Final summer repeat for 2024 as we will return with new episodes from next week. A fun episode from season 1 where Martin and Des select their overseas "dream nine" from courses we have played. Many of our listeners will have their own lists and we are happy to discuss those via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG.
This episode is dedicated to my mum who passed away in May 2023 but was on this episode talking about introducing me to golf when I was 10 years old. I will forever be grateful to her.

We are keeping an eye on golfing news/events during our summer break but while we are away from the ITFOG complex we thought that reposting part 2 of our chat with John Bamber, Chairman of the Championship Committee for the 2019 Open at Portrush, would generate excitement for next year's return to the north Antrim coast.
New episodes coming in September but until then enjoy your summer.
Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

The USPGA is in the books and Xander has his first major, Bryson gave it a good try on behalf of LIV albeit coming up just short and Viktor emerged from his slump to show us the player we have all come to love. However, surprisingly these were not the biggest stories from Valhalla, Rory's news of impending divorce kicked off the week, Jimmy Dunne resigned from the PGA Advisory Board citing "lack of progress" with the PGA/PIF deal as his reason and then Scottie Scheffler got arrested and briefly jailed before getting bailed out and heading back to the course. Martin and Des try to make sense of the year's second major. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X link @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

In June 2021 Martin, Des and their fellow Renegade Pete (aka Slap) spent an afternoon on the golf course with David McNeilly, who has caddied for Sir Nick Faldo, Nick Price, John Daly, Padraig Harrington and Alex Noren to name but a few. David sat down after the round to discuss life on tour, his Ryder Cup experiences and who was a joy to work for and who was not! We could have happily chatted for hours but hopefully you will enjoy this insight from a man who has been inside the ropes for nearly 50 years. Interact with us via twitter @ITFOG_podcast

Against all odds Martin and Des return for a second season of their podcast "In The Footsteps Of Giants". This season 2 preview briefly reviews some surprises from season 1, and gives listeners some insight into what is coming over the months ahead. We hope you all stick with us as we chase down more courses that the pros have played and speak with a range of guests who enjoy the golfing challenge as much as we do. Interact with the podcast via twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

Part 2 of our summer special focuses on tournament week for the 2019 Open Championship which culminated in Ireland going mental as Shane Lowry won on home soil. His win was after much drama, excitement, some home fan disappointments, but the most memorable Open Championship of our lives. Martin & Des continue their conversation with John Bamber, Chairman of the Championship Committee and, in reality, the man who delivered the Open. What was his week like as the biggest sporting event in NI history unfolded right in front of his eyes? Interact with the podcast on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and Des sit down with John Bamber, Chairman of the Championship Committee that delivered the Open to Royal Portrush in 2019. Most of us simply saw a spectacular event on the north coast gem that is Royal Portrush, but for John and his team tournament week was the culmination of nearly a decade's work. Part 1 of our double header summer special focuses on what it took to get the Open back to Northern Ireland in 2019 and some of the obstacles the team overcame.  Interact with the podcast via Twitter  @ITFOG_podcast 

Des and Martin welcome their close pal Cueball back to the podcast studio and discuss his recent lucky escape. On the eve of the US Open the boys also share their thoughts on the Brooks/Bryson rivalry, the Torrey Pines course, the proposed PGL golf league, cicadas and just how motivated is John Rahm to win big after his recent Covid enforced withdrawal while leading after 54 holes.
This episode is our season 1 finale and we take this opportunity to thank all our listeners for sticking with us as we develop the podcast. Season 2 will be back in September but we have two summer specials just ahead of the Open where our special guest is John Bamber, the man who delivered the Open to Royal Portrush in 2019. Have a great golfing summer and hopefully joining us for season 2 in September. Interact with us via Twitter @ITFOG_podcast

Finally welcoming guests back into the studio Martin and Des share the podcast with Johnny (aka BJ) and stories of his first experience as a Renegade being on a US tour. Arizona 2017, "The Half Hour From Everywhere Tour", featured 8 rounds of desert golf plus a few adventures along the way. Find out what happened when we went ballooning, how did Des offend the Navajo nation and did Scottee's putter face a watery grave. Interact with us via our twitter page @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and Des rejoice in Rory's return to winning ways and discuss the big call from caddy Harry Diamond that was an essential part of victory. On the eve of the USPGA at Kiawah Island's Ocean Course the boys catch up with the Commander who played the course with Martin in 2017, to share some memories of one of our very best golfing experiences. Add in some lively debate on the merits of the proposed PGL, some rules you should know,  commentary on the newly published top 100 golfing destinations, a few predictions for 2021's second major, and you have all you need for another packed podcast. Interact with us on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast

As lockdown in Northern Ireland eases, but continental travel remains uncertain, Martin and Des talk about options to tour closer to home in 2021. Des undertakes his biggest monologue on bifurcation to date while Martin waits to get a word in edgeways. Studio guests returning soon as relaxations roll out and the Renegade Players can once again dust off tales of prior adventures and plan new challenges. Interact with the podcast via twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

As lockdown starts to ease and golf is once again allowed Martin and Des ponder what unusual golfing challenges need to be considered by their fellow touring Renegades. A discussion on rules and gamesmanship plus a few stories and digressions fill out this episode as we wait for guests to be allowed to return to the studio. Interact with us via twitter @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and ITFOG's North American correspondent The Commander review the 2021 Masters. See where we were right and where we were obviously wrong as we total up the scores from our predictions episode. Let us know your opinions via our twitter site @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des catch up after a couple of weeks away from the studio. We preview the form of the main contenders for the upcoming USPGA championship from Valhalla. Can Scottie keep winning, can Rory turn back the clock and win again at Valhalla, can Brooks defend his title and can Jon Rahm generate some momentum after his defection to LIV in the autumn? We also discuss other issues including the PGA's invites to LIV players, Greg's newest claims and why Jordan Spieth is obviously set on vetoing any deal with the PIF. 
As ever we welcome any interation with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG.

Martin & Des take a good look at the upcoming Masters, the first major of 2021. Looking for better insight the boys hear from Ross who attended the Masters a few years ago and time has not dulled his recollections. USA correspondent "The Commander" also returns to discuss probable outcomes and play a leaderboard draft game against the podcast hosts. Can you get too much of the world's greatest tournament, listen and find out!
Interact with us via our twitter page @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and Des take a look back at the 2021 Players Championship and then review the newly published top 100 courses in Ireland. With staycations likely to be a feature of 2021 the boys discuss which courses should interest you most on your home turf. Hear about the hole in one that never was, the legendary golfer who admired Scottee's practice regime, be amazed at one of our listener's equipment bin confession and we share a flavour of the mind games that Des likes to play. Interact with us on twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

Part 2 of the Illinois and Wisconsin roadtrip sees the boys leave Sand Valley for the 257 mile drive back to Chicago. Discover why TD hated the journey, why there is nothing better than a beard, where is our recommended Blues club, is American improv comedy any good, where should you stay (the Drake Hotel is the correct answer) and what should you wear for a dusk architectural river cruise? Additionally find out if we won our mini Ryder Cup @ Medinah, is Olympia Fields worth the effort and how we finished our tour playing the Baked Bean Open. Interact with the podcast by following us on twitter @ITFOG_podcast. Happy St Patrick's Day from all of us at In The Footsteps Of Giants

Martin & Des take the opportunity to talk about everything to do with the Players Championship. Can Rory win back to back Players, who has multiple wins in the tournament, who hates 17 the most, why did Pete Dye regret bringing goats onto the property, will Bryson De Chambeau make the cut and what record does Bernhardt Langer hold. An episode filled with lots of stuff about one of our favourite tournament weeks of the year. Interact with us on twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

In 2019 four Renegades took on an awesome roadtrip through Illinois and Wisconsin which included four major championship venues. Martin and Des are joined by fellow Renegade "TD" to discuss a tour that visited Erin Hills, Whistling Straits and Sand Valley before heading back to the mighty city of Chicago and an awesome day at Medinah followed by Olympia Fields. Discover the unique venue that is the American Club at Kohler and the never to be forgotten town of Sheboygan! With plenty of additional facts on beer, cheese and Harley Davidsons. Follow us on twitter @ITFOG_podcast

As 2021 starts to unfold Martin and Des discuss the talking points surrounding the start of this season such as, will Tiger make the Masters, why is Rory not winning, what the heck is bifurcation, should Trump courses be excluded from majors, did Patrick Reed cheat and should sponsorships be lost over overheard comments. Additionally Roberto De Vicenzo is the answer, but what was the question? Interact with  us via our twitter account @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des undertake the monumentally difficult task of selecting their all time favourite overseas holes making up their dream nines. Regular listeners will not be surprised at all the choices but suspect some will cause debate. Also meet the podcast's oldest guest as she talks about introducing one of your hosts to golf. Interact with the podcast on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and Des welcome back Trapper to talk about the eventful 2007 tour to Spain which included a half completed resort, a lost wallet, a carnival in Barcelona and a chance meeting with the Undertones. Throw in a football match between Barcelona and Sevilla and you have the makings of an eventful 5 day tour. Follow/interact with us on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des discuss the origins of the ideas behind the Renegade Players Tour with original Renegade Willie, an average golfer but a great tennis player. Find out how the RPT operates, our mirroring of world golf with four Majors, the origins of the Sinnerton Cup and some surprising tennis trivia. Interact with us via Twitter @ITFOG_podcast.
A very merry Christmas to all our listeners and our best wishes for a Covid free 2021!

Martin and Des discuss their top golf movies, say goodbye to 2020 and look forward to 2021 by finding out what new year's golfing resolutions their fellow Renegades have adopted, as well finding out who makes the cut for their 2021 fantasy fourballs. With contributions from podcast regulars Duvet, Trapper, Cueball and the Commander it is time to be positive and look to the future. With thanks to all our listeners who have joined us throughout a very turbulent 2020 and hopefully will stay tuned in 2021. Interact with us via our Twitter page @ITFOG_podcast.

The first major of the 2024 season is in the books and Scottie Scheffler has comprehensively proved why he is the best player in the world right now. However, Ludvig Aberg is the real deal, Max Homa and Tommy Fleetwood are contenders for majors and Bryson De Chambeau remains an entertaining addition to any major. Martin, Des and special guest Steven G return to the ITFOG studio to discuss all the top stories from this years Masters. Whose predictions were correct and who fell short?
Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

Martin and Des wish all their listeners a merry Christmas whilst dispensing their opinions on the presents no serious golfer wants to receive. What are the top excuses for hitting a bad shot and who will win the 4 majors in 2021. The boys finish off their year by answering a few of the listeners questions. Interact with our Twitter page @ITFOG_podcast.

It's November 2001, the first full Renegade Players Tour to the USA albeit the pathfinders had done their research in May 2000. As with many tours this one had its' surprises including gatecrashing the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction for Greg Norman. 11 men toured but only 10 flew out together. Martin and Des welcome Pete, "the lone traveller", to the studio to explain. Interact with us via our Twitter page @ITFOG_podcast.

Today's episode sees Martin and Des discuss what you need to do to run a good golf tour and avoid a few pitfalls. Also the boys discuss their "Dream Northern Ireland Nines" and add another golf club to the rapidly filling Equipment Bin. Follow and interact with the guys on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des review the 2020 Masters and catch up with their North American correspondent "The Commander" to check up on how all their predictions fared. Did we pick the winner, did we call it right? Interact with us on our Twitter feed @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des discuss this weeks Masters and share a few little known facts about the best major of the year. Predictions of who will contend include linking in with the podcast's North American correspondent, "The Commander", who is holed up in a bunker just south of Washington DC analysing statistical data and betting odds. Interact with us on our Twitter feed @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des welcome fellow Renegade Gary (aka Cueball) into the studio to discuss the 2007 Rattlesnake Tour, our first foray to Arizona and our introduction to desert golf. The trip included our infamous day out in the Sonoran desert looking for rattlesnakes with a local character who was unquestionably a little bonkers. Golf included Troon North, Boulders Club, Dinosaur Mountain and TPC Scottsdale. Follow and interact with us on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast

May 2000 saw 8 Renegades venture across the Atlantic to experience golf in the sunshine state, all before mobile phones were in everyone's pocket. The adventure had many twists and turns before we made it to our ultimate destination, the legendary TPC Sawgrass. One of the most exciting tours in our memories as we followed in the footsteps of legendary golfers and stood trembling on 17. Follow and interact with us on @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and Des remember the very first RPT overseas tour in 1995 alongside fellow Renegade John (aka Duvet). From the excitement of planning and booking, departure, the simple joy of finding the resort and lots more besides, this was the tour that set us on our way. Follow us on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast

Martin and Des welcome fellow Renegade John (aka Duvet) to the podcast studio to discuss his favourite courses in southern Ireland and why you should play them. John also debates his top choices for a rugby fourball and his item for the Equipment Bin. Follow/interact with us on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des discuss their top five countries where they have played golf and and recount a few tales from these locations. Includes introducing a new segment "the Equipment Bin" which discusses clubs purchased to improve your golf game but frequently end up in the equipment bin that most golfers have in their garage. Follow/interact with us on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

Martin and Des hit the studio on a wet Monday evening to preview the 2024 Masters, the likely winners/losers and uncover some fun facts about Augusta National. Joining them is 'friend of the show', Steven G, who spent this week last year in a white boiler suit whilst striding the fairways of Augusta as caddy to local Amateur Matt McLean. Who better to keep us right on our opinions than a man who has walked inside the ropes.
Masters week is always an exciting time as it welcomes in the major season where the very best battle for their places in the history books. Interact with the pocast via our Twitter/X link @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG.

Welcome to our pilot episode of In The Footsteps Of Giants, a podcast that tells the stories accumulated over thirty years of playing golf on the Renegade Players Tour. Today's episode introduces your hosts Martin (aka Martee/Thor) and Des (aka Desi/Legendary) who started playing golf together in 1980 when they met at college in Northern Ireland, who would have thought that 40 years later they would be starting a podcast and recounting stories of playing golf together all over the world. Follow the podcast on Twitter @ITFOG_podcast.

An introduction to our new "In the footsteps of giants" podcast, which aims to help amateur golfers play the courses that the pros play. For thirty years Martin and Des have been members of the Renegade Players Tour based in Northern Ireland but travelling the world to play golf and understand just how hard the pros work to make golf look easy. It isn't but it should be fun!

To cover the ITFOG team's absence over the Easter period and bridge the gap until our 2024 Masters preview, we are posting our first ever attempt at an event preview from November 2020. At that time the podcast was only 2 months old, Covid was still a major concern and we were still learning the ropes about how to put episodes together. However, we did start our previewing efforts with a win which definitely filled us with an optimism rarely borne out for future events. We hope you enjoy this repeat listen and we will return during Masters week with our predictions for the 2024 tournament. Happy Easter to all Foggies!
Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

A great weekend following the action at the Players Championship from one of our all time favourite courses, the legendary TPC Sawgrass. Martin and Des convene in the studio to recap the results and storylines from one of the best tournaments of any golfing season. Scottie runs it back for a repeat win, Wyndham's luck runs out on the 72 hole with the cruellest of horseshoe putts and Xander falters on the final day. Also a little debate on where the "secret meeting" between PGA Board members and Mr PIF will take place and whether 'aimpoint' actually improves putting performance.
As ever you can interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or Instagram @ITFOG.

We spend a little time this week on a tournament roundup but a much larger section of the show is dedicated to our review of Full Swing, Season 2. Does it improve on Season 1? Who comes out of it well and who doesn't? How much do we really learn about the job of being a professional golfer on a competitive tour in volatile times? How many engines does Dustin Johnson's boat need to get him to his favourite fishing spot? How can Team USA arrive unprepared in Rome? 
Joining us for our review of Full Swing 2 is a casual golfer but professional sports coach, Mark, who analyses many aspects of what we see from an coaches perspective. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or Instagram @ITFOG

Some weeks feel quieter than others but as Martin and Des hit the studio there was no shortage of things to talk about. We start with a good news story as a local golfer hits 100 years old and is still playing and enjoying his golf with pals. 
We also cover the results from the Cognizant Classic (formerly the Honda Classic) after it's Monday finish and also LIV Jeddah. Plenty of chat about Anthony Kim's return to golf, Talor Gooch's latest dumb statement, Ian Poulter's loss of interest in future Ryder Cups and Greg's decision to withdraw LIV's OWGR application. Plus a fun discussion on the new ranking of Irish Links & Parkland courses. 
Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

After an eventful couple of weeks the boys are back in the studio to discuss many aspects of the current golfing landscape. Tiger's withdrawal from Riviera, Jordan's DQ, Hidecki's superb final day charge, Cantlay's pace of play and 'In & Out' burgers. Elsewhere we discuss the LET signature event from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia which is lucrative for the ladies but lacked any real atmosphere. Our opinions on the Wasted Open from TPC Scottsdale and whether LIV Golf Las Vegas made any real impact going head to head with the PGA Tour. Des somehow cracks the same joke that our regular listeners (Fogies) will groan about and Martin dredges up his usual range of 'interesting' stats. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

Martin and Des hit the studio to talk about the DP World Tour returning to Bahrain after 13 years, the AT&T at Pebble Beach being reduced to 54 holes and Jon Rahm's introduction to life on LIV at Myakoba. Then there is the small matter of the PGA and SSG announcing their deal with Mr PIF currently left out in the cold. Has Tiger turned the tide and do the PGA still really want a deal with Yasir? We try to answer these and other questions plus a few contributions from the Twittersphere.
Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG

With the 2025 Open due to return to Portrush we thought it was a good time to reprise our episodes on what it takes to put on a major championship. We were fortunate to sit down with John Bamber, Chairman of the Championship Committee for the 2019 Open and hear all about the commitment/effort/determination required to get the Championship back to the north coast of Northern Ireland. 
This remains one of our highest rated episodes of the podcast and hopefully well worth the Foggies time to listen again. New episodes coming from late September. Interact with the podcast via our X portal @ITFOG_podcast or via Instagram @ITFOG. Have a great summer.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is seen by many as the true start of the DPWT season and we were fortunate enough to have a team on the ground for the 2024 event. This episode covers our experiences in Dubai at the tournament plus a couple of rounds of actual golf in the sunshine. We delve into one of the big mysteries of world golf namely, what on earth is in Rory's security guards backpack?
Returning to the studio we finish out the episode chatting about Nick Dunlap's historic win, Ryder Cup captaincy, LIV recruitment and whether the collective name for our listeners has been identified. As ever you can interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or on our Instagram @ITFOG

Welcome back to the podcast, our first episode of 2024. Martin and Des made it into the studio but young Mike is connecting from a remote location and we did have to resolve some delay issues, so we apologise if the audio quality is below our normal standards.
Plenty to discuss especially around the non completion of the Framework Agreement by the target date. A brief review of the Sentry Championship from Kapalua, some predictions for 2024, breaking news and rumours from around the world of golf. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or on Instagram @ITFOG. 
Happy new year to all our Fogies!

Our last episode of 2023 sees us try to remember stuff that could easily have been forgotten from this year. We also talk about our favourite golfing experiences of this year plus have a surprise visit from one of our irregular correspondents. We start debating a 'cool' nickname for our listeners although I am not yet sure that we have found a long term answer. Anyone with a good suggestion please let us know.
On behalf of Martin, Des and young Mike can I thank all of our listeners for continuing to tune into the episodes and give us constructive feedback. We are also extremely grateful to our various guests who have supported our endeavours in 2023. We will see you all again (hopefully) in 2024.
Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast or on Instagram @ITFOG

As we approach Christmas 2023 Martin, Des and young Mike compile their golfing 'naughty or nice' list for 2023. Some choices are obvious but plenty of debate ensues regarding other suggestions. We all thought 2022 was the most turbulent year in professional golf but 2023 has not lacked excitement, intrigue, betrayal, uncertainty, arrogance and even some potential redemption. A light hearted assessment of who should get presents this Christmas and who should spend time on the naughty step.
Huge thanks to all our guests in 2023 and an even bigger thanks to our wide and varied audience in some 46 countries. We wish all of you a merry and peaceful Christmas holiday period. 
You can interact with the podcast via Twitter/X @ITFOG_podcast or on Instagram @ITFOG

Late November and Martin & Des were expecting to be talking about golfing trivia but the big stories keep coming in 2023. Ludvig Aberg & Nicolai Hojgaard are winning big, Min Woo Lee is on fire, Cam Smith is missing cuts, Jon Rahm is contemplating the most overpriced offer in world sport and Luke Donald is looking forward to Christmas with a satisfied grin. Des has been on the winning trail in Tenerife and young Mike is again stuck in meetings. A typically busy episode for the team at In The footsteps Of Giants. Interact with the podcast via our Twitter/X portal @ITFOG_podcast