Guests of the Pod
The Sacred Nine: Royal Worlington & Newmarket
Royal Worlington & Newmarket - often referred to as the 'sacred nine' is one of the country's most loved venues. A potent nine hole course. Exceptional simple on paper but endlessly fascinating. With its small traditional clubhouse, it can often feel like you're playing golf in someone house at times. We spent the day there back in the spring and filmed a podcast with Michael Morrison (club historian) & Nigel Notley (club archivist) to uncover a bit more on the history of the club and the course, as well as all of the other little facets of the club that make a visit here totally unique. Both Michael and Nigel are heavily involved in the British Golf Collectors Society, and do a huge amount of work in the UK and further afield to promote the importance in club's understanding their own heritage. Royal Worlington readily accepts visitors and we cannot [...]
321 – Course Diaries: Royal Portrush w/ Gary McNeill
Sam & Tom sit down with Gary McNeill, Head Professional at Royal Portrush, to talk about the club, the course, and his life in golf. Gary enjoyed a distinguished amateur career, winning several provincial and national events — including the Irish Boys Championship in 1987 and the Irish Amateur Championship at Ballybunion in 1991. He represented Ulster and Ireland at every level, as well as Great Britain & Ireland at both Boys and Youths level. Turning professional in 1993, Gary went on to lead the MacGregor Academy and serve as Head Coach to the Ulster teams before taking up his role at Royal Portrush. He’s a multiple winner on the Irish PGA circuit and famously played as a marker during the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019. Latest Products
320 – Colin Montgomerie (pt 2)
In part two of this cracking podcast, we talk to Colin Montgomerie about his exceptional Ryder Cup record and some of the iconic events he’s played in — from the War on the Shore in ’91, to Valderrama in ’97, the 'incident' at Brookline with Olazábal and Leonard, and much more. Huge thanks to Loch Lomond Whiskies for their help in arranging this wonderful two-parter. A link to their website can be found here. Latest Products
319 – Colin Montgomerie (pt 1)
Sam & Tom are joined this week by Colin Montgomerie at the wonderful Woking Golf Club. Podcasting under the watchful gaze of John Low, whose portrait hangs proudly in the clubhouse, we chat to Monty about his career in the game. In part one, we talk about his earliest experiences with the game, his amateur career, and his quest to work in sports management at IMG — before unfortunately shooting 29 on the back nine at Turnberry during a job interview, which sent his career in an altogether different direction. We also touch on the emergence of Woods in 1997, his pursuit of a Major title, and much more. Huge thanks to Loch Lomond Whiskies for their help in arranging this wonderful two parter. A link to their website can be found here. Latest Products [...]
318 – 99 Holes at Durness
Sam & Tom relive the ordeal that was 99 holes at Durness. Durness is one of the most northerly courses on the British mainland, and offers breathtaking views across the shimmering blue waters. Why 99 holes? It had a ring to it. Why Durness? It promised lots of good sunlight, the prospect of playing golf at midnight, and we thought it would be a great avdenture. While the weather and light was far from what had envisioned, the course was exceptional and the adventure was plentiful! For more on Durness, check out the latest GolfBadgers podcast with Ali Morrison - the only greenkeeper at Durness! Latest Products
049 – Solo Greenkeeping at Durness with Ali Morrison
Sam and Bledge sit down with Ali Morrison, head greenkeeper of Durness Golf Club, to uncover what it takes to run one of the most remote and dramatic golf courses in the UK. From sheep grazing on fairways to the possibility of Coore & Crenshaw dropping by, they explore the quirks, history, and breathtaking beauty of this nine-hole wonder on the edge of the Highlands. Latest Products
