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This Golfing Life

This Golfing Life

By: Dan Davies
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 This Golfing Life is a series of conversations about life, golf and the relationship between the two. Join host Dan Davies as he gets to the heart of the game with an eclectic range of guests - some famous, some less so; but all of them hopelessly besotted with the most engaging, infuriating and enjoyable game ever created.Sounder
Episodes
  • Mike Clayton

    Mike Clayton
    Mar 27 2026
    This episode features a deep dive with Mike Clayton, tour pro, golf course architect, writer, thinker, proud son of Melbourne, and to many, a latter day patron saint of the game. In a wide-ranging conversation, Mike tells Dan about his latest project, the spectacular modern links at 7 Mile Beach in Tasmania. We learn more about Mike's start in the game, the rich golf scene in the Melbourne sand belt, course architecture, the mental challenges of golf, the historical figure he’s most like to have a conversation with, and his views on modern equipment and the sport's governing bodies. Opinionated, deeply knowledgable and unafraid to tell it it like it is, Mike Clayton has led a golfing life worth living. Key Topics Golf in the Melbourne sand belt Golf course architecture and design Mental and psychological aspects of golf Technology vs Tradition Influence of legendary figures like Alistair MacKenzie and Peter Thomson How we get more beginners into the game Guest: Mike Clayton Host: Dan Davies Chapters 00:00 Introducing Mike Clayton, this week's guest 01:19 Update on 7 Mile Beach in Tasmania 03:40 Inside the mind of a golf course architect 04:56 Why England has the greatest variety of courses 05:51 Mike's start in golf 06:54 The sweet elixir of the sweet spot 08:21 Melbourne: Golf Mecca 10:01 Embracing Golf's Inherent Unfairness 12:58 Mind Games and the Power of "Don't" 15:30 Locating and getting into 'The Zone' 20:48 Mike's Favourite Courses on Tour 25:16 Influence of Alistair MacKenzie 28:41 Imagining Conversations with Golf Legends 30:10 The Legacy of Peter Thomson 35:39 Influential Figures in Golf History 36:55 Mike Clayton's Perspective on Golf 38:49 Fantasy Golf Tour: A Dream Itinerary 41:10 The Essence of Great Clubhouses 45:04 How to make golf accessible and change perceptions 49:07 The Elements of a Great Golf Club 53:36 Happiest Times in Golf 56:28 End Quick links Sounder Golf Mike Clayton's writing and projects Mike Clayton on X/Twitter Mike Clayton in Instagram 7 Mile Beach Clayton. Devries & Pont RNGC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Simon Farnaby

    Simon Farnaby
    Mar 20 2026
    Join us in this lively opening episode as host Dan Davies talks to comedian, actor, author and screenwriter Simon Farnaby (Paddington, Wonka, Horrible Histories, Ghosts, The Detectorists) about his remarkable journey through golf. From childhood beginnings to memorable experiences on some of the world's most famous courses, Simon shares hilarious stories of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, dreaming of greatness, and the infamous Maurice Flitcroft, aka The Phantom of the Open. He also talks about meeting and playing a few holes with Tiger Woods, as well as the game’s emotional highs and lows, and the special bond that golf fosters between fathers and sons. In this episode: Simon's memorable trip to Turnberry and the “gateway drug” moment of falling in love with golf Bad temper on the golf course and trying too hard to impress your Dad The significance of club competitions, handicaps, and the joy of personal progress The importance of his Dad in his golfing journey The legendary Maurice Flitcroft, aka The Phantom of the Open: his story, attempts to play in The Open, the book and film A memorable encounter with Tiger Woods — from a rare photo opportunity to the chance to play a few holes The importance of playing for enjoyment, the impact of family, and the lifelong bonds golf fosters Insights into Simon’s recent golf activities alongside a hectic career in film and television Links Sounder Golf Phantom of the Open - Book Phantom of the Open - Movie Maurice Flitcroft's autobiography (unpublished manuscript) Scott Murray - The Guardian Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy RNGC - Britain’s toughest backyard golf course Connect with Simon Farnaby: Twitter Instagram Time stamps 00:00 Introduction to Simon Farnaby, this week's guest 01:58 The visor debate in golf 03:35 Wonka 2 and Timothy Chalamet 04:15 Turnberry and his start in golf 08:00 Junior golf and national prizes 10:32 Disaster in the Leech Cup at Darlington GC 13:36 Bad temper on the golf course 21:59 Realising you're obsessed with golf 24:39 Simon's relationship with his Dad 31:28 Cherished memories and golf trips 33:58 Taking his Dad to the Masters at Augusta National 36:55 The role of golf in his relationship with his Dad 39:30 Maurice Flitcroft: The Phantom of the Open 48:45 Mark Rylance learning golf 50:03 Hugh Grant and the best golfing actors 51:14 Simon's happiest times on the golf course 54:21 Meeting Tiger Woods and playing a few holes A candid, humorous, and heartfelt chat about golf, family, and chasing dreams against the backdrop of this ridiculous, confounding game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Trailer

    Trailer
    Mar 16 2026
    Welcome to This Golfing Life, a new podcast from Sounder. Each week host Dan Davies invites a guest to share the intimate details of their love affair with this ridiculous but unbeatable game. Join him for conversations with actors, writers, artists, musicians, tour pros, course designers, historians, elite amateurs and more... some of the are household names, some are barely known beyond their own household. But all of them are united by a hopeless and helpless infatuation with golf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 min
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