Guests of the Pod
368 – Alister MacKenzie (part 2)
In part two of this needlessly detailed look at the life and times of Dr Alister MacKenzie, Sam takes us through life after WWI and MacKenzie's partnership with Harry Colt and Charles Hugh Allison, as well as the work that leads him to travelling to furthest reaches of the globe. In 1926, MacKenzie travelled to Australia on what would become a career defining two months helping to shaope the Melbourne Sand belt and many other courses around the country, as well as New Zealand, and how MacKenzie would become involved in shaping golf on the West Coast of America. His work at Cypress point is rightly lauded above all others in the world, as well as Pasatiempo where he would spend his final few years. We also touch on his lifestyle, and his controversial divorce, and most importantly the legacy that he leaves behind. Further reading, the MacKenzie chronology is [...]
076 – Willie Murphy on Terralift, Soil Biology and Smarter Turf Nutrition
Bledge and Willie sit down to talk all things Terralift, turf nutrition and the long-term art of building stronger, healthier golf surfaces. Willie shares his journey from greenkeeping in Ireland, Scotland and Germany to spending 20 years with Terralift, while explaining why organic-mineral fertilisers can support performance without driving excess growth. They get into soil structure, organic matter, leaner nitrogen inputs, new green construction, and why products like TX Humus, TX 10 and Roca Stem have become trusted tools for green keepers chasing firmer, more consistent greens. Latest Products
This year’s Silver Cup contenders
THE MASTERS SILVER CUP WORDS BY HUGO CORNELL The 2026 Masters marks a continuing of a unique tradition and connection between amateur and professional golf that has been going on at the tournament since its inception in 1934. Since then, the stars of tomorrow have had the chance to play with the world’s best professional golfers and fabled heroes of yesteryear in pursuit of becoming a ‘Masters Champion’. The history of amateur golf at Augusta National began with co-Founder Bobby Jones, the greatest amateur in the sport’s history. Honouring amateur golf has always been seen as a foundational pillar in the Masters Tournament. Bobby Jones gave his fellow amateurs a stage on which they can showcase their talents and live out their dreams. After the amateurs make their way down Magnolia Lane for the first time, captivated, no doubt, in childlike wonder, there is an opportunity [...]
367 – Alister MacKenzie (part 1)
Sam is in the chair this time to bring to life the good Dr - Alister MacKenzie - considered by many to be the most influential golf course architect in history. In part 1 we discuss MacKenzie's childhood, his education, going to Cambridge and serving in the Boer war. We also discuss the formation of Alwoodley and his golfing career leading into that, as well as Moortown and through to 1914 and the outbreak of WWI having finished designing Sitwell park. Latest Products
Wallasey Golf Club: Story of a Golf Club
We’ve been drawn to the links of Wallasey Golf Club for quite some time. Situated on the rugged edge of the Wirral peninsula, it is a club steeped in the very fabric of golfing lore. Not only is it the proud birthplace of the Stableford scoring system - pioneered by Dr. Frank Stableford in 1932 - but it also holds a timeless connection to Bobby Jones, who famously graced these fairways to qualify for the Open Championship during his legendary 1930 Grand Slam year. Yet, what makes Wallasey so compelling today isn't just its illustrious history. In recent years, the club has undergone a monumental transformation. Through massive investment and an incredible amount of dedicated course work spearhead by Course Manager John McLoughlin, Wallasey has been elevated to entirely new heights. The sheer scale of the improvements - restoring the character of the dunes and refining the seaside turf has [...]
