Follow us on Instagram @linkedbygolfpodcast for clips, behind-the-scenes content and episode updates.

In this episode, Ross is joined by John Gallagher — Scottish Amateur Champion, 2005 British Amateur finalist, and one of the most distinctive golfers to come out of Scottish amateur golf in the last two decades.

John grew up at Swanston Golf Club on the edge of the Pentland Hills, where his dad worked as a greenkeeper. He picked up the game at 14, won his club junior championship within two years, and never looked back. What followed was a remarkable amateur career that took him to the Lothians county team, the Scotland national team, a famous run to the British Amateur final at Royal Birkdale, and ultimately the 2007 Scottish Amateur Championship at Prestwick.

We cover all of it — including the night before the British Amateur final when John couldn't sleep for dreaming about Augusta, the moment his caddie gave away four of his five golf balls to kids while he was playing a practice round with a teenage Rory McIlroy at Loch Lomond, and the outrageous up-and-down on the 18th at Prestwick that kept his Scottish Amateur hopes alive when his ball was barely a yard inbounds.

John also opens up about his time on the professional circuit — the stark contrast between the pampered Scotland team environment and the grind of the Euro Pro Tour, the injuries that disrupted his best years, and why he still loves competing on the Scottish Pro Tour today.

Plus, we get into his unique cack-handed grip, the negative press it attracted when he reached the British Amateur final, and why attitudes have finally started to shift.

In this episode:

• Growing up at Swanston Golf Club and falling in love with the game
• Progressing through the Lothians county team alongside some exceptional amateur talent
• Winning the 2005 Craigmiller Park Open and gaining momentum heading into Birkdale
• The chaos of British Amateur week — a wrong scorecard, questionable accommodation, and a borrowed coffin-sized bed
• Beating Lloyd Saltman in the semi-finals and facing Brian McElhinney in the final
• The night before the final: no sleep, Masters daydreams, and dreaming of the Old Course
• Winning the 2007 Scottish Amateur at Prestwick with a broken bone in his hand
• Playing alongside Rory McIlroy at Loch Lomond — and his caddie's Belmont Fontaine autograph scandal
• The reality of life on the Euro Pro and Alps Tour
• His cack-handed grip: where it came from, the criticism it attracted, and why he never changed it
• Quickfire: Loch Lomond as Scotland's finest, Royal Birkdale as the one he'd love another crack at, and the toughest conditions he's ever played in

Connect with John on Instagram: @johngallaghergolf

Follow us on Instagram for clips, behind-the-scenes and more: @linkedbygolfpodcast

About This Episode

Ross sits down with Andrew Murray — European Open champion, BBC Radio 5 Live golf commentator of 35 years, and one of the most colourful characters to come through the European Tour's formative era. From humble beginnings as a 16-year-old apprentice pro with one Woodwork O-Level to lifting the Panasonic European Open trophy at Walton Heath, Andrew's story is as honest and entertaining as it gets.

What We Cover

Winning the 1989 Panasonic European OpenAndrew takes us back to that famous week at Walton Heath — the six iron into the last, the 12-foot winning putt he nearly turned into a nerve-shredder, and what it felt like to beat a leaderboard featuring Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance and Frank Nobilo. He still has the picture on the wall of his study.

The hip condition that almost ended it allDays before his European Open victory, Andrew's consultant had told him his hip was deteriorating rapidly and he needed to consider a different career. He shares just how fragile that triumph really was — and how he managed to play on for another four or five years he was never supposed to have.

Life on the road in the early daysMonday qualifying. Caravans. Fishing trips gone wrong. Andrew paints a vivid picture of what it was like to be a struggling tour pro in the late 70s and early 80s — winning £2,000 in an entire season and not knowing how he kept the fuel in the car.

The African Safari TourA pivotal chapter for many British pros of that generation. Andrew describes the six-week circuit through Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe — and tells the brilliant story of how Ian Woosnam won a Range Rover on that tour, which effectively bankrolled his European breakthrough.

Witnessing the greats up closeAndrew shares his take on the most impressive players he competed alongside — Seve, Faldo, Langer, Woosnam and Lyle. He's particularly effusive about Sandy Lyle and Woosie's natural talent, and draws a fascinating comparison between Woosnam and current star Ludvig Åberg.

Breaking into broadcastingRenton Laidlaw made a phone call in 1991 that changed Andrew's life off the course. He recalls being thrown in at the deep end at Royal Birkdale with one piece of advice: "Don't forget every listener is blind." That was 35 years ago — and he's barely stopped talking since.

Seniors Tour, Tour School at 58… with his son on the bagAndrew went back to Tour School aged 58, took the full-size tour bag (when everyone else had pencil bags) and won it — with his son Tom caddying. He believes he was the oldest winner at that stage, and the pride in telling that story is unmistakable.

Corporate golf and life todayAndrew runs a thriving corporate golf events business from Cheshire, with events at Turnberry, St Andrews, South Africa, Abu Dhabi and beyond. At approaching 70, he's still playing off +0.2 and still getting nervous on the first tee.

Connect with Andrew Murray

🌐 andrewmurraygolf.com📸 Instagram: @andrewmurraygolf

Linked By Golf is a weekly podcast celebrating the game and the people who love it. New episodes every week.

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @linkedbygolfpodcast

What's really going on inside a golfer's mind under pressure? And how much of what we tell ourselves on the course is actually making things worse?

In this episode of the Linked By Golf golf podcast, I sit down with John Mathers — sports psychologist and expert in the mental game of golf — to explore why so many golfers struggle mentally on the course, and what you can do to play better golf by fixing how you think.

John has spent 30 years working with elite performers across golf, tennis, snooker and motorsport. In this golf psychology conversation, he breaks down why it happens — and what you can actually do about it at any handicap level.

Whether you're a scratch golfer or a 20 handicapper, if you've ever wondered why your best golf disappears when it matters most — this golf podcast episode is essential listening.

• Why golf psychology is no longer just for players with problems
• What elite golfers are really thinking under pressure — it's not what you'd expect
• The difference between judging yourself on outcome vs process
• What acceptance actually means on the golf course
• How to build a pre-shot routine that holds up under pressure
• Why negative self-talk starts before you even take the club back
• How to improve your mental game of golf at any handicap
• How long it actually takes to change your mental habits on the course
• Why making a bogey isn't the problem — what you do next is
• John's own golf journey, his +1 handicap, and what still challenges him
• No golfer — amateur or elite — is immune to pressure. The difference is how you respond to it.
• Judging yourself on effort and process, not outcome, is the foundation of a strong mental game in golf.
• A pre-shot routine isn't just a habit — it's your defence against anxiety and doubt on the course.
• The mental challenges of a scratch golfer and a 20 handicapper are more similar than you think.
• Lasting improvement in golf psychology takes 12 to 18 months — but green shoots appear within weeks.

"Enjoy the highs — but learn from the lows. So that your next high will happen sooner, and perhaps last longer than the last one." — John Mathers

🎧 Follow Linked By Golf for more golf podcast episodes connecting the game through people, stories, and insight.

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024What actually makes a golf club feel right? And how much of what golfers believe about equipment is… wrong?

In this episode of Linked By Golf, I sit down with Joe Miller, European Product Manager at Srixon, inside their European custom build facility to go deep into the history, science, and craftsmanship behind modern golf clubs.

From the earliest wooden clubs in Scotland to today’s precision-built equipment, Joe breaks down what’s really changed—and what surprisingly hasn’t.

We also get a rare behind-the-scenes look at how custom clubs are built, why “standard spec” doesn’t exist, and what everyday golfers can learn from how tour players actually think about their equipment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your clubs are holding you back—or what actually matters when getting fitted—this is essential listening.

• The true origins of golf clubs (and why Scotland still matters)
• The biggest innovations in golf equipment history (steel, graphite, titanium)
• Why feel hasn’t changed as much as you think
• The real meaning of quality inside a Japanese brand like Srixon
• Why cutting the shaft is the most critical step in club building
• The biggest myth in golf: “standard spec”
• Why tour players treat clubs like tools—not trophies
• What actually changes when you get properly fitted
• How much influence tour players really have on your bag
• Why most golf clubs are still built by hand, not robots

• There is no such thing as a “standard” golf club—specs vary massively between brands.
• The smallest build errors (like shaft length) can completely change performance.
• Tour players prioritise function over looks, unlike most amateurs.
• Getting fitted correctly impacts confidence before you even swing.
• Despite modern tech, golf equipment is still heavily influenced by tradition and perception.

“There is no standard. It’s like asking for a standard pair of trousers.”

🎧 Follow Linked By Golf for more conversations connecting the game through people, stories, and insight.

Follow on Instagram:

@Linkedbygolf2024

What does it feel like to lead The Masters Tournament… as an amateur?

In this episode, two-time Amateur Champion Gary Wolstenholme shares his unforgettable experience at Augusta National Golf Club — including the moment he found himself playing alongside Arnold Palmer… and leading the tournament.

This is a story about pressure, instinct, and performing on golf’s biggest stage.

First tee. Augusta National.

10,000 people watching.
Arnold Palmer by your side.

You’ve just put a brand-new driver in the bag…

A few holes later —

you’re leading The Masters.

• First drive down Magnolia Lane — “nothing out of place”
• Practice round invite from Jack Nicklaus
• Last-minute club change before teeing off
• Advice from Peter Alliss on handling nerves
• Tee shot in front of a packed Augusta crowd
• Playing alongside Arnold Palmer
• The moment he checks the leaderboard… and realises he’s leading
• The roar of Augusta — unlike anything else in sport

Augusta doesn’t just test your golf.
It tests your ability to stay present when everything feels bigger than the moment.

Gary Wolstenholme Masters
Leading The Masters amateur
Augusta National experience
Arnold Palmer Masters stories

Instagram for the show: @linkedbygolf2024

This week on Linked by Golf, Ross is joined by PGA Professional Kenny Monaghan — Head Pro at Stirling Golf Club and co-owner (with wife Amy) of Strathclyde Park Family Golf Centre. Kenny returns to the pod to share exciting developments at both facilities, from major tournament hosting to rapid growth at one of Scotland’s busiest driving ranges. ⛳

• Stirling set to host the Scottish PGA Order of Merit FES Pro-Am — expected to be the biggest Pro-Am in Scotland in 2026
• Unique format: pro-only event followed by a combined pro & shotgun pro-am day
• Event supports fundraising for a major clubhouse redevelopment project
• Stirling’s profile continues to rise on the Scottish golf scene

• Official final qualifying venue for the Seniors Open Championship at Gleneagles
• Opportunity for major champions and elite senior professionals to compete at the club
• A significant boost for Stirling’s reputation and visibility
• Highlights the strength of the course and its iconic backdrop

• Kenny reflects on working abroad and returning to Scotland
• Discussion on how locals can take world-class scenery and golf for granted
• Many outstanding courses available at accessible prices beyond the famous venues

Kenny and Amy purchased the facility in October 2024 — and the transformation has been rapid:

• 24-bay driving range with Toptracer technology
• Brand new retail shop
• Birdies Café (35 seats) attracting golfers and non-golfers alike ☕
• Junior academies, ladies’ groups, and family participation
• On-site sports therapy clinic
• Conference room used by businesses and major golf brands
• Children’s play area to encourage family visits

• Over 6.2 million golf balls hit in 2025 — far exceeding expectations
• Already tracking ahead year-to-date
• Peak demand so high that a buzzer system is used for waiting bays
• Technology data helps guide expansion decisions

• Seven additional range bays coming soon
• Two custom fitting & coaching studios
• Upgraded automated ball collection and cleaning systems
• Plans accelerated after winning Toptracer “Newcomer of the Year” 🏅

• Ranges now attract a completely different demographic
• Families, beginners, social players, and even first dates
• Less intimidating entry point than traditional golf clubs
• Pathway from range participation into course membership

• Kenny continues to coach a wide range of players — from beginners to tour professionals
• Stories from working with elite players preparing for senior tour events
• Balancing coaching, business ownership, and limited personal playing time
• The evolving role of the PGA Professional

• Collaboration between ranges, municipal courses, and private clubs is key
• Modern expectations: relaxed environments, accessibility, and inclusivity
• Facilities must adapt to attract new generations of golfers

From hosting major tournaments to reinventing a community golf facility, Kenny’s story highlights how the modern golf industry is evolving — blending tradition with innovation to grow the game for everyone.

A brilliant insight into what it really takes to build thriving golf environments in 2026.

Follow on Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024

In this exclusive on-location episode of Linked by Golf, we step behind the scenes at Dunlop Golf Europe’s headquarters in Ash Vale — one of the most advanced custom golf club build facilities in the UK.

Ross tours the workshop with Product Manager Joe Miller to discover exactly how a set of clubs goes from retailer order to precision-built performance equipment — trusted by tour professionals and everyday golfers alike.

From shafts and heads to swing weight, loft, lie, and quality control, this conversation reveals the science, craftsmanship, and surprising details that determine how your clubs actually perform on the course.

• How custom golf clubs are built step-by-step

• Why custom fitting isn’t just for elite players

• The biggest equipment mistakes amateur golfers make

• Why wedges are often the most mismatched clubs in the bag

• How grip changes can completely alter club performance

• The role of loft, centre of gravity, and shaft selection

• Typical lead times for custom-built clubs

• How manufacturers ensure tour-level quality control

  
  

Joe walks us through the entire journey of a custom order:

✔ Order submission from retailer
✔ Specification review and build planning
✔ Component picking — heads, shafts, grips
✔ Precision cutting and assembly
✔ Swing-weighting and measurement
✔ Final quality control checks

Every club is built to tight tolerances, with multiple verification stages to ensure the finished product matches the player’s exact requirements.

“Small changes — length, lie, grip weight — can completely change how a club feels and performs.”

Contrary to popular belief, custom fitting isn’t only for tour pros.

Joe explains how body type, swing speed, injuries, age, and playing style all influence the ideal club setup — and why buying off-the-rack equipment can leave performance on the table.

A standout insight: many golfers carefully fit drivers but neglect the scoring clubs they use most.

This episode also explores how golfers actually choose equipment — and why looks often matter more than performance.

• The surprising importance of aesthetics

• Why golfers buy wedges that don’t match their irons

• The psychology behind club selection

• How modern iron lofts have changed the game

If you’re ordering custom clubs, Dunlop Golf Europe aims to deliver within about five days when stock is available — though supply chains and component availability can affect timelines.

Considering most golfers keep clubs for years, a short wait can deliver long-term performance gains.

Joe also discusses:

• Forged vs hollow irons

• High-launch designs and modern loft trends

• Combo iron sets used by tour players

• Graphite shafts for injury relief and vibration reduction

• Counterweighting and swing dynamics

  
  

Joe Miller is Product Manager at Srixon Europe, responsible for technical specifications, product knowledge, and supporting marketing and retail teams across the region. He has worked with the brand for nearly two decades and brings deep insight into both equipment design and real-world performance.

This episode was recorded inside Dunlop Golf Europe’s custom fitting and build headquarters in Ash Vale, offering rare access to the environment where performance equipment is assembled for golfers across Europe.

🏌️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

🏭 Inside the Custom Build Process

🎯 Why Custom Fitting Matters (For Every Golfer)

⚙️ Equipment Myths & Eye-Opening Insights

⏱️ Lead Times & What to Expect

🧠 Technology, Materials & Performance

👤 About the Guest

📍 Recorded On Location,

Srixon players include

Shane Lowry, Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, Sepp Straka, Ryan Fox, Keegan Bradley, Ben Griffin & JJ Spaun

📲 Follow the pod: @linkedbygolf2024

In this episode of Linked by Golf, Ross is joined by Alex Cooper, founder of the Elite Amateur Golf Group (EAGG), to talk about building one of the UK’s fastest-growing competitive leagues for elite amateur golfers.

Alex shares his journey from growing up playing golf near Edinburgh to launching the league in 2017, after recognising a lack of competitive opportunities for scratch and elite amateur players. What started with 15 clubs has now grown to 80 clubs competing in a structured league format across southern England.

They discuss the five-man team format, how the competition creates opportunities for young elite golfers, and the importance of meaningful team golf outside of traditional county competitions.

The episode also dives into the EAGG finals in La Cala, Spain, the growing community around the league, and the now-famous pink jackets awarded to the champions.

• Alex’s early golf journey in Scotland

• Why the Elite Amateur Golf League was created

• Growing the league to 80 clubs

• Opportunities for scratch golfers and elite amateurs

• Bringing juniors into elite team golf

• The EAGG finals week in Spain

• Future plans to expand the league across the UK

🌐 Learn more: eagg.co.uk
📲 Instagram: @eliteamateurgolf