Guests of the Pod
283 – James Braid – Part 3: The Professional w/ Philip Truett
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 hours in not just researching Braid's involvement at the club but also in helping to preserve his legacy which can be seen in the James Braid showroom, only a short chip from where we recorded this podcast. . For further reading on James Braid: “Advanced Golf” - James Braid “The [...]
282 – James Braid – Part 2: The Architect w/ Simon Barrington
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 we look forward to releasing part two about the courses which James Braid designed or reimagined in episode two later this week. For any further consultation around the proivenance of Braid designs around the UK, Simon can be contact on jamesbraidresearch@gmail.com or via his X profile: @CambridgeGrey [...]
281 – James Braid – Part 1: ‘The Player’ w/ Simon Barrington
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 James Braid designed or reimagined in episode two later this week. For any further consultation around the proivenance of Braid designs around the UK, Simon can be contact on jamesbraidresearch@gmail.com or via his X profile: @CambridgeGrey Latest Products [...]
280 – Lottie Woad
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 Products
279 – 2024 Eclectic 18
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
278 – Bobby’s Open: The 1926 Open Championship with Dr Steven Reid
Sam & Tom sit down in the members' bar at Royal Lytham & St Anne's Golf Club to meet with Dr Steven Reid, lifelong member at Lytham and author of Bobby's Open, charting the tale of how Bobby Jones came to win his first Claret Jug. He would go on to defend it successfully in 1927, as well as winning at Royal Liverpool in 1930 on his way to completing the 'impregnable quadrilateral'. Steven's book - foreworded by Jack Nicklaus - is a captivating read and brings to life in viivd detail the struggles Jones went through, not only with his health but his temper and his putting as he clawed his way out of the 'lean years' into 7 (or perhaps 8) 'fat years', where he was unstoppable. In addition to this, Steven has very kindly pieced together this article about the 'Berrie portrait' which hangs at [...]
