There are a lot of things that just go well together. Things like peanut butter and jelly or ice cold beer and baseball. The same can be said for golf and cigars. With so many public places now labeled forbidden smoking zones, the local golf course is quickly becoming our last refuge to enjoy a cigar. The length of a round of golf also gives one the opportunity to enjoy more than one, even if the game isn't going so good.

So what are the best smokes to carry with you on the course? Some will suggest that you purchase tubed cigars—the ones in those nice protective containers, whether it be made of metal or glass. I agree that these will certainly protect your cigar better than a naked stick just thrown in your bag, but one shouldn't limit themselves to what they can find entubo.

I have three rules when it comes to selecting a great cigar for the golf course. You must first select a cigar that you enjoy, then grab enough for everyone in your group, and put them in something that will protect them. A Tupperware container will do the trick.

The most important step of is number two. You must remember to take enough for everyone in your foursome to enjoy a smoke. There's no better way to recruit a new "brother of the leaf" than to offer them up a free cigar. I always remember to bring an assortment of flavors and strengths. I wouldn't want the guy who rarely smokes to choke on a Nicaraguan puro packed full of Estelí ligero. I always head to the course with a variety of at least eight cigars, two lighters, and two cutters.

Taking an extra set of accessories is equally important. It will ensure that each cart has the tools to enjoy the cigars at their own pace. All it takes is being the only guy with a lighter in the group and you won't make that mistake again. Constantly digging in your pocket to toss someone a lighter when you are trying to line up a putt or think about your next shot is an unnecessary distraction. Cigars will go out on the golf course—so make sure each pair has their own fire.

I also suggest that you try and keep the choices fairly basic. What I mean by this is that it's probably not the time to enjoy that $25 Opus X you've been aging in your humidor for two years. I also find the golf course to be the perfect place for those big ring gauge cigars. Even if you don't ordinarily smoke the big sticks, I find them to be sturdy and better at taking the abuse of being set down, dropped, and propped up on the green with a divot tool or golf tee.

It's also ok to bring a flavored or infused cigar, especially if you are playing with someone new to the group. Even someone who "doesn't smoke cigars" will often puff on a coffee or mint flavored stick. I hate for anyone to feel left out and there are so many great options in the "flavored" premium, hand rolled cigar category today.

If you take away anything from this article it should be that picking the right cigars for the course just isn't about what you like, but what your partners will enjoy as well. An 18 hole round of golf is a great opportunity to bring some allies over to our side of the cigar world. Plus, if your golf game is anything like mine, the best part of the day is the cigar. Oh, and of course the fellowship with your friends.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.