Guests of the Pod
Holes that No Longer Exist – Eclectic 18 w/ Simon Haines
Simon Haines sat down with us to record this epic two-part Eclectic 18 special with us, chronicling some of the most interesting holes which ‘no longer exist’. We are enormously grateful for the research and time taken to pull this together, especially these archive images which he has kindly shared with us for publication. The podcasts can be found on this page, and on all major podcasting platforms. Simon Haines is a Midlands-man, a good friend of ours and one of the most respected golf course historians out there, who - over many many years now - has compiled an incredible library old course imagery. Without further ado, here is is Eclectic 18. 'NLE' Eclectic 18 - Holes that No longer Exist... Table of Contents 1 - Prestwick - Par 5 - 578 yards [...]
041 – Part 2 – What’s Been Happening At Birkdale? – Sean McClean
Last week we heard from Royal Birkdale's Course Manager Sean McClean. This week he's back to talk in some detail over the course changes that many of us watched develop over social media. It was an extraordinary amount of work, especially for a course hosting the world's oldest Major Championship in 2026. This year, Sean and his indefatigable team and back at it - completing Phase 2 of an ambitious project. We hope you enjoy the second half of this conversation and, as ever, please do share with anyone else who might too. Latest Products
272 – Halloween Special Eclectic 18: Simon Haines (pt 1)
In this special two-part podcast, Simon unpacks his Eclectic 18 from holes that no longer exist. Please see our show notes on our blog here to view some of these holes, beautifully compiled by Simon. While the link to Halloween might be tenuous, we hope that doesn't deter you from enjoying what is an exceptional podcast. In the first part, we go through Simon's front nine. Par 34, 2,845 yards 1 - Prestwick - Par 5 - 578 yards 2 - Headingley - Par 4 - 407 yards 3 - Royal St George's - Par 4 - 267 yards 4 - Royal Cinque Ports - Par 3 - 145 yards 5 - Copt Heath - Par 3 - 118 yards 6 - Hunstanton - Par 4 - 350 yards 7 - Royal Liverpool - Par 3 - 200 yards 8 - The Addington (New) - Par 4 - [...]
271 – Bill Elliott: Sports Journalist (pt 2)
In Part 2 of this cracking podcast with Bil Elliott - lifetime sports journalist and editor at Large for Golf Monthly, we talk about the emergence of the European Ryder Cup team, Seve, Tiger and some of the s that surround the industry of golf writing. Latest Products
270 – Bill Elliott: Sports Journalist (pt 1)
Sam sits down for this epic two-part podcast with stalwart golf journalist and Editor at large for Golf Monthly about his career. In part 1, Bill talks about how he came to become involved in journalism, as well as becoming a sports correspondent and ultimately golf. We talk about life on the road, and how he came to become friends with a number of stars on the European tour in a career that spans well over 50 years. Latest Products
269 – Course Diaries: Knighton
A few announcements on the website and merch front, as well as a recap of our afternoon at Sunningdale Heath. We also get into Knighton Golf Club. Based over on the Welsh border in Powys and dating back to 1906, the club has only 70 members and runs a straightforward honesty box for its visitors. Square greens and a motto, "Far & Sure," might be where the similarities with Chicago Golf Club start and end, but this little community-run club deserves for anyone to stop by and see it for themselves. Latest Products
