Australian Golf Passport – Détails, épisodes et analyse

A super special guest for the long overdue next episode of the podcast. Chris Solomon from No Laying Up joins us to share his views on all things golf Down Under. Soly has travelled here several times over the years, with his visits bookended by Tourist Sauce Seasons #1 and #9. Between those visits he got to play the Composite course at Royal Melbourne at the time of the most recent Asia Pacific Amateur Championship. Links to all these on YouTube are below.

 

Soly shares his views on what he loves about great golf, and touches on Aussie golf’s highlights – the people and culture, turf conditions, strategy, and courses. We chat about Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath, Cape Wickham, Barnbougle, and others. We pick his brains on what he’s not yet seen but would like to when he next travels this way.  The chat surrounding his own game and improvements despite burgeoning career demands, and escalating fatherhood duties will no doubt strike a chord with many of you.

 

Links to the Premiere episodes of Tourist Sauce Australian series

Season #1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x90o8J8cQy8

Season #9 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x90o8J8cQy8

 

Ben takes on Soly around Royal Melbourne Composite -

https://youtu.be/qxPZMqqOmqI?si=D72QaL3mM0ytMKRM

 

This link to John Sabino and his reviews - https://www.top100golfcourses.com/reviewer/8318?page=1

 

We thank Angus and Grace Go Golfing for their continued support. Matt and his team at AAGGG have been working hard on a small run of Australian Golf Passport hats – we’re really pleased with them and hope you are too! Check them out at – https://www.angusandgracegogolfing.com/product-page/australian-golf-passport-cap-navy-nylon

 

While you’re browsing – take a look at the apparel, including polos and shorts, and a full range of mens and womens wear for golf as the days get longer and the sun shines. The No Laying Up range of apparel and accessories is superb.

 

And as per the ad read in the episode - we’re sad to share the news that Burnley Brewing has ceased operations. In a tough market, with many small brewers closing up shop, Burnley have unfortunately brought an end to their multi-year operations. We thank all the guys there for the support of the podcast, and urge those of you who love their stuff to take your last chance and grab what little of their stock remains on retail shelves wherever you see it.

Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators.

Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of ⁠www.epidemicsound.com

Brendan James, long-time editor of Golf Australia magazine is our special guest for this episode. Brendan is a doyen of the Australian Golf Media landscape, spending more than quarter of a century at the helm of Golf Australia magazine.  He’s now concluded his time there, doing his own thing under the banner of Snap Hook Media – https://snaphookmedia.com/

We chat with Brendan about his start in journalism, and the changing landscape of publishing throughout his working life. We talk all things golf – equipment, players, regional golf, premier courses, media, six foot ladders, drones, rankings and more.

Brendan’s recently released a book – as discussed in this episode – a fantastic addition to any golfer’s library. https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Great-Golf-Courses-Australia/Brendan-James/9781922662101

As always – special thanks to our podcast supporters – Angus & Grace Go Golfing and Burnley Brewing. Visit the Angus and Grace Go Golfing website, Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (William Street Paddington), and get your mits on some of the best golf apparel in the world. They have some fantastic stuff in stock – and will soon be selling a small run of Australian Golf Passport caps. 😊

Burnley Brewing are closing their tap room in Bridge Road Richmond, and selliing everything in stock at really reduced prices. Get there and grab some before it sells out. Situated at 648-650 Bridge Road Richmond. If you can't get there soon, you can buy online -

Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators.

Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

A quick catch-up before Matt's departure for the US to attend the Masters and play some all-world golf courses.

We answer some listener questions, several with a Masters theme, go through some four-word course reviews of Aussie courses by American golf course architect Jaeger Kovich following his recent trip to the Sandbelt and chat a bit about what makes the Masters so special.

Links below to the Fried Egg Golf podcast episodes with Geoff Ogilvy discussing the golf course and tournament:

Playing in the Masters

Holes 1-9

Holes 10-18 As always – special thanks to our podcast supporters – Angus & Grace Go Golfing and Burnley Brewing.Visit the Angus and Grace Go Golfing website, Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (William Street Paddington), and get your hands on some of the best golf apparel in the world.
Burnley Brewing are back in the swing of things in 2024 – reinstating Trivia Tuesday at their tap room – situated at 648-650 Bridge Road Richmond. Go visit Burnley Brewing online or on insta. Our proud supporter has a brilliant range of locally brewed beers – with something for everyone’s taste.
Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators.Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Four-word course reviews are back! After an initial catch-up on some recent news in Aussie golf & the pursuit — not all of it successful — of their 2024 goals, Matt and Scott turn their attention to the 2024 Golf Australia Magazine course rankings. They go course by course through the top 20 with four-word course reviews for each of them, as well as some general discussion to begin of the noticible trends around courses moving up and down the board. As always – special thanks to our podcast supporters – Angus & Grace Go Golfing and Burnley Brewing.Visit the Angus and Grace Go Golfing website, Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (William Street Paddington), and get your hands on some of the best golf apparel in the world. Burnley Brewing are back in the swing of things in 2024 – reinstating Trivia Tuesday at their tap room – situated at 648-650 Bridge Road Richmond. Go visit Burnley Brewing online or on insta. Our proud supporter has a brilliant range of locally brewed beers – with something for everyone’s taste. Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators.Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

      A real treat to chat with esteemed golf course architect Mike DeVries. Boasting decades of experience in the industry, Mike is one of the men on the ground at 7 Mile Beach. This episode focusses lots on the course, as well as Mike’s portfolio of courses, his thoughts on construction, and so much more.   The preamble of the episode includes Scott and Matt discussing recent golf course property sales in Melbourne (Kingswood and Cranbourne) as well as the date of golf at Oakleigh Public golf course. And Scott recaps his recent visit to Broken Hill.   As always – special thanks to our podcast supporters – Angus And Grace Go Golfing, and Burnley Brewing. Visit the Angus and Grace Go Golfing website, Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (William Street Paddington), and get your hands on some of the best golf apparel in the world. Burnley Brewing are back in the swing of things in 2024 – reinstating Trivia Tuesday at their tap room – situated at 648-650 Bridge Road Richmond. Go visit Burnley Brewing online at www.burnleybrewing.com.au or on insta. Our proud supporter has a brilliant range of locally brewed beers – with something for everyone’s taste.  Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators. Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

A snippet of 1998 Australian Open winner Greg Chalmers was featured within our previous episode – a focus on Royal Adelaide. This episode of the pod is the full chat with one of the more under-rated Australian golf talents of recent times.   It was a real pleasure to speak with Greg – he covered a wide range of topics during his talk with us.  We present the full discussion with the lefty from WA, affectionately known as Snake among his peers. He touches on a range of issues within pro golf, living in Dallas and raising two sons.  We recall his TWO Australian Open wins, and his ascent as a professional to post several high finishes in the USA. We touch on his playoff win over Adam Scott and Wade Ormsby in the 2014 Australian PGA, and more. Mental strength, self-confidence, and humility, and the role they can play in a golf career.  Discussion shifts to the layout at Royal Adelaide, over which Greg has played so well. Greg shares his opinions on the modern game, equipment and the future. We conclude with Greg listing some of the courses on his go to list, should he have the task of introducing travellers to golf Down Under.   Here's the link to video of the final round of the 1998 Australian Open at Royal Adelaide - https://youtu.be/ALXTAKiFyYA?si=_5USai0ee_bbiTmu   And a link to the final round of the 2011 Australian Open at The Lakes - https://youtu.be/nDaB8km1f0g?si=B1RMBvleYv7OH0qS   Greg speaking at his post-win press conference after the epic playoff against Adam Scott & Wade Ormsby at the 2-14 Australian PGA - https://youtu.be/wRRHw9Lu3zw?si=9_-OER4Iab8DeWv1   A brief highlight reel of Greg’s PGA Tour win at the Barracuda – https://youtu.be/-cb03LnHGlE?si=XNYepmqWTsmFv8oS   For those wishing to learn more about Greg’s Dallas-based Autism focussed charity known as Maximum Chances – visit https://maximumchances.org/   And go take a listen to the podcast he’s done with Lou Stagner and Mark Crossfield – Hack It Out Golf podcast.    As always – special thanks to our podcast supporters – Angus And Grace Go Golfing, and Burnley Brewing. Visit the Angus and Grace Go Golfing website, Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (William Street Paddington), and get your hands on some of the best golf apparel in the world. Burnley Brewing are back in the swing of things in 2024 – reinstating Trivia Tuesday at their tap room – situated at 648-650 Bridge Road Richmond. Go visit Burnley Brewing online at www.burnleybrewing.com.au or on insta. Our proud supporter has a brilliant range of locally brewed beers – with something for everyone’s taste.  Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators. Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

One of the finest courses in the land comes under the microscope today - with the venerable Royal Adelaide layout our focus. Details are fleshed out by RA expert Terry Thornton, and the winner of the 1998 Australian Open (played at Royal Adelaide) Greg Chalmers. Everything you wanted to know about the course is in here, and there's even some details you might not have realised you needed to know! Thanks to both Terry and Greg for their time and expertise. The next Australian Golf Passport Podcast episode is the full discussion with Greg Chalmers - a chat we are sure you will find entertaining and informative. For those wanting to revisit Greg's 1998 win - the YouTube link below is a good start - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALXTAKiFyYA Those wishing to visit Royal Adelaide can get more details from the Club's website - https://www.royaladelaidegolf.com.au/cms/ And the SA Tourism website provides loads of information for those wanting to flesh out a multi-day stay in SA, and round out their trip with more than 18 holes at Seaton. Visit https://southaustralia.com/ Australian Golf Passport podcast is proudly supported by Angus And Grace Go Golfing and Burnley Brewing. The famed Golf Daddy range is running out - get your hands on a tee or cap before they're all gone. And this week - take advantage of the online code VALENTINES24 to grab 2 for 1 eyelet polos. Use the code at checkout and grab a bargain! Visit the Angus and Grace Go Golfing website, Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (William Street Paddington), and get your hands on some of the best golf apparel in the world, before it all sells out. Burnley Brewing are back in the swing of things in 2024 – reinstating Trivia Tuesday at their tap room – situated at 648-650 Bridge Road Richmond. Kicking off January 23 (7:30pm start) – there’s beers and great prizes up for grabs. Go visit Burnley Brewing online at www.burnleybrewing.com.au or on insta. Our proud supporter has a brilliant range of locally brewed beers – with something for everyone’s taste.  Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators. Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Matt and Scott take a leaf out of the NoLayingUp playbook and map out some personal goals for the year ahead. Golf, health, personal development – all bases covered. And some golf chat thrown in there amongst all the good intentions.  We hope this inspires listeners to reflect on the last year, and perhaps set some targets for the coming twelve months. 

 

Australian Golf Passport podcast is brought to you by Angus And Grace Go Golfing and Burnley Brewing. 

Matt has been rocking the AAGGG shorts in what is peak summer golf weather – one look at these and you’ll need to own a pair of these shorts too. They’re super fashionable, and fit beautifully. They come in a great range of colours, and pair brilliantly with the three button pocket polo. Visit the Angus and Grace Go Golfing website, Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (Sydney), and get your hands on some of the best golf apparel in the world, before it all sells out.

 

Burnley Brewing are back in the swing of things in 2024 – reinstating Trivia Tuesday at their tap room – situated at 648-650 Bridge Road Richmond. Kicking off January 23 (7:30pm start) – there’s beers and great prizes up for grabs. Go visit Burnley Brewing online at www.burnleybrewing.com.au or on insta. Our proud supporter has a brilliant range of locally brewed beers – with something for everyone’s taste.  Pale, Lager, Wheat Beer, Selzer and more are all there for you.

 

As referenced at the outset of this episode – the inspiration for this episode has been NoLayingUp’s annual Goals pod. Go check out Episode #270 of the TrapDraw Podcast – 2024 Goals. //podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/trapdraw-podcast-no-laying-up/id1133618045?i=1000640488708

 

Copies of some of the golf architecture books discussed in this episode -

 

The Links by Robert Hunter - www.ebay.com.au/itm/224336568827?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-159824-816807-4&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=224336568827&targetid=4585513252197727&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=554710916&mkgroupid=1310618971850270&rlsatarget=pla-4585513252197727&abcId=9326744&merchantid=136820&msclkid=e8f95fc836bc198357bf3a609062a668

 

The Future of Golf by Geoff Shackelford - www.amazon.com.au/Future-Golf-How-Lost-Back/dp/1570614563

 

The Architectural Side of Golf by Wethered & Simpson – www.classicsofgolf.com/product/the-architectural-side-of-golf-1929/

 

Golf Architecture in America by George Thomas - www.amazon.com/Golf-Architecture-America-Strategy-Construction/dp/1886947147

 

 DJ Pie playing golf with no flags - https://youtu.be/A5mjdB993JY?si=pZmuDvvd_6yR4HvO

Click here for more information on The Hidden Power of Purpose documentary (directed by Elliot Kotek) as mentioned in the podcast – www.aarp.org/about-aarp/purpose-prize/hidden-power-of-purpose-film.html

 

Gus Worland’s ABC TV series on Men’s mental health and Male Suicide – www.iview.abc.net.au/show/man-up

 

Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators.  Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

We round out the calendar year in style – Mike Clayton returns to discuss all things golf, and give us a little look at Mike the man, not just Mike the golfing legend.   Healesville, The Sandbelt Invitational, the importance of staying active as we age, Mike’s connection with the game of tennis, The Addington, angles & data, Seven Mile Beach, course construction, caddying, young people riding in carts, global travel, course design, Peter Thomson, and mentoring the next generation, as well as much more. It’s all in here for your listening pleasure.   Australian Golf Passport podcast is brought to you by Angus And Grace Go Golfing and Burnley Brewing.  Matt and his crew at AAGGG have stock of the fabulous eyelet polo – a breathable fabric perfect for summer. With a tremendous cut in a range of cool colours, this polo is as fresh as it gets. Visit their website, or Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (Sydney), and get your hands on some of the best golf apparel in the world, before it all sells out.   Likewise, as the New Year comes in, visit Burnley Brewing IRL at 648 Bridge Road Richmond, on insta, or online at www.burnleybrewing.com.au. Our proud supporter has a brilliant range of locally brewed beers – with something for everyone’s taste.  Pale, Lager, Wheat Beer, Selzer and more are all there for the choosing. Thank you for supporting those who support us!   Do yourself and buy a grip training aid – as discussed by Clayts in this episode - https://www.lamkingrips.com/shop/training-golf-grips/   Anyone wanting to learn a little more about Scott Draper can click here - https://www.beyondthetour.com.au/scott-draper/   Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators.   Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Christmas is nearly upon us, so we decided to get into the festive spirit.  A busy last few weeks on the domestic golf scene sees a full news chat at the start of the episode. Australian Open wrap, Sandbelt Invitational nearing the finish, Scott claims the Cathedral Invitational, JDay and LKo win the mixed pairs PGA / LPGA Tour event, and ball rollback in the years ahead.  Rahm to LIV which means he’s at Grange next year too.   But all that gives way to getting blind. Limited visibility – no visibility, drives, second shots, or approaches into greens. We discuss the best and favourite examples of blind holes in Australia. Drawing from a few reference materials (links below for those who want to buy copies of them) – we cover some of the best blind shots in the land.  Hopefully a few listeners also hit us up with suggestions of their own.   While urging all Australian Golf Passport listener to drink responsibly, especially at this time of year – we have a Bunley Brewing Giveaway to coincide with this episode.  We drop the names of lots of different golf architects in this edition of the pod.  Keep an eye out for the competition details on Instagram – reply to our post with the names of any four of the golf architects mentioned in this episode, and you’re in the draw to win some beers from Burnley Brewing! Good luck!   Australian Golf Passport podcast is brought to you by Angus And Grace Go Golfing and Burnley Brewing.  Matt and his crew at AAGGG have absolutely nailed the pocket polo, with a tremendous cut, range of ideal colours and fresh fabrics, with an unbeatable price point. Visit their website, or Instagram page, or bricks and mortar store (Sydney), and get your hands on some of the best golf apparel in the world, before it has all sold out.   Likewise, as the festive season speeds up, hit up Burnley Brewing, on insta, online at www.burnleybrewing.com.au or IRL at 648 Bridge Road Richmond. Our proud supporter has a brilliant range of locally brewed beers – with something for everyone’s taste.  Pale, Lager, Wheat beer, Seltzers and more are all there for the choosing. The finger lime and lemon myrtle alcoholic seltzer is a genuine summer crowd pleaser. Thank you for supporting those who support us!   Those wanting to buy a copy of Lines of Charm by Geoff Shackelford – https://www.amazon.com.au/Lines-Charm-Brilliant-Irreverent-Architects/dp/1587262606   Anatomy of a Golf Course by Tom Doak available here – https://www.amazon.com.au/Anatomy-Golf-Course-Art-Architecture/dp/1580800718    Images related to this episode can be found on our Instagram page (@AustralianGolfPassport) and on Twitter (@AusGolfPassport). Images accompanied by attribution to their owners / creators.   Podcast intro music - Nbhd Nick / Stop Playing With Me - Instrumental / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com