a sitter. It's definitely a unique shape, and a bit smaller than my large bowls, so it looks like it might work perfectly.
And, just in case, she picked up a couple of the folding pipe stands as well, in case I want to use a different pipe, or even sit the pipe on the green. Funny...I had never even thought about using one of those.

 

[puffintuff]

You have a very thoughtful wife. Good luck with the golf/pipe.

Now you need to post some photos.

 

[jsharp]

Congratz on the new pipe. Now it's time to try it out.

 

[classicgeek]

Awesome. Yay for supportive wives!
Can you post a pic of the pipe so we can see?
Simon

 

[collin]

I'd probably loose my pipe in the woods somewhere......

 

[cornguy]

Now all you have to do is figure out which blend will shave some strokes off your game.

And when you determine that, please let me know.