GolfSpy Dave

It’s Been A Minute
Hello all lovers of the leaf. It’s been a while since I have posted anything in the Cigar Lounge. Like everything else, you can blame the pandemic for that.
I have not had anything to share in the lounge since I had not smoked a cigar in fourteen months. My reasoning was that if this was a virus that infects the lungs, then maybe it was a good idea to keep the lungs as healthy as possible. Is that a true thing? I don’t know, as I am not a doctor. Regardless, I did go for more than a year without a cigar.
Once I was fully vaccinated though, my new plan became Got the Stabs, Have a Stick!
New Kit Needed

To celebrate the return of golfing with cigars, I figured that I needed a couple of things. First, I would go grab one of my favorite cigars, an Olivia Serie V. While the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro is probably my favorite cigar, it can be a little much for the course. It’s more of a bourbon and bullshitting smoke. The Olivia works better for me on the course.
The other thing that I wanted was a new cigar tool kit for the golf bag. Nothing like a new cutter, lighter, and case to boost the enjoyment of the smoking ritual. Naturally, I turned to Xikar, knowing that their tools have yet to let me down.
And so, today I want to share with you these new cigar toys so that should you too want to step up your cigar tool game, you’ll have my takes to reference. First, lets talk about transport.
Xikar Envoy Case

To smoke a cigar at the golf course you first need to get the cigar to the golf course. Now I typically use the Xikar 5 cigar travel humidor for golf, but I wanted to explore something lighter and smaller. The five-cigar case works well but seems like overkill if I’m only taking one stick and not worried about maintaining humidity.
The plan was to look for something smaller. The Xikar Envoy Case seemed like a solid single cigar option. Sure, I could just buy cigars in tubes, but not all my favorites come packaged that way.

This case is simplicity personified. It consists of two sections that connect by the larger sliding over the smaller. It may be simple, but it works great for cigars of all reasonable sizes (up to 60 ring/7”). You just slide the top down until it fits the cigar.

Could sliding too far damage the cigar? Probably, but the fit is tight, so it would take a significant impact to move that lid.
As far as the ritual goes, the rich leather and cedar lining evoke feelings of luxury. Maybe that sounds silly, but the case feels fancy, and that makes me feel like I’m doing something fancy.
All in all, I see myself using the Envoy case far more than the travel humidor, except maybe for golf trips, then I’ll likely need both.
Xikar Enso Cutter

Cutting the cigar is a big part of my smoking ritual. I think that there is a primal, perhaps medieval glee that comes with the cutting. Maybe it’s a touch sociopathic, but I love hearing that click when the blades sever the tip of the cigar.

As I am a fan of Xikar’s round XO cutter, I had to take their new Xikar Enso cutter for a spin. Like the XO, this cutter features two synchronized cutting blades. But unlike the XO, this one only pushes from one side.


The double guillotine blades move in sync when you press down on the cutting lever. I’m not sure if this is all gear driven like the XO as this time, as all mechanics are enclosed. To open the cutter, you will need to pull the edge up. Nothing spring loaded here. Once open, this cutter will take on a cigar up to a 72 ring gauge. That’s too much girth for me, but you live your life.

Like I’ve come to expect from Xikar, the Enso cuts clean. Amazingly clean. One push and that tip is gone, with not a fray to be found on the edge of the wrapper.
The profile of the Enso is a little on the large size. I did not expect it to have a diameter larger than the XO. That said, it is thinner than expected, and still fits perfectly for one hand cutting. 
Xikar Tactical Single Torch

Yes, I definitely enjoy the cutting ritual, but it is the lighting of the cigar that I look forward to the most. Something about tapping into the primal element of fire and getting the first tastes of the tobacco as the cigar lights. That’s the best. Unfortunately, this is also where a noncompliant torch can take the ritual off the rails. Fighting for fire is not enjoyable.
Prior to the trying out this torch, my go to fire source was the Xikar Tactical Triple torch. It holds an ocean of fuel, and lights the first time, all the time. It gives me everything I need, except the being new part, so naturally, I needed to take the Xikar Tactical Single for a spin.

The surprising thing about the Tactical Single is that it is a bit larger than the Tactical Triple. Maybe not in width, but it is taller and thicker. The ergonomics are still sound though as its round-ish profile fits easy in the hand. Thumb access is perfect for lid flipping and button sliding. The knob to change flame height is huge and has quite a range. Pay attention to this as on full, this single jet torch produces significant flame. My Turrim single does not pump fire like the Tactical Single.

After venting any air and filling the Tactical Single with premium butane, I put the ignition to the test. Ten out of ten times it lit. Granted, this was in my garage and not out in the elements. Not to worry though as once I was out on the course, performance was the same.

Now you may have noticed that there is a nice groove on the top of the torch to hold your cigar. It’s a great feature, but I am not sure it’s golf friendly. It should work in a riding cart. Pick any flat surface then balance the cigar on the torch. Just remember it before you drive off. Walking the course, this feature may not work quite as well since the fill hole is on the bottom. I’m not sure I’d try this on the grass or dirt as I don’t want any debris to plug the fill hole.
How it went...

With all this build up, you may be wondering how that cigar was on the course. Full disclosure, it was delicious. I loved pulling the new tools out of my new MGS valuables bag. My Envoy kept the cigar safe. The Enso cut like Hanzo, and the Tactical Single delivered fire like Prometheus. All in all, it was great to enjoy a stick on the course again. As we return to normalcy, one of my goals is to appreciate more the things that I took for granted. A round of golf with my good friends and a good cigar is one of those things.
BONUS TORCH: Palio Vesuvio Triple Torch

As it turns out, I have a bonus tool to share with you, the Palio Vesuvio Triple torch. Though the Palio brand may not as well known as Xikar, I have found that Palio makes solid cigar tools. One of the welcome differences is that most of their tools are on the lower end of the cost scale. This torch, for example, lists on Amazon for $12.99 or two for $19.99.

While it may not be as fancy as some of my other torches, the Palio Vesuvio Triple is a fire breather. It has a huge butane tank. It is easy to adjust. It spits triple tongues of fire to the stratosphere. And best of all, it only costs about $10!
Add one to your golf bag, your camping gear, your boat, and wherever you usually enjoy a cigar. Should you drop it in the lake, or leave it in the golf cart, who cares? It was only $10.
As far as bang for your buck, or flame for your fuel, this torch gets it done.

Great and insightful writer, he might be the only person besides Barba who'll get me to read something on the main site. 

It’s Been A Minute
Hello all lovers of the leaf. It’s been a while since I have posted anything in the Cigar Lounge. Like everything else, you can blame the pandemic for that.
I have not had anything to share in the lounge since I had not smoked a cigar in fourteen months. My reasoning was that if this was a virus that infects the lungs, then maybe it was a good idea to keep the lungs as healthy as possible. Is that a true thing? I don’t know, as I am not a doctor. Regardless, I did go for more than a year without a cigar.
Once I was fully vaccinated though, my new plan became Got the Stabs, Have a Stick!
New Kit Needed

To celebrate the return of golfing with cigars, I figured that I needed a couple of things. First, I would go grab one of my favorite cigars, an Olivia Serie V. While the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro is probably my favorite cigar, it can be a little much for the course. It’s more of a bourbon and bullshitting smoke. The Olivia works better for me on the course.
The other thing that I wanted was a new cigar tool kit for the golf bag. Nothing like a new cutter, lighter, and case to boost the enjoyment of the smoking ritual. Naturally, I turned to Xikar, knowing that their tools have yet to let me down.
And so, today I want to share with you these new cigar toys so that should you too want to step up your cigar tool game, you’ll have my takes to reference. First, lets talk about transport.
Xikar Envoy Case

To smoke a cigar at the golf course you first need to get the cigar to the golf course. Now I typically use the Xikar 5 cigar travel humidor for golf, but I wanted to explore something lighter and smaller. The five-cigar case works well but seems like overkill if I’m only taking one stick and not worried about maintaining humidity.
The plan was to look for something smaller. The Xikar Envoy Case seemed like a solid single cigar option. Sure, I could just buy cigars in tubes, but not all my favorites come packaged that way.

This case is simplicity personified. It consists of two sections that connect by the larger sliding over the smaller. It may be simple, but it works great for cigars of all reasonable sizes (up to 60 ring/7”). You just slide the top down until it fits the cigar.

Could sliding too far damage the cigar? Probably, but the fit is tight, so it would take a significant impact to move that lid.
As far as the ritual goes, the rich leather and cedar lining evoke feelings of luxury. Maybe that sounds silly, but the case feels fancy, and that makes me feel like I’m doing something fancy.
All in all, I see myself using the Envoy case far more than the travel humidor, except maybe for golf trips, then I’ll likely need both.
Xikar Enso Cutter

Cutting the cigar is a big part of my smoking ritual. I think that there is a primal, perhaps medieval glee that comes with the cutting. Maybe it’s a touch sociopathic, but I love hearing that click when the blades sever the tip of the cigar.

As I am a fan of Xikar’s round XO cutter, I had to take their new Xikar Enso cutter for a spin. Like the XO, this cutter features two synchronized cutting blades. But unlike the XO, this one only pushes from one side.


The double guillotine blades move in sync when you press down on the cutting lever. I’m not sure if this is all gear driven like the XO as this time, as all mechanics are enclosed. To open the cutter, you will need to pull the edge up. Nothing spring loaded here. Once open, this cutter will take on a cigar up to a 72 ring gauge. That’s too much girth for me, but you live your life.

Like I’ve come to expect from Xikar, the Enso cuts clean. Amazingly clean. One push and that tip is gone, with not a fray to be found on the edge of the wrapper.
The profile of the Enso is a little on the large size. I did not expect it to have a diameter larger than the XO. That said, it is thinner than expected, and still fits perfectly for one hand cutting. 
Xikar Tactical Single Torch

Yes, I definitely enjoy the cutting ritual, but it is the lighting of the cigar that I look forward to the most. Something about tapping into the primal element of fire and getting the first tastes of the tobacco as the cigar lights. That’s the best. Unfortunately, this is also where a noncompliant torch can take the ritual off the rails. Fighting for fire is not enjoyable.
Prior to the trying out this torch, my go to fire source was the Xikar Tactical Triple torch. It holds an ocean of fuel, and lights the first time, all the time. It gives me everything I need, except the being new part, so naturally, I needed to take the Xikar Tactical Single for a spin.

The surprising thing about the Tactical Single is that it is a bit larger than the Tactical Triple. Maybe not in width, but it is taller and thicker. The ergonomics are still sound though as its round-ish profile fits easy in the hand. Thumb access is perfect for lid flipping and button sliding. The knob to change flame height is huge and has quite a range. Pay attention to this as on full, this single jet torch produces significant flame. My Turrim single does not pump fire like the Tactical Single.

After venting any air and filling the Tactical Single with premium butane, I put the ignition to the test. Ten out of ten times it lit. Granted, this was in my garage and not out in the elements. Not to worry though as once I was out on the course, performance was the same.

Now you may have noticed that there is a nice groove on the top of the torch to hold your cigar. It’s a great feature, but I am not sure it’s golf friendly. It should work in a riding cart. Pick any flat surface then balance the cigar on the torch. Just remember it before you drive off. Walking the course, this feature may not work quite as well since the fill hole is on the bottom. I’m not sure I’d try this on the grass or dirt as I don’t want any debris to plug the fill hole.
How it went...

With all this build up, you may be wondering how that cigar was on the course. Full disclosure, it was delicious. I loved pulling the new tools out of my new MGS valuables bag. My Envoy kept the cigar safe. The Enso cut like Hanzo, and the Tactical Single delivered fire like Prometheus. All in all, it was great to enjoy a stick on the course again. As we return to normalcy, one of my goals is to appreciate more the things that I took for granted. A round of golf with my good friends and a good cigar is one of those things.
BONUS TORCH: Palio Vesuvio Triple Torch

As it turns out, I have a bonus tool to share with you, the Palio Vesuvio Triple torch. Though the Palio brand may not as well known as Xikar, I have found that Palio makes solid cigar tools. One of the welcome differences is that most of their tools are on the lower end of the cost scale. This torch, for example, lists on Amazon for $12.99 or two for $19.99.

While it may not be as fancy as some of my other torches, the Palio Vesuvio Triple is a fire breather. It has a huge butane tank. It is easy to adjust. It spits triple tongues of fire to the stratosphere. And best of all, it only costs about $10!
Add one to your golf bag, your camping gear, your boat, and wherever you usually enjoy a cigar. Should you drop it in the lake, or leave it in the golf cart, who cares? It was only $10.
As far as bang for your buck, or flame for your fuel, this torch gets it done.

Always been a fan of Under Armour shoes, whether it was golf or otherwise I have always had success with them.
@GolfSpy Dave has his review on their latest shoe!
https://mygolfspy.com/we-tried-it/under-armour-hovr-drive-wide-golf-shoe-review/
What do you think?

Massively helpful. Made the switch to the Sun Mountain UV model umbrella this summer. Even better than the old normal umbrella.  Nice place to hang sweaty gloves and cooling towels as well.

Have you posted 5 or more rounds in the
MYGOLFSPY FORUM MEMBER VIRTUAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR?
 
Yes??? 
Then you are an OFFICIAL MEMBER of "The Tour". 
 
No??? 
Well... What are you waiting for??
Get out there and PLAY, then POST your score in the current week's competition!
 
Here's Why...
Official Members of the VCT
are eligible to receive this small token of appreciation from the MyGolfSpy Forum. 
 
Sadly, it is a little thinner than I would have liked
(I would call it a tour card, rather than a bag tag... so I shall name it a bag card 🙂 ),
But, it does serve it's purpose of telling everyone walking by your bag that you are proud to be a member of MYGOLFSPY Forum, and that you are a card holding and participating Official Member of the MGS Forum Member Virtual Championship Tour. 
And if they are clever enough to take a picture, it links them directly to the forum...
Can you say... "New Members"?? 🙂
 
 
(I also want to give props to @Lacassem for being the inspiration for including the QR code on the card)
 
Here's what to do:
Just send me your mailing address by DM or to my email: tim.root@mygolfspy.com.  I promise the mailing address will go no farther than the envelope I write it on to mail your Bag Card.  Then watch your mail for your "Tour Card" and display it proudly on your bag during your next round. 
 
Seriously and Genuinely... Thank you all for making the Virtual Championship Tour threads a fun place to share your rounds, your stories and have a little friendly competition between the awesome members we have here at MGS. 
 
Remember... 5 rounds posted makes you an OFFICIAL MEMBER of THE TOUR.  
 
Sincerely,
The Commissioner of the MGS Forum Member VCT
Golfspy TCB

Welcome to the new From the Bar section of the mygolfspy forum.
 
Here we will be able to discuss all things related to beer, spirits, and wine; both on and off the course.
 
We are living in a pretty amazing time when it comes to alcoholic beverages. The craft beer industry has exploded in recent years, with craft spirits, and small vineyard wines just behind.
 
From local favorites, to emerging national brands, there are a ton of choices these days. This will be our place to explore these choices.
 
In addition to discussing the beverages themselves, we will also be looking into the key pieces of beverage gear that will help you take and enjoy your favorites on the course. No one looks forward to warm swing lube on the 12th hole!
 
We've got to have the right equipment for our games. for all aspects of our games.
 
Keep an eye out for new and interesting content as we expand our coverage of beverages, and the 19th Hole content in general.
 
Cheers to you fellow MGSers!

Looks gross, but if it works for someone who cares? 

Just won this from Ogio tonight

https://mygolfspy.com/best-blade-putters-2023/

This came out a little while ago as an article, however the YouTube Video just dropped. Really like how they have laid it out and their new format. Well done crew at HQ!

Happy Birthday @GolfSpy Dave!!  Get any good putters recently?  I need to get down that way again and play Haggin Oaks again!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday @GolfSpy Dave and @TaketheCannoli
Hope your day is the best it can be!
 

Happy birthday @GolfSpy Dave. Have a great day!

I think that you will have fun messing around with the Max when it releases. I was surprised how much moving the weights changed the feel of the putter.
Both up front or all the way back and I'm not putting this in the bag. Messing around more in the middle made the putter feel like my beloved Spider Tour.
People talking trash need to roll it.

I think that you will have fun messing around with the Max when it releases. I was surprised how much moving the weights changed the feel of the putter.
Both up front or all the way back and I'm not putting this in the bag. Messing around more in the middle made the putter feel like my beloved Spider Tour.
People talking trash need to roll it.

I'm kind of shocked how much I like the look of this at address - some kind of chunky batarang.  And I LOVE the moveable weight options - very curious as to how it feels, and if the moving of the weights affects that at all.  Really, really cool.

And also fwiw, their k-sig bourbon is FANTASTIC. Lol - kind of a potential derailment of the thread (“name your favorite Costco product” coming soon), but it felt vitally important to this conversation. 🙂

Lots going on there 😂
Oddly compelled to get one now.

Lots going on there 😂
Oddly compelled to get one now.

No more negative putting thoughts! I have broken down my putts into 3 categories. Poor line, poor pace or good putt. In all cases walking off the green I feel good knowing I can fix the line or pace. And even if the putt stops on the lip, it was a good putt. No longer keeping track of the lost opportunities on the greens!

So as it happens I just bought the flip up straw cap for my wife. She loves it. So far so good on durability. Here's the link at Yeti but I bet you can get it at Amazon and etc.
https://www.yeti.com/accessories/rambler-bottle-straw-cap/21070160004.html

The jet setter release was announced today. 4 versions for a Newport putter.
Newport and Newport plus 
Newport 2 and Newport 2 plus.
$650 for a limited release. If you want one contact your golf shop now to try and reserve.
 

If you are looking for a sun protection hat - I just got the Imperial Old Norse. I have had skin cancer 6 times and it works great at blocking the sun and the white color doesn’t show any sweat stains. It was 111 here today and it worked great. 
 

https://imperialsports.com/product/cc050-the-old-norse-cooling-sun-protection-hat/