Fore The Love of Golf Podcast

Karyn Dallas from Forfar Golf Club joins us in this episode to chat about playing on the European Tour and her illustrious coaching career.  We wanted to get an insight into how Golf has changed throughout her career and how is can be developed further to increase participation levels across the board in Scotland.  Karyn also takes some time to answer some fun questions.

Alan Tait joins us in this episode to chat about his career to date and his youth at Irvine Golf Club at Bogside.  We wanted to know whether he feels the Amateur game has changed much since he played on the youth circuit in Scotland.  Having gained his European Tour Card in 1997 Alan reflects on this period of his life and what it was like to play golf at Carnoustie with a young Tiger Woods and at the time current Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw.  Having worked for the BBC we wanted to know what event was his favourite to cover commentary at and also get an insight into his current involvement in GolPhin, which is the leading UK company for kids equipment. 

In this episode Steven Yellin, author of Simplicity and developer of the revolutionary training program Fluid Motion Factor joins us to chat about getting in the zone.  Steven was an extremely accomplished Tennis player who won the Florida state high school tennis singles championships whilst also being a member of the championship team. He then went on to have a successful college career playing #1 singles at the University of Pennsylvania.   For 45 years he has researched how people access Fluid Motion and get into "The Zone" to maximise Sports performance.  We wanted to discuss his book Simplicity and also get an idea into the Fluid Motion Factor and why an increasing number of Golfers are adapting it.

Karl Morris joins us in this episode to discuss Golf Performance.  In an era where information is readily available, do we need to take a simpler approach? (0:58) We wanted to get Karl's take on what things amateurs overlook and how we should be approaching practice. (9:00) Karl also tells us who he has worked with, that has the strongest approach to both the mental and physical desire to improve at Golf. (12:00) We also wanted to get an insight into Karls career and highlights to date. (44:20) Karl also answers some fun questions.  

John Henry from Clydebank joins us in this episode to us about how he got into the game and developing The Johnsons Tour.  John also won the Scottish Par 3 Championship this year and narrowly missed out winning the Tartan Pro Tour which would have seen him compete in the Scottish Open. John takes on some fun questions in the 9 Hole Challenge as well. 

Fresh off his Scottish PGA and Northern Open wins, Ross Cameron from Peterhead joins us to discuss all the towns recent successes in the game. Discover what got Ross into Golf and what things he wishes he could a younger self. We wanted to get an insight into his recent victories and who his picks are for the Masters in November. 

In this episode Darren and David slow things down to reflect on 20 episodes and discuss the recent US Open.  With the Masters around the corner what can we expect given the Tournament is in November? The guys also discuss some questions from the 9 Hole Challenge to give their take on things 

Philip McLean from Peterhead in the North East joins David and Darren for a chat about growing up in Peterhead and course records. (3:24) Fatherhood may have changed his approach to things however his dedication to the game remains unquestionable.  (5:50) Like Kevin Duncan, Philip plays on the Pro Golf Tour however more locally he has been playing at home on the Tartan Pro Tour. (11:10) Following on from a comment on Facebook, Philip explains how he won the Scottish Area Team Championship at Kinross and the subsequent celebrations which are rare in the gamer. (13:31) Philip also provides some useful advice for the juniors out there who are aspiring to reach his level of the game. (16:53) Phil also takes on the 9 Hole Challenge.

From slightly further South than the North East Reece Mitchell joins us to chat about growing up in Dundee and leaning his Trade at Downfield Golf Club. (2:33) Find out what brought this young man to the North East to work.  (3:50) Reece is a Taylor Made Master Fitter and we wanted to get his take on the latest release of the 770 iron model which undoubtedly is one of the most beautiful irons on the market at the minute. (10:19) As a Tiger fan we wanted to gets Reece's take on whether he thinks he will surpass Mr Nicklaus's record. (11:37) Reece takes on the 9 Hole Challenge and leaves nothing short.

Aboyne native Shannon McWilliam joins us to chat about her upbringing in the local area and what Junior golf was like over the years. (2:30) Shannon also discusses her progression from County based golf to performing on a World Stage for Scotland and Great Britain & Ireland at the Curtis Cup in 2018. (9:30) Not one for following Golf on a weekly basis Shannon also discusses her job away from the Golf Course as a carer and how this keeps her grounded and keeps things in perspective. With a Mother that is a Senior Staff Nurse in Aberdeen she prides herself on how hard her mother works and is committed to her job. (12:04) As another amateur taking the Tee will Shannon push up the Leaderboard given her Amateur career to date?

(0:50) Kevin Duncan joins us this week to chat to us about growing up playing Golf in Ellon as a junior and what seems different about junior golf now versus back in those days. (6:25) Unlike many of the other players in the Local area, Kevin plays on the Pro Golf Tour and explains what brought this about versus playing on UK based Tours. (9:18) With the recent addition of the Tartan Pro Tour in Scotland we wanted to get Kevin's thoughts on it and how it will change his future scheduling. (14:51) Given the recent event in the US Amateur involving a players Caddie, we wanted to know if Kevin had ever experienced anything like this in his time playing. (23:33) With his first win on the Pro Golf Tour last year how will Kevin do in this 9 Hole Challenge?

(0:55) Greg McBain from Newmachar Golf joins us in this episode.  Whilst Greg is coaching more now, he talks to us about fitting in playing around his schedule and his love for competitive Golf. (4:40) Greg talks to us about why he chose Newmachar as a place to start working as the Head Professional following his period at Gamola Golf. (7:30) Newmachar Golf Course has hosted many events over the last few years with the EuroPro stopping by and also the Scottish under 14's teeing it up to compete, Greg tells us what is was like competing on his home turf and also the amazing standard seen at the Under 14 event which was hosted. (10:45) Golf has inevitably evolved over the years and we wanted to get Greg's take on what he feels is different now to back then. (15:25) Greg also takes part in the 9 Hole Challenge, can he top the Leaderboard?

(0:50) With a wealth of experience of working within Golf as a Senior Tournament Director, Head of PGA in Scotland and the now Manager of the Paul Lawrie Foundation Michael MacDougall joins us to discuss how he developed his career within the Game and tips for those who want to follow in his foot steps. (6:57) As a Rules official on Tour Michael gives some insights into the reality of this job and why having a solid understanding of the rules can help when put on the spot. (14:00) Whilst things are on hold at the minute with the Foundation Michael gives some insight into how it feels to watch juniors developing and having been involved in the Tartan Pro Tour development it now gives Professionals the opportunity to compete for an illustrious slot at the highest level of the game in Scotland. (25:00) Having a good understanding of the game will be key for this 9 Hole Challenge...will he top his bosses performance??

(0:46) Fraser Clarke from the Kings Links joins David & Darren for a chat about life prior to golf and how he got into the game.  We wanted to know whether the skills acquired from other sports contributed to the his acceleration of becoming better at Golf and turning Professional at aged 18. (10:00) Fraser also discusses how he feels coaching has evolved over the years since turning Professional. (16:00) As an elite athlete Fraser keeps fit and emphasizes the importance of having discipline in your approach to the game and discusses Brysons changes of late. (22:24) Having recently visited the Titleist Performance Institute in California he gives us some insight into what that was like and how Titleist are leading the way to research game development. (31:30) Fraser also takes part in the 9 Hole Challenge and whilst his chipping has been questionable in the past he brings his A-Game to the Podcast.

Scottish Internationalist Matthew Clark "aka Matt", joins the podcast to discuss his roots in Old Ranfurly Golf CLub and growing up in Kilmacolm and how he came to be living and competing in the North East area of Scotland. (2:50) With a Handicap of +5 most people look at Matt and wonder why he isn't completing turning Professional given his skill set. (11:09) Matt discusses this and how life can change with Adulthood and the responsibilities of having bills.  Matt has played all over Scotland in some of the toughest fields and courses there is on offer, we wanted to know how course set ups vary in comparison to the Professional game and if the courses are sometimes set up harder to ultimately test the amateurs in weary conditions. (14:29) In 2019 Matt claimed the Mens Order of Merit however we wanted to get his insight into winning the Inaugral Race to Meldrum House North East Order of Merit, shooting a course record in the process in the final event. (19:40) Matt also has played on the Concession Cup team which is a lesser known team event involving some of the top amateurs across the UK, we wanted to know more on it and what to expect in the future. (25:30) Matt also takes on the 9 hole challenge as the second amateur in the field. Surely with his track record he will breeze through this...

Slightly more West than some of the previous guests Hannah McCook tells us how she got into the game and where she played gorwing up.  (2:00) Hannah is a big spokeperson for Diabetes and she explains to us how she monitors the condition with modern technology and what life was like prior to this innovation. (6:10) Hannah claimed both the Welsh and Irish Womens strokeplay amateur championship in the one year.  We wanted to know what clicked during that spell and was key to the wins. (9:12) Hannah discusses her first year as a Progressional Golfer and what future goals she has in mind.(12:55) Hannah takes on the 9 Hole Challenge, with such an illustrious Amateur career and bright Professional career on the horizon how will she do?

Our first amateur guest is none other than the North East's own Ruairidh MacDonald.  The passionate Links traditionalist that he is, joins us to discuss Golf within the North East area and how working in Tourism started his journey within the game. (2:34) Ruairidh highlights what to look out for when booking a Golfing Holiday to the area and common mistakes groups make when considering courses and scheduling of rounds. (5:40) Ruairidh is also fortunate enough to work for the European Tour Social Media Team.  Both he and the team work hard to provide the great content we would frequently enjoy online whilst not consider the efforts that are put in behind the scenes. As golf fans we appreciate the work Ruairidh brings us, not only giving us insight into the Tournaments being played but the Players themselves affiliated with the Tour. (11:00) David spots a moment to discuss his man crush on Henrick Stenson and wants to know, if he is as much of a practical joker in real life as he is on social media. (12:30) Ruairidh also paved the way many years ago, by starting the Scottish Golf Podcast and discusses how this started and has developed over the last year or so. (15:57) How will Ruairidh do in this 9 Hole Challenge as our first amateur guest? Enjoy some fantastic stories from his time travelling with the game.

(0:39) Paul joins us to discuss his Golf post-lockdown and (1:36) whether he has picked up any new talents along the way. (3:12) On an earlier episode, Sean introduced us to the Paul Lawrie Foundation and its influence on both getting juniors into the game of Golf and helping them develop. We wanted to know how the Foundation started and what was available to Paul when he was a Junior Golfer. (6:35) Paul also gives us some insight into the 5 Star Sports Agency which he has founded, touching on how this started and the efforts he goes to ensuring the needs of the Talent he works with is met. (10:40) Sir Alex Ferguson is someone who Paul has always looked up to, however being a Golfer we wanted to know who played this role in Pauls life whilst competing over the years. (13:59) Will Paul's experience of 600 European Tour events and numerous outings in the Ryder Cup stand him in good stead for the 9 Hole Challenge?   

Local Legend Kamran Zeynalov joins David & Darren to discuss being the playing in his first Challenge Tour event and being the Azerbaijan number 1 (3:00) Playing in the Olympics is a realistic possibility however the goals need to be met in order to do so. (7:20) Kamran also discusses his home Club Portlethen and what he considers his favourite hole. (10:00) Playing on the Tartan Tour has its benefits to experiencing all the wonderful courses of Scotland however Kamran discusses what he considers one of his favourite stop offs. (13:30) Kamran talks speed training during Lockdown and whether he has noticed any differences objectively and if he anticipates that this will carry over to the course. (18:09) Undoubtedly Kamran has been more of a talking point in previous episodes for his wall incident, the stage is set for him to explain the unfolding of this event. (22:30) Kamran takes on the 9 Hole Challenge.

(0:20) Michele Thomson joins Darren and David to discuss life during Lock-down and how she got into Golf and when she decided to turn Professional. (4:58) Find out how Michele got into Golf and when she decided to turn Professional. (10:45) Whilst being a Professional Golfer, Michele enjoys life away from the Course just as much and talks about some of the things that she gets up to. (13:00) Growing up in Ellon, Michele describes what it was like the first carry a Byrne in the middle of the fairway similar to that of Rory McIlroy as a junior. (15:30) Find out which course Michele thinks is the best in the North East. (18:15) Laura Murray & Keil Beveridge took on the 9 hole challenge and went low...will Michele fair as well??

Laura Murray and Keil Beveridge join us to chat about what they have been up to during Lock-down. (5:00) With Keil being Laura's coach, find out what he considers their greatest successes to date from the lows to the high's and the celebrations that are involved. (8:17) What advice would Laura give to any young competitors out there who are considering turning Professional. (12:50) How do they balance Professional life and Personal life? (14:35) Laura & Keil take on the 9 Hole Challenge...

Cruden Bay Head Teaching Professional Murray Patterson joins us in this episode. (1:20) Murray explains how he has been keeping in contact with Players during the Lock down utilizing the Coach Now App. (6:41) Find out what he thinks is the most overlooked technical aspect of the game. (10:39) Technology has undoubtedly changed the approach to Coaching, Murray talks about both the positive and negative aspects to this. (14:40) Working at Cruden Bay brings with it some perks, Murray has been invited to play some of the best courses in the United States and shares some stories of this. (17:41) With scoring at a phenomenal level on previous episodes, Murray takes on the 9 Hole Challenge.

The Farmfoods Scottish Par 3 Champion Sean Lawrie joins us in this episode. (0:40) Find out what he has been getting up to during the Lockdown. (1:55) Having studied in Texas at Midland College, we get a valuable insight into the differences between life here in the U.K and America. (8:10) Sean reflects on last season and how it felt to get his first win under his belt. (14:44) Find out what Sean's expectations are moving forward for this year and next. (16:07) Having seen Spencer top the Leaderboard in the previous episode, Sean doesn't back down from the 9 Hole Challenge.

(1:00) Scottish National Boys Coach Spencer Henderson joins us to talk about, growing the game in Turkey & Azerbaijan and key attributes he has gained as a person from growing up in South Africa. (7:05) Find out what he feels, is one of the more overlooked aspects of the game and (9:52) how coaching has evolved over the years. (11:52) Spencer talks about how he has been keeping players motivated during the current lock down, whilst also providing the public with an insight into the game through online Q & A sessions, with some of the Elite players in Scotland. (16:10) Whilst being an extremely accomplished Coach, Spencer steps out of his comfort zone and takes on the 9 hole challenge.  Have a listen to what he considers to be the best Golf Hole in the North East of Scotland as well as some very entertaining stories.

Peterculter Head Professional Ross McConnachie joins the Podcast to discuss his Amateur career and growing up in Lossie. (5:30) Ross also reminisces about playing University Golf for the University of Aberdeen and taking part in the infamous Moray 5 day Open. (14:55) Ross talks about how he has been away from Peterculter Golf Club during Lockdown and how he has been keeping in contact with the members. (18:24) With Sam Locke firmly at the top of the Leaderboard, will Ross put together a solid 9 holes to overthrow him in the 9 Hole Challenge? (49:55) Find out how he does in the Quickfire Round. 

Patrick McKenna joins us to discuss (0:40) his amateur career and when he decided to turn Professional. (02:14) What does a normal season for Patrick look like and how has the current lock down impacted on this season. (10:15) Paddy takes on the Fore The Love of Golf's podcast's 9 hole challenge and finishes (43:40) with the Quickfire Round.   

Local lad, Sam Locke from Stonehaven is our first Guest who discusses (1:50) his current situation with regards to Lock down. (6:03) From becoming the Scottish National Champion to progressing to the World's biggest stage. (9:15) Sam also discusses his first win since turning Professional & playing in The Open at Portrush 2019. (12:05) What does the future hold and how do things move forward from here? (13:00) Sam gets the opening Tee Shot for the first 9 hole challenge and takes on (34:32) the Quickfire Round.