The Firm & Fast Golf Podcast

James Bledge the Links Manager at Royal Liverpool joins us in this episode to talk about his love for links golf, vocational green keeping, RCP @ Deal, Hoylake, drainage & irrigation, technology, STEM and inspiring the next generation (https://www.bigga.org.uk/careers/first-green.html). It was great to catch up with him again, we hope you enjoy the episode. Episode music supplied under license from Epidemic Sound Shoreline Serenade - Dye O.1.1 Special Guest: James Bledge.

This is the final instalment focussing on Sir Anthony Babington's reminisences. In this episode he remembers his great friend Harry Shapland Colt. They were first introduced in 1919 by the Secretary of The Royal Dublin Golf Club, Cecil Barcroft. The relationship would prove fruitful for both men over the following decades. Many thanks for tuning in. Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound A Single Dance - Jon Bjork

In this episode Sir Anthony shares his memories of the purchase of the the Holyrood Hotel and its transformation into the current clubhouse at Royal Portrush. He also details the R&A's decision to host the 1951 Open Championship at Royal Portrush which was won by Max Faulkner. Many thanks for tuning in. Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound A Single Dance - Jon Bjork

In this episode Sir Anthony details the modernisation of the Royal Portrush Links under the combined efforts of HS Colt, JSF Morrison, Franks Harris, ABB & Hugh McNeill. Many thanks for tuning in. Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound A Single Dance - Jon Bjork

In this episode of the continuing series, we learn about Sir Anthony's early golfing days on the North Coast of Portrush. He also covers the consequential matters of extended tenure, security and opportunity that access to additional golfing grounds to the east of the town afforded the wider membership. The thorny history of Sabbatarianism also raises its head through a golfing lense as he teases out how this matter was resisted, debated and resolved over the course of the mid 1920's. Many thanks for tuning in. Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound A Single Dance - Jon Bjork

Over the course of the next number of short episodes we wilI take a look at another character that influenced the early development and growth of golf in Ireland. Anthony Babington was a native of Co. Derry, educated at Glenalmond in Perthshire and Trinity College Dublin. Babington was introduced to golf at Lisfannon in Donegal and Royal Portrush. He was a scratch player of some repute, competing extensively in the elite national amateur championships of the day. However, it was in the administration of the game that he really excelled, influencing golf at Trinity College, Dollymount, Portrush, Belfast and beyond. Through the medium of his recently uncovered memoirs and historical writings I'm pleased to introduce you to the long golfing life of A.B. Babington and the positive influence that he brought to bear throughout the island of Ireland. I hope you enjoy his recollections! Many thanks for tuning in. For more information on the history of Ireland please click here (https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuVh/) for a link to The Empire podcast referenced in this epiosde. Please see episodes 236 - 246 which relate to same. Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound It's Getting Late (Instrumental Version) - Ten Towers

Chris Breen has been the Superintendent at Rosapenna Golf Resort since 2019. A recent trip to Downings enabled us to sit down for a chat that we've been meaning to have for the past 12 months or so. We take a look at how he's ended up back home in Donegal overseeing the 63 hole, 1200 acre property. The importance of getting "your homework right" from a course setup perspective. How an easterly wind is less than optimal for growing grass early in the season. Why he's not praying for rain.... just yet. Grass paths and golfer expectations. The many changes that have occurred at the resort over the past 6 years and much more. Many thanks to Chris for his time, we hope you enjoy the listen. Episode music supplied under license from Epidemic Sound Shoreline Serenade - Dye O.1.1 Special Guest: Chris Breen.

Thomas Gilroy contributed greatly to the growth of the game of golf in Ireland over the period from 1885 to 1895. During his time in Ireland he was recognised as the best player in the country, holding a handicap between scratch and +6. Gilroy was a founding member at Dollymount, Portrush, Mornington & Baltray. A serial winner and course record setter, he spread the gospel a gift from Scotland. I hope you enjoy his story! Many thanks for tuning in. Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound Sweet Embrace (Instrumental Version) - Go For Howell

In celebration of St. Patricks Day it seemed fitting to feature the story of Michael Moran (1886-1918). To this day, Moran, holds the record for the number of wins in the Irish Professional Golfers Championships. That he did this all before turning 27 is all the more remarkable. His story is indelibly linked to that of my home club at Dollymount, I hope you enjoy the story. Thanks for tuning in and Happy St. Patricks Day! Episode music supplied under licence from Epedemic Sound I Want You to Stay/Victor Lundberg (Instrumental Version)

Mike Morrison joins us on this episode to introduce the upcoming R&A Heritage Conference which will take place in St. Andrews on March 11th & 12th 2025. The event has been organised through the longstanding partnership between the R&A and the British Golf Collectors Society. 'History is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of the fire' - Philip Truett (Founding Member of BGCS.). The Conference is focussed on providing Historic Golf Clubs with the tools, resources and support to further the collection, documentation, preservation and presentation of their unique histories some of which may have been forgotten or misremembered through time. We hope we've cast a little light on some of the interesting sessions scheduled for attendees over the course the two days in St Andrews. Please follow this link for the full Heritage conference agenda (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/st-andrews-heritage-conference--2025). Mike also gives us an introduction to some of his own research, writing and current research interests. If you would like to order a copy of Mike's book, The Great English Golf Boom, please contact him directly via email at mike.morrison57@outlook.com. Stephen Proctor's book, The Long Golden Afternoon (mentioned as a great companion piece to The Great English Golf Boom) can be purchase directly from the Publisher, Birlinn Books (https://birlinn.co.uk/product/the-long-golden-afternoon-2/). Please also find links to Mike's 3 part series on Tom Dunn below for which he was awarded the 2023 BGCS Presidents Medal Through the Green March 2023 (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_144_2023_march.pdf) Through the Green June 2023 (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_145_2023_june.pdf) Through the Green September 2023 (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_146_2023_september.pdf) Thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy our chat! Episode music supplied under license from Epedemic Sound Shoreline Serenade - Dye O.1.1 Special Guest: Mike Morrison.

Mat Goggin joins us on this episode to chat all things 7 Mile Beach. Listeners will undoubtedly be aware that Mike De Vries and Mike Clayton of CDP Golf Architects have been toiling away on Mr Goggin's behalf over the last few years massaging a sandy waterfront site into one of the most eagerly anticipated golf developments of the past few years. Mat fills us in on the three years that have passed since his last appearance on the show, providing us with updates on the ongoing grow in, a likely opening timeline, an interesting story of Mr De Vries and his bullet cut - unsurprisingly this particular shot type works quite well around the course that he built! We also get the low down on the North course development that King Collins Dormer are planning on the city side of the 7 Mile Beach site. It was great to welcome Mat to the pod again, thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the chat. The 7 Mile Beach proshop can be visited by clicking here (https://7-mile-beach.myshopify.com/). Episode music supplied under license from Epedemic Sound Shoreline Serenade - Dye O.1.1 Special Guest: Mat Goggin.

Neil Crafter and Dr John Green published the definitive biography of Alex Russell in 2016. Neil joins for this episode to delve into the life and times of arguably Australia's greatest home-grown golf architect. We take a look at the Russell family's Scottish heritage and what prompted their subsequent move to Australia. Alex's education in Geelong, Glenalmond and Cambridge, his service during WW1 & WW2, his exploits as a Champion Golfer, partnership with Dr. Mac & utilising the undoubted construction talents of Mick Morcom... plus the design of a few decent golf courses for good measure.. Thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the listen! A link to Neil's recent update of the Alister MacKenzie Chronology can be found here (https://alistermackenzie.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/22nd-Revision-MacKenzie-Chronology-Jan-2025.pdf) You can also find more information on Neil's books below Discovering Alex Russell (https://ryanpub.com.au/russell.htm) The Good Doctors Prescriptions (https://ryanpub.com.au/thegooddoctor.htm) Episode music supplied under license from Epedemic Sound Shoreline Serenade - Dye O.1.1 Special Guest: Neil Crafter.

Ryan Noades joins us today to take a look at what may very well be JF Abercromby's design opus. The Addington was of course a collaboration between Abercromby and Harry S Colt, expertly routed to circumnavigate a sand and gravel hilltop heathland site some 9 miles due south of central London. The Noades' have owned the Addington since 2006 and have lovingly curated the course ever since. Over the years it became apparent to Ryan and his family that a world class golf course was hiding in plain site beneath the organic detritus that had invaded playing corridors, reduced strategic options and hampered firm and fast playing conditions. In 2019 in conjunction with the design firm Clayton De Vries & Pont a course correction was undertaken to commit fully to a faithful restoration of The Addington to its' former glory. We endeavour to explore a small part of this journey today, hopefully leaving you with a better feel for both the place and indeed a driven individual who is equally besotted, energised and excited by all of the possibilities that The Addington represents. Thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the show! I've visited The Addington twice thus far and took some time to write about what I've found, please click on this link (https://shanederby.substack.com/p/the-archbishops-summer-palace) to have a read. Episode music used under license from Epedemic Sound Shoreline Serenade - Dye O.1.1 Special Guest: Ryan Noades.

Scotsman Iain Forrester has been a golf professional since 1983, moving to The Netherlands to become the Head Professional at Hoenshuis Golf & Country Club in Limburg. Iain believes that “……a PGA Professional needs to have a diverse skillset – a jack of all trades and a master of one or two. That's what I've tried to do with my career, to be as flexible as possible, learn as many skills as possible and then have a niche that separates you from others.” Iain's particular niche of choice focusses on maintaining and preserving the history of golf, in particular the way it was played in the past with wooden hickory clubs. Iain repairs and restores hickory equipment for fellow collectors while also suppling sets for hickory events throughout Europe. As if that's not enough he has also written extensively about hickory golf and golf history in general. Safe to say he's a great man to have on the pod to talk about on all things relating to hickory and Dutch golf. Iain's website can be found here (https://hickoryclubs.eu/) The Golfika article on the history of British Handicapping mentioned in the show can be found here (https://en.golfika.com/_files/ugd/72472f_cdab7f2449764a07881a5d9711ca6a67.pdf) - pages 6 - 11. Thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy listening. Episode music supplied under license from Epedemic Sound Shoreline Serenade - Dye O.1.1

Iain Forrester is a Scottish Golf Professional who has been based in The Netherlands since 1988. He joined me recently for an extensive chat about Hickory Golf, Golf in the Netherlands and his life in golf. This is a story he forgot to tell us, thankfully I managed to press record again before we ended our time together. The preceding conversation was most enjoyable and will be released over the coming days... keep an eye out for it! If you're enoying the pod, I would be very grateful if you could submit a review on your podcast hosting platform of choice. It really would be appreciated. Trailer sound track supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound Earthbound (Instrumental) by Victor Lundberg Special Guest: Iain Forrester.

Aspiring honorary Irishman, Richard Pennell, joins us on this episode to reminisce about four golf trips he undertook to Ireland over the past 12 months. The North Coast & Donegal featured heavily and rightly so. The intrepid traveller also found time to schedule two whistle stop visits to County Mayo on the very Wild Atlantic Way, while also visiting a smattering of what the Dublin area has to offer from a golfing perspective. It amounted to a links overload which left Richard energised and plotting an imminent return. We hope the pod may give you some ideas as to where you might travel to in 2025, however, word of warning it might also make you a little envious that Richard passes these visits off as 'work'..... Either way, many thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy our chat! One of the last few copies of Richard's first book Grass Routes can be purchased by following this link (https://pitchmarks.bigcartel.com/product/grass-routes-by-richard-pennell) The Links Diary (https://www.thelinksdiary.com/no-10) Richard has written some great pieces on his @pitchmarks substack account and elsewhere. Please find a few links below to musings on some of his travels around Ireland: County Louth - currently a blank piece of paper.... he has promised us one, just as soon as inspiration arrives Royal Dublin - a work in progress, early 2025 methinks #71 - Portmarnock (https://pitchmarks.substack.com/p/pitchmarks-71-3rd-november-2024-very) #50 - Ballyliffin (https://pitchmarks.substack.com/p/pitchmarks-50-16th-june-2024-the) The North Coast (https://golftoday.co.uk/on-the-causeway-coast/) - an Article that appeared in Golf Today Episode music used under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Richard Pennell.

Mike Clayton joins me on this episode to provide us with an update on grow in at 7 Mile Beach, The Sandbelt Invitational, the Australian Summer of Golf and some local projects that Clayts, Harley Kruse and Lukas Michel have been working on recently. We also explore; the challenges that flatter sites present to the course designer, the relative under appreciation of English Golf, Tom Simpson, CDP in France, why routing and flow are important elements in course design and some bucket list design projects. Many thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the show! Pic credits - CDP Golf & 7 Mile Beach Episode music used under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Mike Clayton.

After a summer break filled with a research project (which is almost assuredly going to translate into an episode), F&F are back with a new episode recently recorded with Colin Byrne... Many listeners will recognize Colin's name as bag man supremo with more than 40 years logged thus far as a globe trotting golfing sherpa. He has caddied for many of the modern greats including Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, Darren Clarke and Fred Couples. We take a trip down memory lane with Colin to explore writing, winning US Opens at Shinnecock Hills, bad bahaviour and Q school amongst other topics. We hope you enjoy the chat. As mentioned during the show, copies of Bagman 1 & 2 are available online via the links below (you can also access them through an Irish Times online subscription) https://www.amazon.com/Bagman-Inside-Exclusive-World-Professional/dp/0954865308/ref=sr111?sr=8-11 https://www.amazon.com/Bagman-Inside-Ropes-Leading-Looper/dp/0954865383/ref=sr113?sr=8-13 Colin has also released another book, entitled The Little White Ball, which is full of practical advice on improving your game, link below https://www.amazon.com/Little-White-Ball-score-ability-ebook/dp/B01JBHUPSE Special Guest: Colin Byrne.

A recent trip to Walton Heath afforded me an opportunity to meet with Philip Truett at his home at Walton on the Hill. Philip recently co-authored a biography on William Herbert Fowler, entitled 'A Matter of Course'. The book paints a brilliant picture of a life well lived, not without a modicum of drama. Fowler by all accounts was a by-product of his time and social standing, who undoubteldy left an indelible mark on golf both in the UK and the USA. We mainly stay on topic or at the very least always return to the vicinity of where we meandered away from it.... please enjoy the chat, it was great fun to put it together for our collective enjoyment, engaging with someone as knowledgable as Philip has been a real treat. Special Guest: Philip Truett.

Recorded 1/5/2024 Nathan Bennett comes from counrty Victorian farming stock, so he's not afraid of hard yakka ('hard work' for non Australians). His can do approach has seen him on a green keeping journey which started in Murray Downs and would go on to include Metropolitan, Moonah Legends, The Sands and finally Royal Adelaide Golf Club. We take a look at Nathan's journey while also lingering upon the Royal Adelaide story, since the clubs foundation back in 1892. The clubs centenary book is a great read (if you can get your hands on it.... its out of print for many years btw but there are a limited number of copies available from Abe Books - see link below) and through its auspices we tease out some of the ongoing historical and modern challenges that maintaining a world class golf course in a dry and arid climate, such as Adelaide, represents. Nathan is a great guest and I really enjoyed my time with him. We hope you enjoy the conversation! The Royal Adelaide Golf Club - By Michael Cudmore (https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31708992448&searchurl=ds%3D20%26kn%3Droyal%2520adelaide%2520golf%26rollup%3Don%26sortby%3D17) - 1892 to 1992 Please feel free to check out an article on our Substack account that profiles Royal Adelaide Golf Club and the delights of Adelaide (https://shanederby.substack.com/p/awesome-adelaide) Firm & Fast Links Twitter/X (https://x.com/firmandfastgolf) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/firmandfastgolfpodcast/) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLiP9k8WaS6_5i9JF5WtwzA) The Firm & Fast Golf Podcast Occasional Newsletter on Substack (https://shanederby.substack.com/) Music used under license from Epidemic Sound Episode Imagery - credit Gary Lisbon (provided through RAGC) Special Guest: Nathan Bennett.

The stars finally aligned recently in providing me with an opportunity to spend some time with Angela Moser - golf course architect, shaper and world traveller! There was no sign of either a dozer or a digger.... although I am absolutely sure that one of those is undoubtedly in her immediate future. In this episode we take a deep dive on Renaissance's only current Irish course, St Patricks Links @ The Rosapenna Golf Resort, where Angela, Tom Doak, Eric Iverson, Clyde Johnson, Brian Schneider, Brian Slawnik, Blake Conant, Don Placek & Co. have created what in all likelihood will probably be the last great links to be built in Ireland. We take a look Angela's back story in golf, which started by chance when her parents enrolled her in a three day golf summer camp for kids in her home town of Augsburg, Germany. The golf bug bit, ultimately leading her towards a degree in Landscape Architecture at the Munich Univeristy of Applied Sciences, followed by a year long Erasmus scholarship in Sheffield. This UK sojourn, afforded Angela both the encouragement and opportunity to immerse herself in disciphering the myriad puzzles that many of the great UK courses afford golfers. After graduation, Angela worked in Greenkeeping and Golf Course Design in Germany and Austria. An internship with Renaissance Golf Design would follow in 2011 and the rest as they say is history. We take a look at some of this history, while also looking at a few of the upcoming projects that are on the drawing board and one that our interview subject might be inclined to put there, should the opportunity every arise. Many thanks to Angela for graciously affording me the time to speak with her. We both very much hope you enjoy our chat. If you want to find out more about The Olde Glen Bar, Glen Village, Co. Donegal, please click on the following link (https://oldeglen.ie/) Additional details on the Rosapenna Golf Resort stay and play packages can be found by clicking on the following link (https://www.rosapenna.ie/) Angela mentions Norderney Golf Club during the course of the episode, you can visit the Norderney Golf Club website by clicking here (https://gc-norderney.de/?ngsetproto=1), alternatively you can read a little more about it on the Good Sundays Website (http://goodsundays.com/gc-norderney/). Angela Moser Socials Moser Golf Website (moseronadozer.com) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mosergolf/?hl=en) Twitter/X (https://x.com/mosergolf?lang=en) F&F Podcast Socials Twitter/X (https://x.com/firmandfastgolf) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/firmandfastgolfpodcast/) The Firm & Fast Golf Podcast Occasional Newsletter on Substack (https://shanederby.substack.com/) Episode Music provided under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Angela Moser.

Angela Moser has just completed the #10 Course at Pinehurst for Tom Doak's Renaissance Golf Design - she joined me recently for golf at St Patricks Links (no surprise, she's a baller) and a number of conversations, one of which we recorded for your enjoyment. Our full conversation takes a look at Angela's career to date, which includes significant involvement at St Patricks @ Rosapenna, The Renaissance Club in Edinburgh, The Loop at Forest Dunes, Pinehurst #10 and much much more... Editing is still in the works, however, this piece is too good not to share immediately as a wee teaser for what's to come next week. Music supplied under license from Epidemic Sound Track - Neutron Skies by Roots & Recognition Special Guest: Angela Moser.

Royal Portrush hosted it's first Open Championship in 1951, with Max Faulkner triumphing over Harry Colt's Dunluce Course... at the time Bernard Darwin was minded to write that Colt's design of the Dunluce links was 'a monument more enduring than Brass'. As listeners will know the Open Championship returned to Royal Portrush in 2019. In advance of the 148th staging of the Championship MacKenzie & Ebert undertook improvement and revision works on both the Dunluce & Valley courses at RP. With the club due to host the 153rd Open in 2025, members at Royal Portrush approved a comprehensive improvement plan for the Valley. These works began in November 2023 and are expected to be complete by August 2024. Works focus upon improving and augmenting the spectator, player and member experience throughout the property. I joined consulting course designer Martin Ebert at Royal Portrush recently for a course walk and podcast recording session as DAR Golf Construction enter the finishing straight on these improvements. Over the course of our hour long chat we explore the works on the Valley Course while also lingering a while on M&E's improvement works at Enniscrone over the past winter. Finally we briefly touch upon M&E's upcoming projects at County Sligo Golf Club, Noordwijk Golf Club in the Netherlands and New South Wales Golf Club in Sydney, Australia. Thanks to Martin, Graham, Graeme, Ashley, John, Nigel and Jim for their help and assistance in putting this episode together, thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy our chat. The master plan for the Valley works can be viewed by clicking the following link (https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/68105049/royal-portrush-valley-course-proposals). A new book on Chicago Golf Club, The Prairie Raynor (https://www.grantbooks.co.uk/product-page/the-prairie-raynor-by-john-moran-and-rand-jerris-ph-d), published by Grant Books, was mentioned briefly towards the end of the episode, hit the link (https://www.grantbooks.co.uk/product-page/the-prairie-raynor-by-john-moran-and-rand-jerris-ph-d) for more information. Special Guest: Martin Ebert.

County Sligo Golf Club celebrates 130 years of existence in 2024. Club members recently approved a course development plan, prepared by course designers M&E. In this episode we catch up with Council member David Dunne to hear about the scope of these plans, which will be implemented over the coming years. David has an interesting back story which we explore in parallel with our chat about the Rosses Point links. Many thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the show! Epiosde imagery courtesy of County Sligo Golf Club Episode music used under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: David Dunne.

Friend of the pod Mark Millar, the Superintendent at County Sligo Golf Club, joined us for a chat in the Ewing Room in the clubhouse at Rosses Point during a recent visit to the home of the West of Ireland Amateur Championship. The Club has hosted the event since its inaugural hosting of the event in 1923. We take a look at the site at Rosses, discussing some of the challenges that Mark faces through the seasons and tke a look at his well travelled career. We also look forward to the clubs hosting of the Irish Amateur Championship which the club was awarded as they celebrate their 130th year in 2024. Be sure to get to Rosses this year, there is still teetime availability and you will not regret it. We hope you enjoy the episode. Music under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Mark Millar.

The First in a four part series that cover the F&F Spring Break to Counties Sligo and Mayo. Myself and a good mate set off from Dublin to the Atlantic West Coast of Ireland to explore the delights of links golf at Rosses Point, Strandhill, Enniscrone & Belmullet. Please take a look at the F&F Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/firmandfastgolfpodcast/) page to view a number of reels showing County Sligo, Strandhill, Enniscrone and Carne in all of their early season splendour. Please find a few links below for accommodation, eating and non golfy stuff that might be of use to you when planning a trip Westwards Radisson SAS Rosses Point (https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-sligo-spa) Glass House Hotel Sligo (https://www.theglasshouse.ie/) Otto Pizza Sligo (https://www.ottopizza.ie/) Flipside Sligo (https://www.flipside.ie/) Bartragh Restaurant Enniscrone GC (https://enniscronegolf.com/dining/) (the curry was divine!) Diamond Coast Hotel Enniscrone (https://www.diamondcoast.ie/) Shraigh Air BnB Belmullet (https://www.airbnb.ie/rooms/684855896642192134?locale=en&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1714127929_ZTJkNzAyNzdmOGU0&source_impression_id=p3_1714127929_EixAvEe4mDx1Eha1) (sleeps 4 comfortably - highly recommended) Broadhaven Bay Hotel Belmullet (https://www.broadhavenbay.com/) Talbot Hotel Belmullet (https://www.thetalbothotel.ie/) Blacksod Lighthouse (https://visitblacksodlighthouse.ie/tours/) Ceide Fields (https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ceide-fields-neolithic-site-visitor-centre/) We hope you enjoy both this episode and the series which will dive a good bit deeper with some of the characters we encountered. The West is Awake! Episode image credit to Nick Wall, Air Swing Media Music under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Niall Higgins.

Tony Cunningham is a long standing member at County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point. While visiting recently we sat down with him to explore the origin story of ine of the grand old dames of Irish Golf. Founded by members of the Sligo Militia in 1894, the club celebrates 130 years in 2024. The Club has hosted the West of Ireland Championships since its introduction/inception in 1923 - the West heralds the beginning of the elite amateur golf season and is held over the course of a week every Easter. Former champions include Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, JB Carr, John Burke & County Sligo's very own Cecil Ewing. As part of the 130 year celebrations, County Sligo are also hosting the Irish Amateur Open in May 2024. This episode is the second instalment from the F&F Spring Break 2024, future episodes feature a great catch up with Mark Millar the Superintendent at County Sligo and Council Member David Dunne who is acting as the main point of liason between the club and their consulting architects MacKenzie & Ebert on a 5 year improvement plan for the links which is scheduled to commence later this year. Thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the show. Episode Music, under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Tony Cunningham.

The First in a four part series that cover the F&F Spring Break to Counties Sligo and Mayo. Myself and a good mate set off from Dublin to the Atlantic West Coast of Ireland to explore the delights of links golf at Rosses Point, Strandhill, Enniscrone & Belmullet. Please take a look at the F&F Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/firmandfastgolfpodcast/) page to view a number of reels showing County Sligo, Strandhill, Enniscrone and Carne in all of their early season splendour. Please find a few links below for accommodation, eating and non golfy stuff that might be of use to you when planning a trip Westwards Radisson SAS Rosses Point (https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-sligo-spa) Glass House Hotel Sligo (https://www.theglasshouse.ie/) Otto Pizza Sligo (https://www.ottopizza.ie/) Flipside Sligo (https://www.flipside.ie/) Bartragh Restaurant Enniscrone GC (https://enniscronegolf.com/dining/) (the curry was divine!) Diamond Coast Hotel Enniscrone (https://www.diamondcoast.ie/) Shraigh Air BnB Belmullet (https://www.airbnb.ie/rooms/684855896642192134?locale=en&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1714127929_ZTJkNzAyNzdmOGU0&source_impression_id=p3_1714127929_EixAvEe4mDx1Eha1) (sleeps 4 comfortably - highly recommended) Broadhaven Bay Hotel Belmullet (https://www.broadhavenbay.com/) Talbot Hotel Belmullet (https://www.thetalbothotel.ie/) Blacksod Lighthouse (https://visitblacksodlighthouse.ie/tours/) Ceide Fields (https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ceide-fields-neolithic-site-visitor-centre/) We hope you enjoy both this episode and the series which will dive a good bit deeper with some of the characters we encountered. The West is Awake! Episode image credit to Nick Wall, Air Swing Media Music under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Niall Higgins.

Leo Barber the GM and Course Manager at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club on the Kapiti Coast of the North Island of New Zealand joins us for this episode. I have had the great pleasure of playing the links at Paraparaumu Beach on a number of occasions, over the course of 4 rounds there, thus far, the washboard fairways and associated dunescapes really resonated with this self confessed links junkie. Leo recently marked the 75th anniversary of Alex Russell's arrival at Paraparaumu with a presentation to the members of the club and joins us today to recount both the story of the links and his own journey which began a mere 15 minutes down the road from the club in Pukerua Bay. We hope you enjoy our chat! Please check out the following links for some additional supporting content Leo Barber's pictorial history of PBGC (https://youtu.be/8qH4NAj0Qe0) Ran Morisset's course tour of PBGC on Golf Club Atlas (https://golfclubatlas.com/countries/paraparaumu-beach/?portfolioCats=249%2C250%2C251%2C252%2C253%2C254%2C255%2C256%2C257%2C258%2C259%2C260%2C261%2C262%2C263%2C264%2C265%2C266%2C267%2C268%2C269%2C270%2C271%2C272%2C273%2C274%2C275%2C276) Christian Cullen best try's link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ9EYiDQYsk) Clyde Johnson website - Book on North Island Country Golf in NZ (https://www.cunningolfdesign.com/writing) Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Leo Barber.

In this final instalment of my chat with Pat Ruddy we take a look at his work in County Donegal - revising Eddie Hackett's work at both Murvagh and Ballyliffin, revising Morris, Vardon and Colt at Rosapenna, creating muscular modern links courses at Ballyliifin (Glashedy) and Rosapenna (Sandy Hills) and a revitalisation project at the Colt and Alison designed County Sligo Golf Club. Apologies for the, at times, slightly stratchy audio, we hope it doesn't detract too much from the conversation. We hope you enjoyed this series, many thanks to Pat for his time and to you for listening. Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Pat Ruddy.

This is part two of my chat with Pat Ruddy (final part due in a few weeks), we hope you enjoy our conversation! In this episode we focus on the origin story of The European Club which is located in Brittas Bay in County Wicklow - how the site was eventually found, the opening day, a course of 20 holes, sleeper shod bunkers and a 127 yard green..... it's a cracking story.... well told! Apologies for some scratchy audio throughout, we hope it doesn't detract too much from the content. Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Pat Ruddy.

Pat Ruddy may be known to many of you as the owner and course designer of The European Club located at Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow. That association is central to his story, however, it does not tell the full tale. In addition to course design Mr Ruddy is a Golf Journalist, Author, Bibliophile, Historian and Magazine publisher. A native of Ballymote, Co. Mayo, Ruddy would often cycle 20 miles from his home in Ballymote to play the great coastal links of County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point, where he was a member. His early days in Ballymote fueled his love of the game of golf and those that wrote about it like Longhurst, Warren-Wind and Darwin. He completed his first design for Castlecomer GC in 1969 and would go on to make revisions at Ballyliffin (Old), Rosapenna (OTM), County Sligo (Championship) and Donegal (Murvagh) in addition to new courses at Rosapenna (Sandy Hills), Ballyliffin (Glashedy), Druids Glen, Druids Heath, St Margarets and 36 at Club de Golf de l'Île de Montréal in Canada. This is part one of the Pat Ruddy story, we hope you enjoy our chat! Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Pat Ruddy.

Mike DeVries joins us from a wintery Michigan in advance of what may be his final construction visit to the 7 Mile Beach Golf Development that he is currently building for Mat Goggin in Hobart, Tasmania. We discuss his early influences at Crystal Downs in Michigan, restoration work at the Meadow Club, The Addington & Royal Dublin. We take a quick look at both the Addington in London and the 7MB project, get an elevator pitch for golf in Michigan and finally Mike shares some of his bucket list golf courses and golf book recommendations. We hope you enjoy our chat. Please find a few links below relating to some of the book recommendations mentioned towards the end of the episode: The MacKenzie Reader - edited by Joshua Pettit (https://alistermackenzie.org/store/mackenziereader) Paul Daley's series, entitled Golf Architecture : A Worldwide Perspective (https://www.finegolfbooks.com/pages/author/618/paul-daley/) , now extends to 7 Volumes, some of which are available through Fine Golf Books. Volume 7 can also be purchased directly form Paul Daley (email him at : fswing@bigpond.net.au). Earlier editions can also often be found through pre-owned book resellers such as Abebooks, World of Books or Thrift Books. Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Mike DeVries.

Gordon Hobson joins us in this episode to focus upon a story, arguably unprecedented in the world of golf. Calvin Peete was born into to a family of migrant laborers in 1943, dropping out of school in the eighth grade he went to work picking crops....not a familiar springboard for PGA Tour success, particularly when you realise that he played his first game of golf at the age of 23! Dedication and hard work contributed to Peete's rise to the top of worldwide golf throughout the 1980's. His success was very much an extension of the golfing legacies of men such as boxing champion Joe Louis and forebears such as Spiller, Rhodes, Sifford and Elder the real pioneers of the UGA and the struggle aginst the PGA Tour's caucasian only policy. Gordon's biography of Calvin Peete, entitled - Golf's Forgotten Star - will be published by Rowman & Littlefield on the 6th of February 2024. Please click on the link below should you wish to place an order Amazon Order Link (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calvin-Peete-Golfs-Forgotten-Star-ebook/dp/B0C9WDMS41/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=calvin+peete&sr=8-1) Links to some additional background reading and information on Peete and his can be found by following the links below: Joe Louis - from World Heavyweight Boxing Champion to socking it to the PGA Tour (https://andscape.com/features/the-day-joe-louis-became-the-first-black-golfer-to-play-a-pga-sponsored-tourney/) Laz Versailles' Fire Pit Collective Article on Spiller & Rhodes Case v PGA Tour (https://firepitcollective.com/bill-spiller-beats-segregation/) Luke Kerr-Dineen's Golf Digest Article on Calvin Peete (https://www.golfdigest.com/story/calvin-peete-broken-arm-accuracy-ball-striker) Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Gordon Hobson.

Ally McIntosh joins us for a slightly delayed review of our respective 2023 golfing years. We catch up on renovations at Strandhill and Ally's plans at Carne Golf Links in 2024. Take a look at some of the Irish golfing highlights to come over the year to come and compare notes on various courses that we have visited over the course of the past year and locations we are eyeing up for the year to come. Many thanks to you, for returning to the show throughout 2023. Here's to great golf in 2024. Intro music - Wait Up Sundown by Arch Tremors (Instrumental) - published under license from Epidemic Sound. Special Guest: Ally McIntosh.

Over the course of researching the history of golf in the Netherlands two golf related stories have really resonated with me. In this episode we are joined by Stephen Zivin and to investigate the initial history of a Charles Hugh Alison design at De Wildhoeve in The Hague, now the home of the Royal Hague Golf Club. The story is intertwined by its' original owner, a gentleman by the name of Daniel Wolf Robin Bargmann makes one final cameo to tell us the story of Kennemer Golf & Country Club during and after WW2. We also take a quick look at the effects of WW2 on Domburgsche and Noordwijkse. Stephen has written a great article on this subject matter for McKellar Magazine (https://www.mckellarmagazine.com/) #7. Featured music by Victor Lundberg, under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guests: Robin Bargmann and Steve Zivin.

Robin Bargmann joins us for the final time, as we explore how the game of golf in the Netherlands started on the private estates of the aristocratic and mercantile families of Holland. We take a look at some of these early pioneers, that brought the game to the dunescape and heathland of the lowlands. Over time the custodians of the first clubs, engaged notable names such as Harry Colt, Hugh Alison and John Morrison to revise, extend and design some of the countries best courses. In future episodes we will catch up with some of the modern day custodians to see how history and heritage is still harnessed to the benefit of members and guests at these golfing institutions. A number of pre-loved copies of Robin's book, The Serendipity of Early Golf, appear to be available from the link below for those that may be interested. https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/f/serendipity-of-early-golf/9200000049113765/ The book of writings by John Sutherland, Golf Causerie, mentioned in the episode, can be purchased directly from the Royal Dornoch proshop - link here (https://royaldornochproshop.com/product/golf-causerie-the-forgotten-articles-by-john-sutherland-2/) Featured music by Victor Lundberg, under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Robin Bargmann.

'I think you always have to go to the context, to understand something' R. Bargmann. Robin Bargmann joins us for the second instalment on the back story to dutch golf. Today we touch on some Dutch history including the Spanish Armada, the fall of Antwerp and subsequent rise of Amsterdam, the Dutch masters and the Burghers, the demise of the game of colf, not to forget the foundation of the Dutch Republic, Waterloo, the Dutch East India Company and much more. Thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the journey! Links to a few of Robin's articles published in the British Golf Collectors Societies periodical Through the Green can be found below Golf in Holland (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_113_2015_june.pdf#page=35) Bobby Boreel (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_137_2021_june.pdf#page=36) More than a Textbook (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_136_2021_march.pdf#page=38) Special Guest: Robin Bargmann.

Robin Bargmann joins us on this episode to begin an exploration of early golf and the influence that the European lowlands had on the modern game of golf, founded in Scotland in the 15th century. Robin is widley recognised as one of the leading golf scholars in The Netherlands and has written a number of books including Serendipity of Early Golf which traces the many connections between Holland and Scotland. The breadth of his research as impressive as it is extensive, we trust that you enjoy what is the first of three instalments with Mr. Bargmann. The Serendipity book is now out of print, however, used copies can often be found on Abebooks (https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?kn=serendipity%20of%20early%20golf&sts=t&cm_sp=SearchF-_-topnav-_-Results) if you are interested in augmenting your golfing library. Links to a few of Robin's articles published in the British Golf Collectors Societies periodical Through the Green can be found below Golf in Holland (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_113_2015_june.pdf#page=35) Bobby Boreel (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_137_2021_june.pdf#page=36) More than a Textbook (https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg_136_2021_march.pdf#page=38) Special Guest: Robin Bargmann.

In this second installment of our docupod series we take a look at the creation of the grounds for golf in the Netherlands. Stepping into a geological time machine with the help of Robert Hack we take a look at the geography, geology and underlying history of the low countries and how natural forces and the hand of man have conspired to create a dunescape, sandy interior and polderland that is utilised in its' myriad forms for the 250 Dutch golf courses. We also get a sneak peek of episode 3 in this series with a short cameo appearance from the Robin Bargmann the golf historian and author of the Serendipity of Early Golf. Robin's book follows on, in a contrapuntal direction, from Steven van Hengels book from the 1980's entitled Early Golf. Please see a youtube link below for some more information on a few of the topics covered in this episode A dry southern north sea - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DECwfQQqRzo The Sandmotor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1H-58W7QDk An interesting read in advance of the next episode - https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/u/cms/ttg1062013_september.pdf#page=28 Featured music by Victor Lundberg, under license from Epedemic Sound Special Guests: Robert Hack and Robin Bargmann.

Inspired by a relatively recent golf trip to the Netherlands, this is episode #1 trying something slightly different. In this episode we take an introductory look at golf in Holland getting a feel for what you might expect in a golfing sense with assistance from some of our friends, namely Mike Clayton, Frank Pont, George Waters & Jasper Miners. We also take a sneak peak at what to expect to from the remainder of the docupod series.... please be mindful that most of it is as yet unrecorded (but I do know who I need to talk to).... I will get it published .... however, it may take some time (if putting this relatively short episode is anything to go by!). Thanks for tuning in, I hope you enjoy the different format! Featured music by Victor Lundberg, under license from Epedemic Sound. Special Guests: Frank Pont, George Waters, Jasper Miners, and Mike Clayton.

We are releasing a new format docupod series tomorrow which will take a deep dive into golf in the Netherlands. This snippet was too good to leave out so I have included here as sneak peak of my recent chat with Mike Clayton...sage advice as to why you should consider a golf trip to the Netherlands, Belgium & France. I hope you enjoy tomorrows release. Special Guest: Mike Clayton.

Jeff Mingay joins us from Nova Scotia for a varied discussion on the life and times of Arthur Vernon Macan (1882-1964). Macan was born in Ireland but is better known in his adopted homeland of Canada. An accomplished amateur golfer, AV was a qualified lawyer who became a prolific golf course architect throughout the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the USA. We explore Macan's back story, his influences and notable courses which include the original iteration of The California Club in San Francisco. Jeff also gives us a flavour of his restoration work on Macan courses, his design/build philosophy, some commentary on why the setup at LACC was right on the money and an assessment of the recent PGA Tour Commissioners repudiation of the Model Local Rule ball related proposal from the R&A/USGA. We hope you enjoy the show! Please find some links below of items mentioned in the show Concerning Golf (1903) by John J. Low (https://evalu18.com/book/concerning-golf/) Score Golf Article by Jeff Mingay on LACC (https://scoregolf.com/features/golf-course-architecture-is-not-about-hard-or-easy-its-about-intrigue/) Anatomy of a Golf Course by Tom Doak (https://evalu18.com/book/anatomy-golf-course-tom-doak/) The Links by Robert Hunter (https://evalu18.com/book/the-links-robert-hunter/) Just Call me Mac - by Mike Riste (https://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/michael-riste-july-2011/) History of Essex Golf & Country Club - by Jeff Mingay (https://golfclubatlas.com/in-my-opinion/opinionmingay/) Classics of Golf Library (https://classicsofgolf.com/) Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Jeff Mingay.

With the Open Championship quickly approaching Joe McDonnell, member of RLGC for over 30 years, joins us to explore the seemigly ever changing faces of Hoylake. Many thanks to Joe for his time and expertise.... this should whet your appetite in advance of the 151st staging of golfs' original and greatest major. Links mentioned in the episode Richard Latham's golf history books (https://www.richardlathamgolfbooks.com/) The Updated version of Scott MacPherson's Evolution of the Old Course (https://www.scottmacphersongolfdesign.com/media-releases-more/books/st-andrews-the-evolution-of-the-old-course/) Joe McDonnell's Time Machine Please click here (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15kNL3eWHmM4YdfN7UQglFzbAIojKR0eV?usp=sharing) to see some imagery from Joe's bucket list, time machine - Royal Birkdale, St. Andrews Old Course and Royal Liverpool Please check out a video of Brancaster (https://youtu.be/IRkSnSrwtwA?) at high tide and Elgar's_ Nimrod _as the sound track.... wonderful! Episode imagery credits - Joe McDonnell, Simon Haines, Royal Liverpool Golf Club & Kevin Murray Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Joe McDonnell.

Richard Pennell makes a long overdue return to the pod, I am honoured that he decided to favour F&F as the medium to announce the imminent publication of his new book - Grass Routes - a collection of some of his @pitchmarks pieces (https://pitchmarks.substack.com/). Grass Routes Website (pitchmarks.bigcartel.com) Richard has launched a new website (pitchmarks.bigcartel.com) to launch his book, the first edition has a limited run and will undoubtedly be a collectors item in the years to come. Through the medium of words, Richard, has an unrivalled ability to tanatlise the senses in transporting you to first tees, final greens and matchplay battles throughout the golf courses of England, Wales, Scotland and beyond. This is an opus worth investing in. Competition In celebration of Grass Routes publication, Richard has kindly agreed to provide a lucky winner with a signed copy of his new book. All you have to do is to follow either of the links below to Twitter or Instagram, follow the F&F accounts and then successfully name the course where the hole in question is located. F&F Twitter Link (https://twitter.com/firmandfastgolf/status/1674551074412281857) F&F Instagram Link (https://www.instagram.com/p/CuF4ucZtFhh/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) *Grant Books * (https://www.grantbooks.co.uk/) Grant Books (https://www.grantbooks.co.uk/) are publishing Grass Routes (pitchmarks.bigcartel.com) for Richard Pennell, Grant Books (https://www.grantbooks.co.uk/)has been publishing the finest golf books since 1971. Their portfolio includes architectural, historical and club-specific volumes, all produced to the highest standards. Click here (https://www.grantbooks.co.uk/) for more details of their extensive range. The Smell of Rain Towards the end of this episode I completely lost the run of myself :) and challenged RP to write a piece for the F&F listeners on the smell of rain. Alas as the pod dropped the creative juices are still flowing so you will have to wait a little longer to see what he comes up with, as soon as he sends it to me, a link will be posted here to the F&F substack blog! Richard Pennell Esq Richard's First Blog Post via Cookie Jar Golf - Rank Outsiders (https://cookiejargolf.com/rank-outsiders/) Richard Pennell's @pitchmarks Substack Blog (https://pitchmarks.substack.com/) Alistair Cooke Letter from America - Alistair Cooke on BBC Sounds (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b00f6hbp) Harry Rountree Watercolour Prints A link to the sumptuous Harry Rountree Prints from Darwin's Golf Courses of the British Isles can be found here (https://shop.evalu18.com/collections/harry-rountree) F&F Blog - Netherlands pieces #1 - Initial Observations on Dutch Golf (https://shanederby.substack.com/p/initial-thoughts-on-golf-in-the-netherlands) #2 - The Links Valley - a Reversible 9 (https://shanederby.substack.com/p/summer-break-diary-2023-1-the-links) Further pieces are currently being developed (slowly :)) on Utrecht de Pan, Royal Hague, Kennemer, Noordwijk and Hilversum will be released over the coming weeks. If you so desire, you can subscribe to the Firm & Fast Occasional Newsletter at the bottom of all posts. Other content well worth exploring McKellar Journal (https://www.mckellarmagazine.com/) The Golfers Journal (https://www.golfersjournal.com/) Contours Golf (https://contours.golf/) - Will Watt formerly of Caddie Mag The Quadrilateral (https://quadrilateral.substack.com/) - Geoff Shackleford The Albatross (https://thealbatross.substack.com/)- Bill Fields The Duffers Literary Companion (https://open.spotify.com/show/2G3yhN4E2fU4nAAtSfy86k) - Podcast with Stephen Proctor & Jim Hartsell Links for below to some favourite writers, a few of whom are also friends of the F&F pod John Low Concerning Golf (https://evalu18.com/book/concerning-golf/) Bernard Darwin The Golf Courses of the British Isles (https://evalu18.com/book/golf-courses-british-isles/) Playing the Like (https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/playing-the-like/author/bernard-darwin/) Alistair Cooke The Marvellous Mania (https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780713999969/Marvellous-Mania-Alistair-Cooke-Golf-0713999969/plp) Geoff Shackleford Golf Architecture for Normal People (https://www.geoffshackelford.com/) Mike Clayton Preferred Lies (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Preferred-Lies-Other-True-Stories/dp/1743794673) Golf from The Inside (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golf-inside-Mike-Clayton/dp/1920769072) Stephen Proctor Monarch of the Green (https://birlinn.co.uk/product/monarch-of-the-green-2/) The Long Golden Afternoon (https://birlinn.co.uk/product/the-long-golden-afternoon/) Jim Hartsell When Revelation Comes (https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Revelation-Comes-Journey-Scotland/dp/1956237097#:~:text=Scottish%20golf%20and%20golf%20writing,of%20Sweetens%20Cove%20(2021).) Roger McStravick All of Rogers' books can be purchased from Fine Golf Books (https://www.finegolfbooks.com/searchResults.php?action=browse&category_id=632) Many thanks for including us on your playlist - if you get a chance, please leave us a review on apple itunes, it would really be appreciated! Happy Golfing! Intro and outro music - _Shoreline Serenade by Dye O _- under license from Epidemic Sound Special Guest: Richard Pennell.

Firstly, please excuse the somewhat spotty audio - there were gremlins in the system which were beyond my control - must do better Mr. Zoom...grrrrr. Jasper Miners from Evalu18 is back by popular demand - to say that the Evalu18 story has picked up pace of late would be somewhat of an undersell. Jasper shares the recently announced news that Evalu18, in association with Renaissance Golf Design, have been appointed to prepare a masterplan to restore both courses at St Georges Hill Golf Club in Webridge, Surrey. We then take a magical mystery tour through Jaspers travels in Ireland, USA, Australia and New Zealand. We could have gone on for a few more hours - and actually did another 45 minutes or so when the record button was depressed. It's always great to catch up with him and this episode was no different, we hope you enjoy the blether! Please find a selection of links below that we mentioned in this episode: Geoff Shackleford's new book - Golf Architecture for Normal People (https://quadrilateral.substack.com/p/normal-people-my-new-book-is-out) McKellar Journal (https://www.mckellarmagazine.com/) Olde Glen Bar (https://oldeglen.ie/) - Glen Village, Co. Donegal Torbreck Winery (https://torbreck.com/), Barossa Valley, South Australia Special Guest: Jasper Miners.

Ally McIntosh joins us on this episode to take a dive into the golf course design career of Eddie Hackett. A name synonymous with golf course design in Ireland from the mid 1960's until his death in 1996. Over the course of his career, Hackett would hold many roles within the golf space - apprentice, golf club maker, teacher and head professional - he even owned a tobacconist in the 1950's before he was reincarnated as a course designer through the auspices of an invitation from Bill Menton, the President of the Golfing Union of Ireland, to consider offering course design services to member clubs. For the final 35 years of his life, Eddie Hackett extended and revised well over 100 golf courses, many of which were on virginal linksland on the West Coast of Ireland. Over the course of the episode we will take a look at his approach to design and commonalities between projects. We also linger on some of Hackett's better known course, exploring how they started and how they are going now. Please find a link a number of videos below, introducing you, should you need an intro, to some of the courses that we discuss Connemara Golf Links (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbduitydJmA) Enniscrone Golf Club (https://www.airswing.com.au/project/enniscrone-golf-club-ireland/) Waterville Golf Links (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMeXQCrOLiw) Donegal Golf Club (https://www.airswing.com.au/project/donegal-golf-club-ireland/) Carne Golf Links (https://www.airswing.com.au/project/carne-golf-links-ireland/) Many thanks for tuning in, we hope that you might consider adding some of Hackett's course to your bucket list - you definitely will not be disappointed! Special Guest: Ally McIntosh.

In November 2019 The Royal Dublin Golf Club appointed the design firm Clayton DeVries & Pont to undertake a bunker study in an effort to reconnect with their Harry Colt design heritage. Since the Colt revisions in 1920 Royal Dublin has been revised, lengthened, toughened and tinkered with by some of the great and good - including Eddie Hackett, Christy O'Connor Senior and Dr. Martin Hawtree. CDP initially developed a proposal for member consideration revisiting Colt's original design principles while focussing on positioning that contributes to the overall aesthetic. Once member approval had been granted, CDP, under the auspices of Frank Pont and his colleague Hendrik Hilgert, coordinated the renovation of a significant number of bunkers returning their style to one more in keeping with the clubs' design heritage. CDP also restored elements of Colt's asymmetric design which had been lost over time. The Royal Dublin bunker project commenced in November 2022 and is now fully complete..... the members are very happy and cannot wait for the full reopening of the new bunkers and surrounds which is currently planned for May 2023... Over the course of this episode we initially take a look at Frank's circuitous route to golf course design, we take an in depth look at the renovation process at Royal Dublin and further possible areas for consideration. We also get an update on the renovation works at The Addington, we find out more about Frank's Links Valley project in The Netherlands and get an elevator pitch for a golf trip to Amsterdam or Utrecht. Additional Resources For your further enjoyment please find a link below (to my googledrive) the folder includes some additional pieces of content (historical aerials, course imagery, before/afters and how the specific CDP propsals developed over time) that will allow you to follow the conversation in some greater detail ..... should you so wish. Episode #23 - Royal Dublin Additional Content Link (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1P8qpv8lA589gKRuenxzOPI2di1CUpOPZ?usp=sharing) Many thanks for tuning in! Special Guest: Frank Pont.

Rod Morri is a multi award winning Australian golf journo, serial podcast presenter and head honcho at Sydney Podcast Studios. Over the course of the episode we take a look behind the scenes of his fascination with Golf Course Architecture and how that origin story that can be traced to a holiday to Ireland and the UK in the late 1990's. We highlight some of the individuals that Rod podcasts with.... characters such as Mike Clayton and Adrian Logue.....why Geoff Shackleford hasn't provided him with an advance copy of his new book Golf Architecture for Normal People (available for preorder via that big online book reseller), the genesis of the State of the Game Podcast and ongoing colaborations with that fantastic award winning curmudgeon John Huggan..... we also get to the bottom of why Mr. Morri no longer plays golf. Happy St Patricks Day and thanks for tuning in! Podcast recorded 3/3/23 prior to R&A and USGA press conference on Model Local Rule (MLR) regarding ball testing etc Keep an eye out for the next State of the Game podcast over the next few days (https://stateofthegame.fireside.fm/) with Rod Morri, Mike Clayton and Geoff Shackleford for indepth analysis and discussion on the MLR announcement. Special Guest: Rod Morri.

Graeme Beatt joins us today from Royal Portrush to chat about his career journey so far throughout Scotland, Australia and Ireland. We also take a sneak peak behind the job of works that went into preparing Royal Portrush to host the 148th Open Championshps, we also look forward to the scheduled 2025 return to the Causeway Coast. Many thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy our chat! MacKenzie & Ebert resources mentioned during the episode: Major redevelopment (2014 onwards) (https://www.mackenzieandebert.com/RoyalPortrushBrochure.php) M&E 2022 annual report (https://www.mackenzieandebert.com/AnnualReview2022.php) Special Guest: Graeme Beatt.

Neil Crafter is a golf course designer, historian and author who is based in Adelaide South Australia. Neil is a second generation golf course architect, following in the footsteps of his father Brian. Neil has long been influenced and interested by Alister MacKenzie's career and has been centrally involved in the documentation of the MacKenzie Chronology for the Alister MacKenzie Society. Today we take a look at Dr Mac's life as a golf course architect, his influences and collaborators, a number of his projects and his lasting legacy. We thank Neil for his time and trust that you will enjoy our conversation. The Alister MacKenzie Chronology https://alistermackenzie.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20thRevisionMackenzieChronologyFinalOct2018.pdf (https://alistermackenzie.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20th_Revision_Mackenzie_Chronology_Final_Oct_2018.pdf) Links to the referenced Tommy Naccarato's tweets (pictures illustrating MacKenzie's use of the theory of camouflague in golf course design): https://twitter.com/tommynacc/status/1614808357520703489 https://twitter.com/tommynacc/status/1619940316102144001 Neil's book recommendations Golf Architecture by Alister MacKenzie (https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31354271652&cm_sp=SEARCHREC-_-WIDGET-L-_-BDP-R&searchurl=ds%3D20%26kn%3Dalister%2Bmackenzie%26sortby%3D17) The Architectural Side of Golf by H.N. Wethered & T. Simpson (https://classicsofgolf.com/product/the-architectural-side-of-golf-1929/) Special Guest: Neil Crafter.