LINKS Golf Podcast

The hosts begin this episode by giving their thoughts about the compelling U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont. Later, Digital Editor Al Lunsford sits down with golf course architect Gil Hanse at Baltusrol Golf Club for a quick-hitting interview covering the New Jersey club's completed restoration, A.W. Tillinghast's design strengths, what is next on Hanse's agenda, and more. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by PerryGolf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Golf course architect Martin Ebert joins the LINKS Golf Podcast to discuss his work readying the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush for the 2025 Open Championship, the brilliance of Harry Colt, his firm's new project in the Caribbean at Moncayo, and more. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by PerryGolf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What have been the best, worst, and most bizarre U.S. Open Championships in the 21st century (since 2001)? The hosts take turns making their picks on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by PerryGolf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While most of the great courses designed during golf architecture's Golden Age belong to private clubs, there are a handful of examples across the country that are accessible to the general public. Co-hosts Joe Passov and Al Lunsford take turns detailing some of the “Golden Age Publics” on the Season 19 debut of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by PerryGolf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What has drawn celebrities, golfers, and vacationers of all kinds to Casa de Campo Resort & Villas for 50 years running? Gilles Gagnon, senior golf sales director at Casa de Campo, joins the LINKS Golf Podcast to cover everything you need to know about the Caribbean's most complete resort—from the ongoing updates to the iconic Teeth of the Dog course, to stories about legendary golf architect Pete Dye, to the best ways to spend time while not golfing. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Masters Tournament primer will give you all the things you need to know and a list of must-dos as a patron at Augusta National—from the basics and ground rules to insider tips on how to get the most out of a golf fan's day of a lifetime—on the 200th episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts are joined by Mike O'Reilly, General Manager of Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run at Kohler Wisconsin, who breaks down the golf offerings and more at the Midwest destination on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Topics include the design variety of Kohler's four 18-hole courses and 10-hole short course, the must-do activities off the golf course, and what to expect from the itinerary at the LINKS Invitational at Kohler in October. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dew-sweeping as the first group out on a golf course. Playing a great short par-three hole. A hot dog at the turn. These and much more make our host's lists of favorite “things” in golf on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have golf courses on our personal “bucket lists,” but what about individual holes? Our hosts discuss the ones they hope to one day play on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, the hosts are joined by Cynthia Dye McGarey and her son, Matt McGarey, of the Dye Designs Group golf architecture firm. The team from DDG talk about the influence of the Dye lineage (Roy, Pete, Perry, etc.), building the first golf course in Iraq, renovating the George Cobb-designed Ocean Point at Fripp Island in South Carolina, their current and upcoming projects, and more. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you getting spring fever and dreaming of a golf getaway far from the cold? Digital Editor Al Lunsford and LINKS contributor Joe Passov take turns listing some of their favorite spring break golf destinations in the lower half of the U.S. and Mexico on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever heard of a “second fiddle” golf course? That is, a sister course (or courses) that plays a supporting role to the main attraction at a given property. Our hosts take turns listing some of their favorite “second fiddles” at public golf destinations in the U.S. on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, the conversation centers on Kawonu Golf Club, a South Carolina golf-only club in development with an 18-hole originial course design from esteemed architect Andrew Green. Green and golf industry veteran Scott Ferrell, a founding partner at Kawonu, join the hosts to detail the layout, the vision of the club, Green's design pedigree and architectural influences, and more. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking down The LINKS 100 list of the world's best courses, the co-hosts select their favorite course walks and provide context to their choices on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From new golf course announcements to new product drops, the hosts break down the best of what they saw and heard at the 2025 PGA Merchandise Show on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the first episode in a brand new season of the LINKS Golf Podcast, the hosts chat with LINKS Magazine editor George Peper about the debut of The LINKS 100 presented by FootJoy—the newest and most distinctive ranking of the world's top 100 golf courses. The conversation details how LINKS developed the list, the rankings criteria, and key takeaways from the results.  This season of the LINKS Golf Podcast is presented by FootJoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts detail a lengthy (and growing) list of new private golf club openings across the country on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts take turns picking the top three U.S. golf courses they would like to visit and play in 2025—public or private—on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this holiday-themed episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, our hosts list some of the golf courses that they're most thankful for, offering both personal and professional reasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts detail a range of recent golf course renovations and new builds at six under-the-radar destinations across the country and in Mexico in this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Destinations listed in this episode: Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort (S.C.) Arizona Biltmore (Ariz.) Omni Amelia Island Resort (Fla.) Playa Mujeres (Mexico) Tamarack Resort (Idaho) Island Resort & Casino (Mich.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive into the golf course design career of 2024 ASGCA Donald Ross Award winner Robert Trent Jones Jr. on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Co-hosts Al Lunsford and Joe Passov each pick three of their favorite courses from the esteemed architect and discuss Jones Jr.'s lineage and design style. Courses listed in this episode: The Links at Spanish Bay Chambers Bay Wailea Golf Club (Gold/Emerald) SentryWorld Windsor Princeville Makai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kicking off an all-new season of the LINKS Golf Podcast, co-hosts Joe Passov and Al Lunsford recap a recent trip to a new course opening in Georgia and discuss five notable public courses that are due to open in 2025. What did you think of the episode? Tell us in the comments below! Also, reach out to us on social media at X, Facebook, or Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Digital Editor Al Lunsford and golf course photographer Billy Richards (@carolina_pines_golf on Instagram) recap a four-day road trip across the state of South Carolina that included stops at a night-lit par-3, a renovated municipal course, a 36-hole golf resort, and a semi-private club. Along the way, the duo made it a mission to bite into the “Birthplace of Barbecue,” trying the four basic types of barbecue sauce from some of the state's premier BBQ spots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the summer season wanes and temperatures begin to change around the country, our co-hosts share their top courses to play during the fall on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where in America can you play three Top 100 public courses in the span of three days, all at the same destination? Our hosts highlight six such properties and pick their favorites on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by the 2024 Paris Olympics, the hosts look back at past Olympic Games and ponder the top courses that could have hosted the golf competition on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Free golf in New York City? On this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, Digital Editor Al Lunsford speaks with Will Gisel, co-founder of golf clothing brand Whim Golf. The duo discuss Whim Golf's “Free Golf Initiative” to grow the game in large urban areas like New York City and Chicago, the company's background and unique “Made in USA” product offerings, breaking down golf's stuffy perceptions, and the overlap that exists between art and golf. Get 25% off your order on whimgolf.com using the promo code "LINKSMAG" at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, co-hosts Al Lunsford and Joe Passov detail a day playing the West Course at Winged Foot Golf Club. They go in-depth on the club's multi-major championship history, analyze their favorite holes, and talk about the other reasons that make the club special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the majors could only be played at four recurring venues, which courses would you pick? Our hosts take their picks for the courses that would host the four men's major championships, plus a few runner-up choices, in this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do par-3 courses count as real golf? Our hosts give their opinion on this topic and list their favorite par-3 layouts on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The co-hosts did their research, and spend this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast going back and forth defining a group of golf slang words that they were previously unfamiliar with. How many of these golf terms have you heard in your experience? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of Independence Day, the hosts go in-depth on a group of golf courses that are patriotic either in name, purpose, location, or all of the above on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're rounding up a group of exciting new American courses in development that are set to debut by the end of 2024 on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Our co-hosts go into detail on three new courses each and explain their significance in the golf landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teeing off an all-new season of the LINKS Golf Podcast, co-hosts Al Lunsford and Joe Passov take turns arguing which golf courses deserve a chance to host the men's U.S. Open Championship. Their course selections are split into three categories: realistic, possible, and pure fantasy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Digital Editor Al Lunsford was one of the lucky winners of the annual media lottery to play a round at Augusta National the day after the final round of the 2024 Masters Tournament. On a special edition of the LINKS Golf Podcast, Al chats with co-host Joe Passov, a past media lottery winner, and details the week leading up to his round, the experience of playing the course, and what he learned along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hughes Norton and George Peper, authors of RAINMAKER: Superagent Hughes Norton and the Money-Grab Explosion of Golf from Tiger to LIV and Beyond, join the LINKS Golf Podcast to chat about the book, dealing with golf's biggest power players, and the state of today's game. Norton was once one of the most powerful men in golf. During his tenure as head of the golf division of Mark McCormack's International Management Group (IMG), he was the lead agent for six world-number-one-ranked players, including both Greg Norman and Tiger Woods. Before Tiger ever struck a ball as a professional, Norton did deals with Nike and Titleist that brought him more than $60 million, a then-unprecedented sum for a professional athlete. Less than two years later—and for reasons never explained—Tiger fired Norton. McCormack then did the same, giving him a multi-million-dollar parachute tied to a 10-year non-compete clause and a gag order. Now, for the first time, Norton is talking—about his clients, his boss, and his role in fostering the era of unbridled greed that now threatens to destroy professional golf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts recap the 2024 LINKS Invitational at Pebble Beach and discuss why the world-class resort is one of the best. The second half of the episode features an interview with golf architect and author Richard Mandell about building great courses on a budget, living in Pinehurst, his latest book, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Golf course architect Bill Bergin joins the LINKS Golf Podcast to talk about his design of the Highlands Course at McLemore (pictured), and the new course he is building for the Georgia resort/community with Rees Jones called The Keep. The hosts also chat with Bergin about finishing 14th in the 1984 Open Championship, the similarities between Augusta National and the Old Course at St. Andrews, traveling around the country in a van, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast the hosts chat with Hayes Holderness, who is set to complete his pursuit of playing all the courses on the World Top 100 list this year. Holderness discusses the most challenging courses to get on, wild travel moments, the close-knit group of golfers that share the common goal, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Co-hosts Joe Passov and Al Lunsford look into multiple eras of golf course architecture and choose a few of the designers who deserve greater acclaim in this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inventive golf course architect Forrest Richardson discusses some of his most out-of-the-box course ideas—20-hole courses, par-two holes, twin 9-hole routings, and more—on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. The hosts chat with Richardson about his past presidency at the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), his choice for the game's most underrated course architect, being the parent of a Hollywood actor, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LINKS Editor George Peper is back to break down our latest issue in this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Topics discussed include changes in the magazine in 2024, George's column on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the next group of course architects to step up to the A-List, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts report on one of the country's newest golf destinations, Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida, on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Digital Editor Al Lunsford gives his early impressions after visiting Cabot Citrus Farms in January, while co-host Joe Passov gives background on the former courses that occupied the property. Al also interviews Kyle Franz (architect of the Karoo course at Cabot Citrus Farms) and Cabot CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After attending the golf industry's annual trade show in Orlando, hosts Joe Passov and Al Lunsford discuss the items that piqued their interest in this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Woosnam, the lone Welshman to win a major championship, entertains listeners of the LINKS Golf Podcast with insight into his 1991 Masters win, hidden golf gems in Wales, his favorite golf destination, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does Virginia have the country's best mountain golf course? In this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, the hosts chat with Mark Fry, Director of Golf at The Omni Homestead Resort, about the historic golf offerings at “America's First Resort” in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Golf course architect Andy Staples joins co-hosts Al Lunsford and Joe Passov to begin Season 15 of the LINKS Golf Podcast. Staples discusses his thoughts on the rollback of the golf ball, his well-known work creating two new courses at PGA National Resort in Florida, his current projects, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final episode of Season 14, the hosts dive into Tiger Woods's growing career in golf course architecture, discussing his earliest courses, design philosophy, and projects currently in the works. This episode is presented by Wild Dunes Resort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Price talks about his growing career in golf course design, his playing days, and more in this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This episode is presented by Wild Dunes Resort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, the hosts preview a slate of prominent new public golf courses debuting within the next year in the U.S. This episode is presented by Wild Dunes Resort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Golf course architect David McLay Kidd talks about designing the first course at Bandon Dunes in 1999, what makes a good match play course, his current projects in Washington and Nebraska, and more on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This episode is presented by Wild Dunes Resort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices