Guests of the Pod
2026 Club Championship, Match Reports
It’s no secret we play plenty of golf, but until now it’s been done a little too casually. Cards not entered, swinging without consequence, and more flagstick gimmes than we’d like to admit. This year, that changes. We’re using our fortunate golf calendars to introduce some proper competition to the Jar, allowing us to stay sharp, and, just as importantly, to stay chirpy when our form is written in ink on the Cookie Jar Club Championship table. Whenever we play together during work, it’s now a match. Singles, foursomes, the occasional triangular. Nine holes minimum, but any length course. And crucially, the loser writes the match report, with full licence to try and shift the narrative. Come December, the league table will seed the Championship Bracket, with seeds 1 and 2 going straight into the semi-finals where they will earn a 1up advantage. Seeds 2 oppo will be [...]
West Sussex Golf Club: Story of a Golf Club
We’ve been admirers of West Sussex Golf Club – affectionately known as Pulborough – for some time now. Not only a fierce proponent of two-ball golf and a brisk pace of play, its exceptional heathland course also carries a rich history and, for generations, has been lauded among the finest courses in the world. A par 68 that may look modest on the scorecard, it provides a searching test for the scratch player while remaining relevant and enjoyable for the higher handicapper or older golfer. Every time we drive away from West Sussex, it’s hard to understand why golf ever stopped building courses like this. With the club’s centenary arriving in 2031, West Sussex stands as one of the last treasured Golden Age designs ever created – and, fortunately, the club has done a wonderful job of preserving its original character intact. https://youtu.be/kSrDwucsfvk
356 – Course Diaries: West Sussex w/ Tom MacKenzie
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 of the M1, through how service stations have changed over time, and what the future might hold. Of course, we talk about some of our favourites, but now you can rank your own as well. The link below will take you to a ranking website specially created by Tom, where [...]
069 – Erosion, Evolution, and Excellence at Royal Aberdeen with Richard Johnstone
Sam and Bledge sit down with Richard Johnstone to discuss his journey from apprentice greenkeeper at Nairn Dunbar to course manager at the world-renowned Royal Aberdeen. They dig into course restoration, greenkeeping philosophy, and the battle to save one of the most iconic first holes in links golf. Latest Products
355 – Motorway Services & Golf
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 of the M1, through how service stations have changed over time, and what the future might hold. Of course, we talk about some of our favourites, but now you can rank your own as well. The link below will take you to a ranking website specially created by Tom, where [...]
