For many, golf is as much a lifestyle as a sport. For them, the ancient game exudes an aura of tradition, refinement, etiquette and culture that carries over into many other aspects of their lives.

Bowmore, makers of a fine single malt whiskey, are aiming for just that sort of market with a new series of videos called The Bowmore Way. The online streams cover skills such how as to checkmate in just four moves, how to cook porridge to perfection, how to tie a bow tie; lighting a cigar; and shucking an oyster. They also offer information on whisky making by showing how to cut peat; turn barley and nose whisky. 

Their golf video is below:

In a recent conversation, the question came up as to whether there are any songs about golf. I know that there are several humorous golf cds out there, but are there any legitimate tunes by real artists?

I can’t think of any. Leave a comment if you know of one.

While shopping at my local mega food mart recently, I ran across a bottle of Arnold Palmer 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon. Since it was under $15, and I’m a sucker for anything golf, I picked it up.

Now it has to be said that—generally speaking—the GolfBlogger’s tastes in adult beverages runs to Bourbon and Rum. So I figured that I’d get the bottle, taste it, and then turn it over to Mrs. GolfBlogger, who would actually enjoy it. What I really wanted was the bottle. (unfortunately, I wrecked the label, so I’m going to have to go get another one).

To my surprise, though, I actually liked the wine. It’s smooth, and pleasant tasting.

I’m no wine aficionado, though, so I’ll tell you what the vintner says:

“Aromas of smoky black cherry with underlying notes of toasted warm coffee and cassis. A touch of cedar folds seamlessly into a rich opulent black fruit core. Layers of oak build texture and offer a firm mid palate. The velvety long finish is filled with milk chocolate.”

The black cherry is there. And the smoke. And I can definitely taste the oak—but bourbon drinkers are attuned to the taste of oak. As for the other tastes, I’m not so sure. But as I said, I liked it.

Mrs. GolfBlogger, who enjoys a good glass of wine, says that she can taste all of that, and more ... she says there’s a bit of nutmeg. And she gives it her seal of approval, although she tends to like a white wine.

Thinking about golfers and their wines beings to mind a story that I recently read in an interview with Greg Norman:

Apparently, Norman was on his yacht in the Caribbean when the ship was boarded by the Coast Guard of one of the banana republics.

Thinking to impress the officers with a little name dropping, one of the passengers informed them that the yacht was owned by Greg Norman.

The officers were impressed: “The wine guy?,” they asked.

Such is the fleeting fame of athletics.

A couple of weeks ago, when I first learned about the Golf Digest Index magazine, I joked that I didn’t qualify to get a copy. Golf Digest Index, which focuses on “golf lifestyles” is being sent to Golf Digest’s 300,000 wealthiest subscribers. Public school teachers and high school golf coaches don’t fit in that category.

So imagine my surprise when I came home today to find a copy of Golf Digest Index in my mailbox. I’m still certain that I don’t fit in the wealthy category, but perhaps they sent it to me because of my position as a powerful and influential member of the golf media

Whatever the case, I’m glad they sent it, for it offers a glimpse into a world that—unless I hit the lottery—I don’t have a chance of experiencing.

The initial issue features articles on America’s 50 Greatest Courses, the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, wine collections at country clubs, the joys of private plane ownership, the spas of St. George, Utah, and man-made caves that serve as golf rooms. That last one is really interesting—it turns out that it may be cheaper to have someone dig you a vast underground playcave than to build a comparable structure above ground. For the most part, though, the articles are not really compelling journalism (but then, I don’t think they were meant to be).

The two exceptions to this were a piece on a con man who fleeced an Ohio Country Club’s membership, and a profile of Herb Kohler. Were either just a little longer, or a little more in depth, they would have been good candidates for Vanity Fair, a magazine whose writing and editing I have very much admired.

The photo spread of Matt Lauer and Bryant Gumbel modeling the latest golf fashions, I could have done without.

Noted author Mark Frost (The Greatest Game) offered his list of required golf reading. I’m going to go out and get some of the ones he suggested.

And the clubmaker in me really enjoyed the piece on Japanese forged clubs.

There also are a lot of nice advertisements to look at—stuff that is not your usual golf tips magazine faire: high end fashions, jewelry and accessories and ritzy resorts. There were bits from Bombaier Flexjet, Bulgari, Cap Cana, The Cliffs, John Allan, Lan River, NASDAQ, Peter Millar, PGA Tour Wines, Porshe, Sentient Jets Wynn and the Waldorf Astoria. (I suppose I’m weird, but I have always enjoyed looking at ads)

All in all, I spent an enjoyable evening thumbing through Golf Digest Index. I hope that they don’t find out how thoroughly middle class I am and stop sending it to me.

Glenlivet has a “links style” miniature golf course that they’re carting around to four different cities this winter. It’s going to make stops in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco.

The Glenlivet is thrilled to bring the two most cherished exports of Scottish heritage – Scotch whisky and golf – to the heart of five U.S. cities this year. The Glenlivet City Links is a 9-hole, urban-scaled golf course that will be touring the country from September 2005 to February 2006. A remarkably accurate rendering of how courses in golf’s birthplace of Scotland look, City Links promises to be a relaxing golf oasis in the country’s busiest urban centers.

Besides hosting a once-in-a- lifetime golfing experience, each city will have its own series of special events and cocktail parties for VIPs, press, and Society members. Don’t miss The Glenlivet City Links in your part of the country

I REALLY want to see this, but it’s not making a stop in Detroit.

But it IS in Chicago ... and that’s only five hours away ...

Mrs. Golfblogger will never go for it.