golfing

1. Never throw a golf club in anger. Ever.
   
2. Don't change your shoes in the parking lot. It's tacky. Head to the locker room, that's what they're there for.
3. No blue jeans. Not even really nice, expensive ones.
4. Take your hat off when indoors or sitting down to eat.
5. Turn off your cell phone when on the course or in the clubhouse.

The U.S. Open just came to an end out on Long Island, drawing enormous crowds of fans who were undeterred by the unfavorable weather. Even if it hadn't rained, they would have struggled to enjoy the experience, as the event's organizers designed it in a way that made attendees earn their pleasure. And, the complaints were many. I heard one guy complain about $9 hot dogs, and the lines were awful. Trying to drive to the Bethpage golf course was a nightmare, as some had to park up to half an hour away and take buses to the tournament.

Many mused that there had to be a better way. And, there was. If you want to enjoy the U.S. Open next year, keep the following tips in mind. Plan ahead, and you can engineer a fantastic experience, even if the United States Golf Association is trying to prevent it.

1. Stay in the city
This may not be applicable next year, since the open isn't held at the same golf course every year. But, if the event is taking place on Long Island (and this goes for anything, not just golf), stay in Manhattan. You will have a bit of a hike in front of you in the morning and evening, but you'll also have the city at your disposal – which is definitely worth the trouble. I stayed at 60 Thompson down in SoHo, and I'm now more than happy to recommend it. The stylish hotel offers a great contrast to the attire worn by golfers (and golf enthusiasts).

Not all golfers smoke cigars, and not all cigar smokers golf. Nonetheless, there is a hefty chunk of both groups that overlaps. Step out onto the links at any major course, and you're bound to find more than a handful of duffers with stogies lit while they fret about their backswings. Now, this tradition is in jeopardy.

Across the country, public golf courses are trying to ban what essentially is outdoor smoking where common courtesy dictates that you not get too close to the groups around you anyway. It comes as no shock that many golfers are resisting the trend.

The city of Spokane, WA is the latest to attempt a prohibition on lighting up while teeing off, only to back down in the face of immense opposition. It's already hard enough to enjoy a cigar in Washington, which has banned indoor smoking – not to mention puffing within 25 feet of a door or window.

The Spokane golfers' victory is an anomaly. Several public courses have succeeded in keeping cigars off courses, including San Francisco, Glendale and Pasadena, CA; Hawaii County, HI; Bloomington, MN.; Goshen, IN.; Abilene, TX and Arvada, CO.

So, it looks like you'll only see the most upscale of cigars at golf courses in the near future. After all, country clubs will be the only places that can make their own rules.

• Golf Round 1, April 25: Classic Car Show
• Golf Round 2, May 29: Motorcycle Show
• Golf Round 3, June 27: Cigar Expo 2009
• Golf Round 4, July 25: Classic Car Show
• Golf Round 5, August 29: Motorcycle Show
• Golf Round 6, September 19: TBD
  

Golfers are relatively easy to shop for when it comes to the availability of gadgets, clothing and other sporting equipment. Unlike some other sports, there are a huge number of products for men and for women of all ages. The problem is that golfers usually like to stock up on the latest stuff themselves. Tell your golfing giftees that they aren't allowed to buy themselves anything this month and check out our top picks for ideas. We didn't include any clubs because, quite frankly, you sometimes need to head out to the pro shop and try them before you play. With any of these, a golfer will be ready to go right away:

The Golfer's Cooler Bag holds balls, tees and pencils, in addition to holding up to 12 cans in the main cooler compartment, so you won't have to wait until you get the the clubhouse to get a drink, even on a hot day. The nylon bag can be monogrammed with three initials to make it personal. Price: $50.

There aren't always as many golf-oriented gifts for women as there are for men, but fortunately Charriol made this adorable Diamond Gold Bag Charm. The bag is made of 18K white gold and has .03 carats of pavé diamonds sent into it, which is just enough to give it a little bit of sparkle without making it too opulent for wearing out to the links. It comes with a chain, which adjusts from 16"-18" and is made in the US. But if golf isn't your sport, they also have a tennis racket pendant ($350) and an ice skating one ($325), as well. Price: $275.

Perhaps the only thing better than a golf bag is a Chanel Golf Bag. Already know for their high-quality craftsmanship and the elegant look of their apparel, handbags and other goods, it is not surprising to find that well-outfitted golfers - especially women golfers - are looking to Chanel to accompany them onto the golf course. This black and grey bag is priced at $2,965 and is adorned with the signature Chanel logo. The golf clubs are sold separately for $795. The bags are available at some Saks Fifth Avenue stores and at Chanel boutiques.

Drive 495, located at 495 Broadway, is a New York City gym that is designed for golfers. The $3 million complex is two stories and 15,000-square feet of golfing gadgets and personal trainers that are designed to get golfers into perfect shape - for golf. You can work on your swing and improve your condition, as well as your technique. Founded by two brothers, one of the selling points of the concept is that the injury rate among amateur golfers is around 60% - a number that should drop significantly with good conditioning. Membership fees at Drive 495 run up to $5,000. Personal trainers cost $100-150 per hour and instructors run from $125-350 per hour.

[Thanks, Chris]