Link to our newly announced survey, the 'Tip Jar' can be found here. We would be really appreciative if you can find ten minutes to fill this out, and will be extremely helpful for us in our quest to create better content for you in the future. *** Sutton Coldfield was founded in 1889, with golf played on the royal park of Sutton for years before. …

Podding from Pizza Express in Beaconsfield Service Station, Sam sits down with Peter Handcock (aka @half_par_kid) to recap on the action at Sunnnigdale for the 91st instalment of the Sunningdale Foursomes. Huge congratulations to the victors in David Corben & Harry Crockett who prevailed after seven gruelling rounds of matchplay golf, narrowly beat…

Looking back at one of our favourite episodes, Golf History Fails with Simon Haines (181), and the hilarious discussion on how clubs often celebrate their architects or golfing greats with portraits of entirely different people—proof that once a mistake makes it online, it can quickly become ‘fact.’ For a brilliant feed of historic course imagery, …

Sam and Tom catch up in the office to talk about the history of The Players Championship. First played in 1974 during Dean Beman’s first year as the PGA Tour’s second commissioner at Atlanta Country Club, it’s a fascinating story of how his vision for a flagship event for the tour became a reality, including the unveiling of the Stadium Course and …

Part 2 of Bruce's chat with swing guru - Scott Cowx - taking a closer look at his philosophy on the swing and how it applies to the club player. For more on Scott, head to his website here or his social media. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagra…

Bruce catches up with renowned swing coach - Scott Cowx - to dig into his philosophy on the swing, coaching, the evolution of the swing and how he works with players around the world. Not only that, but he has also been helping troubled souls like Bruce for several years now... For more on Scott, head to his website here or his social media. If you…

Sam is joined by Mike Nuzzo - Course Architect, beer savant and aerospace engineer in a previous life - to talk about all things Cabot Citrus Farms. Mike was responsible for the Squeeze & the Wedge at the new cabot development, a 10 hole half par course ands the short illuminated par 3 course. Some of the most fun you can pack into 100 acres! We al…

From the mini-tours to the PGA Tour and FedEx Cup Playoffs, Gary Christian's journey is one of perseverance, grit, and determination. Growing up near Croydon, England, Gary pursued his dream through the American college system before embarking on the grueling mini-tour circuit across North America. After years of coming agonisingly close to securin…

Sam and Tom sit down with Padraig Harrington. Three time major champion, winner of the Claret Jug in 2007 & 2008, the first successful defence of The Open Championship by a European since James Braid over 100 years ago, as well as the USPGA in 2008. Padraig was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2024, and his career arc, and ability to co…

Founded in 1787, Glasgow is among the oldest clubs in the world, and - uniquely - is the custodian of two courses 35 miles apart; Killermont in the city centre is its most recent site where the members play much of their golf, as well as the club's own links course on the west coast of Scotland, Glasgow Gailes. Sam is joined by one of the most reve…

Sam, Tom and Ryan continue to outstay their welcome on the terrace at Winter Park as they wrap up their adventures from America. In part II, we cover some of Florida's private scene after the arctic blast left snow in South Carolina, so we headed to warmer climbs in West Palm Beach to visit Bear Lakes and Pine Tree, as well as our time at TPC Sawgr…

Sam, Tom & Ryan (who our regular listeners will recall from our epic 2-pt Addington Course Diaries podcast last year) run the cook down before their flight home by recanting their travels through Florida. What started as a simple trip to the PGA show in Orlando snowballed into 10 days of golf… In this episode we cover: Streamsong: Black & Blue Mapl…

In part 2, we talk about the Robert Rock Junior Academy, as well his work in coaching some of the game's elite players and how Robert would build his career if he had his time again. A huge thanks to Robert for his time in recording this one with, as well as Little Aston for allowing us to record it at the club. To keep up to speed with Rocky, his …

To commemorate Inauguration Day, here is a short excerpt from episode 252 on Golfing Politicians. The episode focused on golfers in UK politics over the years, but this extract highlights US presidents known for enjoying trips to the course during their term. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You…

In this episode, Sam & Tom sit down at Little Aston Golf Club on the outskirts of Birmingham with Robert Rock. A guest who needs no introduction, Robert is a a player who has not only enjoyed a career with exceptional longevity, turning professional in 2004 right through to retirement in 2022 and yet still qualifying in 2024 for the US Open at Pine…

A matchplay marathon marks the start of the golfing year for the Oxford & Cambridge Golfing Society. One of the most historic amateur knockout tournaments around, The President's Putter has been played for since 1920 at Rye Golf Club, in East Sussex. For more on Rye, please head to our film here. Previous winners of this event include Ernest Holder…

Sam, Tom & Bruce get together to round out 2024 and look ahead to the new year. As well as talking about some of our favourite parts of the year we look ahead to plans for 2025, events, trips and much more. We also bring you an exciting piece of news from Bruce... If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify…

In this third and final instalment of podcasts about the life of James Braid, we finish up at Walton Heath talking about his life as the club's professional, a position he held for nearly 50 years. Braid took up the role in 1904 when the club was only just starting off, and continued in post until his death in 1950. We couldn't think of anyone bett…

In Pt II of our series exploring the life of James Braid, we look at his contributions as a Golf Course Architect. With over 500 courses shaped in some way by Braid, his legacy on the British Golfing landscape is undeniable, and while the likes of Simpson, McKenzie or Colt are often lauded above Braid, his approach to building thought provoking des…

Pt I of our exciting new series, exploring the life of James Braid. James Braid was part of the great triumvirate which also included Harry Vardon & JH Taylor. In his career he would go on to win 5 Open Championships. Growing up in Earlsferry, before emigrating south of the border, Simon Barrington brings to life his playing career in vivid detail.…

This week, Bruce and his better half—‘Cookie Jar Lady Captain’—Grace, found some time to catch up with Lottie Woad to talk about her truly stellar year in the game, with her win at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), ascension to the top of the Women’s Amateur Golf Rankings, and, of course, being part of the GB&I side's victory in The Curt…

Sam & Tom chat through the courses they have visited this year, and look at their composite Eclectic 18 scorecards in a straight up matchplay format. Who has made the best selection, you'll have to listen to the end to find out! If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow us along below @coo…

Sam & Tom sit down in the members' bar at Royal Lytham & St Anne's Golf Club to meet with Dr Steven Reid, lifelong member at Lytham and author of Bobby's Open, charting the tale of how Bobby Jones came to win his first Claret Jug. He would go on to defend it successfully in 1927, as well as winning at Royal Liverpool in 1930 on his way to completin…

After a chance encounter at The Curtis Cup, Tom sits down with Nigel to discuss his career as one of the most decorated amateurs in British golf. Nigel isn't just one of the most successful Duncan Putter winners in the history of Southerndown, he’s also: Represented GB&I in 4 Walker Cups (01, 03, 05 & 07) Holed the winning putt at Ganton in 2003 Ca…

Sam & Cal catch up on a Friday morning for some little insights into the recently concluded DP World Tour Q School, which - among other things - includes the first ever Armenian DP World Tour player.... (or so Cal believes)! If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow us along below @cookiej…

Sam & Tom get together with Chris Haspell & Gordon Sutherland on the eve of the hearing that is taking place this week. The ongoing planning and permissions for this exciting Bill Coore design has been the subject of a lot of coverage over the last 7 years, and the passionate locals who have taken on the mantle - ‘Communities for Coul’ - have led i…

Live from the committee room at West Byfleet where 'the Dame' learnt to play much of her golf in her teenage years, we sit down to talk about Laura's career in the game. A few highlights from a career that spans over 40 years of playing golf at the highest level: 87 professional wins worldwide (including 20 on the LPGA & 4 majors) 7x order of merit…

In this special two-part podcast, Simon unpacks his Eclectic 18 from holes that no longer exist. Please see our show notes on our blog here to view some of these holes, beautifully compiled by Simon. While the link to Halloween might be tenuous, we hope that doesn't deter you from enjoying what is an exceptional podcast. In the first part, we go th…

In this special two-part podcast, Simon unpacks his Eclectic 18 from holes that no longer exist. Please see our show notes on our blog here to view some of these holes, beautifully compiled by Simon. While the link to Halloween might be tenuous, we hope that doesn't deter you from enjoying what is an exceptional podcast. In the first part, we go th…

In Part 2 of this cracking podcast with Bil Elliott - lifetime sports journalist and editor at Large for Golf Monthly, we talk about the emergence of the European Ryder Cup team, Seve, Tiger and some of the s that surround the industry of golf writing. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can fo…

Sam sits down for this epic two-part podcast with stalwart golf journalist and Editor at large for Golf Monthly about his career. In part 1, Bill talks about how he came to become involved in journalism, as well as becoming a sports correspondent and ultimately golf. We talk about life on the road, and how he came to become friends with a number of…

A few announcements on the website and merch front, as well as a recap of our afternoon at Sunningdale Heath. We also get into Knighton Golf Club. Based over on the Welsh border in Powys and dating back to 1906, the club has only 70 members and runs a straightforward honesty box for its visitors. Square greens and a motto, "Far & Sure," might be wh…

Founded in 1901, St Anne's Old Links - or 'Old Links' as it was known in the early days and still is by the locals, is a George Lowe / Sandy Herd links gem on the Fylde Coast, a stones throw from Royal Lytham & St Anne's. The course used to be occupied by the club that would become 'Royal Lytham' and has a fascinating history of its own! If you've …

Sam and Tom are live from The Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews, catching up on a busy few weeks on the road, including some of the country’s lesser-known amateur foursomes events, the Presidents Cup, and the upcoming Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Don’t miss the special segment at the end, where Tom shares what’s required to achieve 10 seconds of h…

Long time friend of the pod and multiple previous guest Darragh Garrahy chats with Missy Crisps about her phenomenal golfing record and his career in the USGA. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Website…

A short excerpt from Course Diaries episode 119 with Dr. Brian Fleming, archivist at Royal County Down, discussing the evolution of the links as we head into Irish Open week. It promises to be a great spectacle as we watch some of the world’s best do battle beneath the Mountains of Mourne. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on…

Sam and Tom debrief on a big few days spent up on the land of Yorkshire. Three days of golf at Lindrick, Ganton & Moortown, as well as a bit of a download from the much talked about 'Denham Bowl'... Special mention this week to Royal County Down who will be playing host to the Irish Open and what is a very rare chance to see the spectacular links o…

An exceptional few days at The Curtis Cup, capped off with a nail-biting final day of singles action. Sam, Tom & Bruce found some shade to recap a truly memorable event! Huge congratulations to Catriona and the team on their victory at Sunningdale in the 43rd edition of this prestigious event. Tune in for course insights, player reviews, and a spec…

Sam sits down with Joe while the roof is quite literally caving in on the paradise peninsula of The Wirral to talk about an exciting new project with Sam Cooper& Will Eagar. Exclusively available at Urban Golf in London - the home of indoor golf since 2004 - it will offer unimaginable risk& reward, played on courses that are set in some breathtakin…

Bruce sits down with two friends of the pod, Grace and James, to recap a brilliant week in St Andrews for the AIG Women’s Open. They discuss the atmosphere at the Home of Golf, key storylines from the week, their encounters with several players, and how the drama of the final round unfolded… If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review …

Tom and Bruce sit down and discuss the upcoming AIG Women’s Open to be played at St Andrews, looking at the course setup, conditions and general atmosphere about town. Tom also recounts his recent time on the road and a new favourite book of his about Ben Hogan and Golf’s Most Enduring Controversy - the 1942 Hale America Open. If you've enjoyed thi…

Sam sits down during the English Amateur Championship at Seaton Carew for this Course Diaries episode. Alex and the rest of the team at the club are on a journey of taking this historic 22-hole links through phases of constant improvement and in 2024 the club is celebrating its 150th anniversary! If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a re…

In Part II of this Course Diaries two-part behemoth, we talk to Ryan about the restoration work underway at The Addington under the stewardship of Clayton DeVries & Pont. Ryan's passion and enthusiasm, alongside the canvas he has at The Addington, make this the most interesting restoration project in the UK, and quite possibly the world. For more, …

Live from an undisclosed beer garden in South West London, after an 18-hour day, we finally sat down to record this podcast. A Course Diaries podcast with Ryan was always going to be a long one, so this is a two-parter. We'll be releasing Part II early next week. In this episode, we talk about why The Addington is unique, how the club came into the…

Sam, Tom & Bruce gather to discuss Royal Troon, the setup, the performances and more. From Schauffele, to Rory as well as the slightly eclectic leaderboard and whether that’s a good or bad thing. We also talk about our wonderful event on Friday at Blackwell in partnership with the good folks at FootJoy who went all out (and Sam manages to shoehorn …

Sam & Tom are joined by producer Luke to have a little game of Open stash The Price is Right If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / WebsiteDi Cookie Jar Golf

Sam & Tom Discuss the course ahead of the Open here at Royal Troon this week. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / WebsiteDi Cookie Jar Golf

Sam & Tom discuss the Scottish Open from on site at Renaissance Golf Club. This will be the first of daily micro pods over the next 6 days of The Open at Royal Troon. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Website…

We sat down with friend of the jar - Kenny Reid - to talk about his second book, 'Touch of Class'. The book charts the story of the 1984 Open Championship and in the process, capture the essence of Seve Ballesteros and why he captured the hearts of so many. To get hold of a copy of his newly released book, click here. Available from all good booksh…

With the recent conclusion of the General Election in Britain and a lively debate between Biden & Trump where the nation watched two men well past the age of 70 arguing over who was the better golfer, we decided to look at golfing politicians over time. In stark contrast to the US, where almost all US Presidents play the game, the UK has a much thi…