The Links Diary Podcast

Machrihanish is an almost mythical place in the lore and annals of golf. It has long been spoken of in hushed, reverential tones among certain types of golfers: the adventurous golfers, the golfers not scared to veer from the established, often easier, path - the golfers who value experiences over the trappings of prestige. The mere mention of the name, which can be translated loosely from Gaelic...

Tucked away in Gullane's main street, a small, white vintage sign rocks gently in the breeze above a distinctive wooden door. 'Hickory Rentals'. To its left, a slightly rusty antique sign is fixed onto the sandstone… 'Jack White Putting School'. The large window seems to unearth an Aladdin's Cave of antiquity that is spilling out from the inside of the shop. All types of mashies, niblicks, putters...

Jim Hartsell's latest book— A Round of Scottish Courses —reads less like a conventional guidebook and more like a personal pilgrimage through the soul of Scottish golf. The journey unfolds one course at a time, as Jim sets out to uncover the places where golf still feels raw, local, and deeply rooted in everyday life—small coastal towns where the clubhouse doubles as a community hub, where the win...

Ernest Butten came late to golf. An innovator by nature and an entrepreneur by trade, he did not even take up the game until he was 60 years old. ​Butten watched British golf with growing frustration. The Open Championship, the very tournament born on British soil, seemed increasingly dominated by American players. To him, this was not a matter of talent but of preparation. Given the right coachin...

Iona Golf Course is one of the most unique courses in the world. Set on a small island off Scotland's west coast, reaching it is part of the adventure: two ferries, a drive across Mull—one of the country's most beautiful landscapes—and a final mile on foot, as there are no cars here beyond those of the locals. The course itself is a natural wonder, raw and wild. Just twelve members belong to the H...

We are joined in this episode by David Brodie of Panmure Golf Club. In 1953 Ben Hogan spent two weeks at Panmure prior to his only Open appearance - at Carnoustie - which he went on to win. David shares tales and stories of those two weeks spent on the links. A wonderful and insightful listen. We hope you enjoy. If you have enjoyed this episode why not become a member and support independent golf...

Jim Hartsell - our friend, author and contributor to The Links Diary - joins us for our first episode. Although he resides in Alabama his heart belongs to the west coast of Scotland. Jim has been writing for us from the very beginning and has profoundly changed the way we view this great game through his thoughtful words. He's written two books, most recently - When Revelation Comes - a loving tri...