Guests2020-04-18T13:12:54+00:00

Guests of the Pod

090 – Paul Larsen – Hd Greenkeeper Royal St George’s

Paul Is the head greenkeeper at Royal St George’s and we’ve been excited about talking to him for a while. We cover the setback in 2020 With the cancellation of The Open, as well as what preparation for a major championship looks like through the lens of the greenkeepers. It’s really apparent the level of knowledge and care Paul brings to his job, talking about subjects we were WELL out of our depth in including ecology, rough management and grass regeneration! Hopefully this gets The Open vibes going a bit Latest Products Your bag? [contact-form-7 id="850" /]

August 9th, 2021|Categories: Behind the Scenes, Podcasts|

Old Tom Trails: Prestwick Golf Club

Founded in 1851, Prestwick was the first established golfing links on the West Coast of Scotland as the game was developed largely on the East coast until those days. It was also a site of huge significance for Old Tom. Somewhere he travelled to having parted ways with Allan Robertson in St Andrew's, taking a full time position to develop the course & keep the greens as well as resident club and ball maker. Prestwick is also the birthplace of The Open Championship, where a competition was founded in 1860 to establish the champion golfer of the day. Robertson was always known as the greatest golfer of his day, so when he died in 1859, the championship was there to find his replacement. Whilst Willie Park senior might have won that initial title, many others would go on to do so. This is a history that very few clubs [...]

August 9th, 2021|Categories: Video|

Old Tom Trails: North Berwick West Links

North Berwick West Links evolved from a small stretch of common ground in this small coastal town in East Lothian, and grew significantly throughout the 19th century. Since then, the routing has remained largely unchanged. Golf began all the way back in 1611 at North Berwick when a rudimentary version of the game was played across a small stretch of common land, and from there - The links expanded westward, taking advantage of ground from local landowners who could not find suitable use for the links land we now enjoy. That gradual encroachment allowed the course to extend to 18 holes. Contributors over time include Tom Dunn, Davie Strath and local club maker Ben Sayers. Whilst the course is undeniably quirky, it's also a very honest test for today's golfer. Undulations provide endless variety and fun, and the views out across the Firth of Forth out to the [...]

July 26th, 2021|Categories: Video|

Old Tom Trails: Cruden Bay Golf Club

Whilst an inscription on an old ballot box states that golf was played back in 1781, it wasn't until 1899 that Cruden Bay Golf Club was formed, a product of the fledgling holiday resort that was funded by the Great North of Scotland Railroad Co. back at the turn of the century. In those days, Cruden Bay was frequented by the 'high society' and British Aristocracy, however when the Great Depression and second world war happened in the 20th century, the resort was unable to remain lucrative and sadly the hotel and as a result - the resort - fell into disrepair. Today, it's an altogether different story. This has the feel of a community golf club, where the priority are it's members, and creating a welcoming environment first and foremost for visiting parties. There may be a world class course outside waiting for you outside, but its [...]

July 12th, 2021|Categories: Video|

Old Tom Trails: Cullen Golf Club

Founded in 1780, Cullen Golf Club sits on a very unique plot of land, as it plays its way up and down the escarpment that overlooks the bay, and in and out of the Cullen quartzite formation, with those red-stone outcrops provide the backdrop for your round. First things first with Cullen; this is not a championship golf course, it's not got a sub-air system, and there will be holes where 'Lady Luck' needs to be on your side, but we believe that's the great thing about Cullen. Blind shots and severe slopes make it a thrilling experience, even if you're not always happy with where the next shot has to be played from. Playing at 4,623 from the tippy tips, par of 63 - you could be forgiven for thinking 59 watch is open the cards but we highly doubt that's within reach. What Cullen lacks in length, it [...]

July 5th, 2021|Categories: Video|

089 – Sandy & Acidic Tour Diaries – Scotland 2021

We get together to recap the highs and lows of the latest Scotland Tour. Prestwick, North Berwick, Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay and Kingsbarns! What a trip, and what an itinerary.  All courses in here feature very highly in the world rankings, but yet they are all so different, have their own different character and getting to see them all in such quick succession was a really cool insight! Latest Products Your bag? [contact-form-7 id="850" /]

July 5th, 2021|Categories: CJG Ramblings, Podcasts|
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