January 2026

358 – Richard Pennell on ‘Common Grounds’

2026-01-28T16:10:11+00:00January 28th, 2026|Book Reviews, Golf Course Architecture, Podcasts|

Sam sits down for a catch-up with friend of the pod, West Byfleet membership secretary and exceptional writer Richard Pennell. Together, they cover a wide range of topics, including Richard’s latest book, Common Grounds, which chronicles his journeys to some of the rawest and purest forms of the game. Building on the success of his first book - Grass Routes - you can secure a copy through the wonderful folks over at Grant Books here. Latest Products

356 – Course Diaries: West Sussex w/ Tom MacKenzie

2026-01-19T08:55:46+00:00January 19th, 2026|Course Diaries, Golf Course Architecture, Podcasts|

Sam & Tom head to where it all began for the British motorway service station: Watford Gap. Not only the official north–south divide, but the birthplace of what has grown to become a staple of travel culture in Great Britain — none more so than in our world of planning stops at service stations on the road to and from the links. This is an episode we’ve wanted to do for some time. And while the connection with golf is extremely tenuous, it’s fascinating to explore the evolution of the motorway service network — from the early days [...]

November 2025

346 – Course Diaries: Old Petty w/ Clyde Johnson

2025-11-20T11:23:07+00:00November 20th, 2025|Golf Course Architecture, Podcasts|

Tom travels about as far from Cabot Highlands as is humanly possible on the British mainland in Cornwall to sit down with Clyde Johnson and talk about the newly opened second course at Cabot Highlands. Old Petty, designed by Tom Doak opened for preview play this summer, and no sits proudly alongside its older sibling Castle Stuart. Tom and Clyde chat about the routing, the construction process, and the key considerations when building the course, not to mention how natural and ancient features of this historic landscape were incorporated into the design. Latest [...]

June 2025

February 2025

293 – Course Diaries: Cabot Citrus Farms w/ Mike Nuzzo

2025-02-28T09:36:27+00:00February 28th, 2025|Course Diaries, Golf Course Architecture, Podcasts|

Sam is joined by Mike Nuzzo - Course Architect, beer savant and aerospace engineer in a previous life - to talk about all things Cabot Citrus Farms. Mike was responsible for the Squeeze & the Wedge at the new cabot development, a 10 hole half par course ands the short illuminated par 3 course. Some of the most fun you can pack into 100 acres! We also talk about the history of World Woods, and the work on The Roost which Mike was responsible for. Mike's social can be found here Latest Products [...]

December 2024

283 – James Braid – Part 3: The Professional w/ Philip Truett

2025-01-20T13:57:35+00:00December 26th, 2024|Golf Course Architecture, Golf History, Podcasts|

In this third and final instalment of podcasts about the life of James Braid, we finish up at Walton Heath talking about his life as the club's professional, a position he held for nearly 50 years. Braid took up the role in 1904 when the club was only just starting off, and continued in post until his death in 1950. We couldn't think of anyone better than Philip Truett to help us bring this season to a close; A lifelong member of Walton Heath and one of the most passionate historians in the game, Philip has spent countless [...]

282 – James Braid – Part 2: The Architect w/ Simon Barrington

2025-01-20T13:57:30+00:00December 23rd, 2024|Golf Course Architecture, Golf History, Podcasts, Sam's favourites|

In Pt II of our series exploring the life of James Braid, we look at his contributions as a Golf Course Architect. With over 500 courses shaped in some way by Braid, his legacy on the British Golfing landscape is undeniable, and while the likes of Simpson, McKenzie or Colt are often lauded above Braid, his approach to building thought provoking designs which were strategic in nature is something worthy of more celebration. Huge thanks go to Simon Barrington, an independent researcher of historical architecture, for his hard work in helping us bring this episode to life, and [...]

281 – James Braid – Part 1: ‘The Player’ w/ Simon Barrington

2025-01-20T13:57:08+00:00December 23rd, 2024|Golf Course Architecture, Golf History, Podcasts, Sam's favourites|

Pt I of our exciting new series, exploring the life of James Braid. James Braid was part of the great triumvirate which also included Harry Vardon & JH Taylor. In his career he would go on to win 5 Open Championships. Growing up in Earlsferry, before emigrating south of the border, Simon Barrington brings to life his playing career in vivid detail. Huge thanks go to Simon Barrington, an independent researcher of historical architecture, for his hard work in helping us bring this episode to life, and we look forward to releasing part two about the courses which [...]

280 – Lottie Woad

2024-12-10T06:49:57+00:00December 10th, 2024|Bruce's favourites, Golf Course Architecture, Players, Podcasts|

This week, Bruce and his better half—‘Cookie Jar Lady Captain’—Grace, found some time to catch up with Lottie Woad to talk about her truly stellar year in the game, with her win at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), ascension to the top of the Women’s Amateur Golf Rankings, and, of course, being part of the GB&I side's victory in The Curtis Cup at Sunningdale. Lottie’s career has been one of the great stories of 2024, and it was great to have her on the pod to talk us through it all! Latest [...]

279 – 2024 Eclectic 18

2024-12-10T06:48:21+00:00December 10th, 2024|Golf Course Architecture, Podcasts, Tom's favourites|

Sam & Tom chat through the courses they have visited this year, and look at their composite Eclectic 18 scorecards in a straight up matchplay format. Who has made the best selection, you'll have to listen to the end to find out! Latest Products

Go to Top