The Cigar Guys.
Entry No. 6
May 1997


We thought we would sneak in quick column before the cruise.  The contest
entries are beginning to dribble in.  So far, we have "Splendor in Ash" (a
non-contender) and E-mail from a guy who wants to know how to enter.
Needless to say, the contest continues ( See entry #5).

Joe and Bill recently played in a four man scramble sponsored by a local
charity.  For you non-golfers, that means that all four golfers play as a
team.  The foursome tees off, the team selects the best drive and then
everyone hits their second shot from that spot.  Each successive shot is
played similarly.  It is a popular format for guys like  Bill who have
handicaps higher than the national debt.

Play was relaxed and cigars were out in force.  The ambiance of the golf
course and the rigors of the game demanded a cigar that delivered a little
jolt.  (Hopping in and out of the golf cart and chasing after the beer cart
can be very tiring.)  We decided to try some Playboy Robustos by Don Diego.
Despite the silly Playboy appellation and the stupid rabbit head that
adorns the band, the cigars offered a respectable smoke.  They are hand
made in the Dominican Republic from Dominican filler, Santa Domingo binder
and a dark Connecticut wrapper.  The first few puffs were a bit harsh but
the cigars straightened out quickly.  The robusto shape delivers a lot of
flavor and the great outdoors did not mask the cigar's bold aroma.

Don Diego, by the way, is offering an interesting video.  You can get one
by sending $15 to Don Diego, P.O. Box 407, 166NM, Fort Lauderdale, FL
33340-7166.  The video runs about an hour and is packed with information,
although it would be better if Richard Di Meola, Executive Vice President
of Consolidated Cigar Corporation, followed the simple axiom, "Stand up to
be seen, sit down to be appreciated".    What he has to say is OK, but he
takes forever to say it.  The video comes with a cheap cutter and a
worthwhile pamphlet entitled "How to Judge a Good Cigar".  Ask for the
Video/Book Special Offer.

Let's get back to the subject.  If you're going to smoke on the golf
course, there are several things to consider.

1. Remove the cigar from your mouth before yelling "You da man!"  Better
yet, enjoy the cigar and  spare everyone from this annoying and overworked
cliché.

2. Dispose of your butts properly.  A wet butt on the tee looks like a
goose turd.  Also, don't leave your ash "droppings" on the green.  They
wreck havoc on another putter's line


3. You can use a Churchill to plumb bob your putts.  Hold the cigar
loosely by the end letting it hang straight down.  With your left eye, line
up the left edge of the hole, the left edge of your ball, and the right
edge of the cigar.  If the hole slopes downwards away from the cigar, your
ball will likely break to the right.  You will look no dumber than the guys
who do this for five minutes with their putter and then misread the break
by three feet.

4. Bring a good lighter.  Due to the openness of the surroundings, it is
almost impossible to properly char the end and achieve an even burn with a
match during even a mild breeze.

5. Senior tour regular Larry Laoretti is able to swing a club with a cigar
in his mouth.  We find it impossible.  Try a cigar tee (found at fine
stores everywhere).  It will keep your cigar off the wet grass and add a
touch of class to your game.

6. If   you are a sucker for silly and totally unnecessary gimmicks (both
golfers and cigar smokers frequently fall into this category) try the Cigar
Wedge.  It is a travel humidor shaped like a golf club.  The cigars are
stored in the shaft.  USGA rules limit to 14 clubs in your bag.  We're not
sure if this one counts.

7. Learn and follow the rules of golf etiquette.  Enjoy yourself.  It's
only a game.

It just doesn't get any better.


The Cigar Guys
Joe, Bill and Bruce

P.S.  The Don Diegos came from J.R. Cigars on Broadway in NYC near City
Hall.  The company operates several large stores and does a big mail order
business.  J.R., which reportedly had sales of $190 million last year, is
going public to raise $50 million to finance its expansion.  Here's your
chance to own a piece of a popular cigar company.  Before you invest,
however, ask yourself "Will the demand continue?  If so, will growth be
constrained by supply?  Will the cigar industry eventually experience a
barrage of lawsuits similar to the cigarette industry?"  If you decide J.R.
is not for you, the Cigar Guys suggest you check out Mirage Resorts Inc.
(MIR, NYSE).

You can Bill@Enter.netfor any comments or questions.