The Society of Golf Historians is flying to Scotland in August of 2025 and we want you to join us!

Today on the show we are joined by the President and Co-Founder of PerryGolf, Gordon Dalgleish, who shares the early history of PerryGolf and how it was one of the early pioneers in the golf travel industry.

Gordon and I then pivot to discuss The Society of Golf Historians Trip to Scotland with Gordon providing some color into some of the Open's most famous venues.

The trip will be unlike any other - PerryGolf is scheduling the golf, hotels and travel accomodations and I am scheduling the extracurriculars which include walking tours of St Andrews, a live recording of the TalkinGolf History Podcast and some things I dont want to share in the media (but will be amazing).

When you think of the American Dream - that wonderful tale of a rags to riches story - few can beat the story of Calvin Peete. From climbing into trees in orchards, to shattering his elbow, to becoming a pool shark , then a golf hustler to a Vardon Trophy winner, and Players Champion on the PGA Tour - Calvin's story is a tale of the struggle to become someone in this world.

This podcast was only made possible by Gordon Hobson and his wonderful book, Calvin Peete, Golf's Forgotten Star.

The third and final episode of the Rise and Demise of the Ben Hogan Golf Company. John Barba of MyGolfSpy joins us once again to tell the final chapter of this iconic brand, but unlike our other Rise and Demise stories, this brand may yet rise again!

Twenty years ago this month the world followed the breaking news story of the unresponsive plane that crashed in an open field in South Dakota. One of the passengers on that fatal journey was Payne Stewart.
In 2019 author Kevin Robbins takes us all on a different kind of journey, the journey of Payne Stewart’s growth as a golfer and his growth as a man in his new book, “The Last Stand of Payne Stewart: The Year Golf Changed Forever.”
The TalkinGolf History Podcast looks back on the high points, the low points and the last journey of the three time major winner.

You can buy Kevin's book at all good bookstores and on line at Barnes and Noble and Amazon, among others.

TalkinGolf History is part of TalkinGolf.com, the podcast network for serious golfers.
TalkinGolf is home to:

The Good-Good Golf Podcast

State of the Game

Feed the Ball with Derek Duncan

The Course Reports with Curt Tyrrell

Nick O'Hern's Tour Mentality

and

The Risk and Reward golf betting podcast

The amazing story of George Roddy, the best golfer you've never heard of. Rick Brown, legendary golf writer from Iowa, will soon release a book on the history of golf in the Midwestern State and a big part of that story is George Roddy. Roddy is a character of particular interest to TalkinGolf History host Connor Lewis and in Episode 19 the pair trade tales of the feats of a man whose career is tragically underappreciated and acknowledged.

Outrage and social media go hand in hand but recent outbursts aimed at JB Holmes and Bryson DeChambeau over slow play are just the continuation of one of golf's great traditions. Since coverage of the game began, complaints about the pace of okay have been a staple in the golf news cycle. On this special episode of From The Fringe, Society of Golf Historians founder Connor Lewis takes us through the history of golf played at snail's pace.

Music used in this episode:

Folk Round
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Chapter breaks:
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Sneaky Adventure" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Growing up in a famous family brings its own unique difficulties but after struggling with the pressure in his early years Bob Jones IV has come to embrace being the Grandson of the greatest amateur golfer of all time. In this excellent and wide ranging interview with Connor Lewis, Jones talks about everything from the three trophies that meant the most to his grandfather to accusations about Jones' racism.

Links mentioned on this episode:

The story of Jones' 63 at East Lake

Soicety of Golf Historians on Facebook

Society of Golf HIstorians on Twitter

Special Guest: Bob Jones IV.

Long before there was Tiger Woods there was Young Tom Morris. Four times a winner of The Open and the first golfer who could truly be referred to as a touring professional, his fascinating but tragic life story is far from well known enough among golfers worldwide. But that is set to change with the release of a remarkable book - Monarch Of The Green - by former newspaper journalist and editor Stephen Proctor. Proctor joins the TG History podcast to talk about his inspiration for writing the book and the process of putting it together.

Where to buy the book:

In the US from Amazon

In the UK

In Australia from BookTopia

Special Guest: Stephen Proctor.

We take the majors for granted in the modern era but things could have been much different after one of the most controversial incidents in the history of the game in 1871. This is the story of 'The Stolen Major'.

Music used in this episode:

Opening and closing theme:
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Virtutes Instrumenti" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Chapter breaks:
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Sneaky Adventure" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

With the 148th Open just around the corner who better to talk history than the man who was the first Curator of Golf Collections in the Special Collections Division of the University of St Andrews? Dr Tony Parker is regarded by his peers as one of the game's foremost historians and joins the podcast to talk all things Open (with a few rabbit holes along the way).

Special Guest: Tony Parker.

According to Tiger Woods only two players in history have 'owned' their golf swings: the great Ben Hogan and Canada's Moe Norman. Hogan is revered internationally as one of the game's greatest ever exponents and while Norman enjoys less celebrity, his feats of extraordinary hitting are equally legendary among golf aficionados. Moe Norman might be the most remarkable golfer that ever lived and his story is as fascinating as any of the game's celebrated legends. On episode 13 we meet Tim O'Connor, the man who wrote the first book about Moe in 1995 and remains committed to telling Moe's story to this day.

Links mentioned on this episode:

Connor on Twitter

Society of Golf Historians on FaceBook

Rod on Twitter

Trailer for the Moe Norman film to be released soon

Connor's 'flat' golf swing

As the 119th US Open bears down on us TalkinGolf HIstory's Connor Lewis has the fascinating tale of the first US Open - and first TWO US Amateurs - that were erased from the history books. There is also a quick recap of last week's essay style narrative on Johnny McDermott plus listener questions about America's national championship.

Links mentioned on this episode:

Connor on

Society of Golf Historians on FaceBook

Rod on Twitter

The podcast interview with Sue Wooster Rod mentioned late in the episode

In the first of a regular series from The Society Of Golf Historians founder Connor Lewis comes the story of two time US Open winner Johnny McDermott. McDermott is the subject of our first 'From The Fringe' segment where Connor will delve into some of the most interesting and important stories from the game's past. McDermott is and was one of American golf's most important figures and in this debut episode Connor dispels some myths - and gives listeners some insights into - a genuine American hero.

If you enjoyed part 1 of the Rise and Demise of the Ben Hogan Golf Company, then I highly suggested you find a quiet place to seclude yourself from the outside world and get ready for an insane golf history tale which includes sabotage, a Texas revolt, the acquisition of Pebble Beach and a plan to make it a private course for the Japanese Elite!
Buckle up for The Rise and Demise of the Ben Hogan Golf Company Part 2 with special guest John Barba of MyGolfSpy.

TalkinGolf History co-host Connor Lewis moved up a media grade recently when he appeared on Golf Channel alongside respected architect Jim Urbina in a short feature about the lost great club of the 20th century, The Lido. Built by the legendary C.B Macdonald and Seth Raynor why input from Tom Simpson and Alister Mackenzie, The Lido was widely regarded the equal of Pine Valley when it opened in 1914 but by 1942 it was gone. The course and its amazing has intrigued golfers for decades and with interest reignited by the Golf Channel piece last week now seemed a good time to flesh the story out further.

Links mentioned on this episode:

The Golf Channel feature

The Twitter thread that started it all (including photos and maps of the course).

Connor on Twitter

The Society of Golf Historians on Facebook

Rod on Twitter

Special Guest: Jim Urbina.

Most of the time we get to talk about the things we want on the TalkinGolf History Podcast but every few weeks we turn things over to the listeners to find what you want to know about. On Episode 9 we answer questions about golfing Presidents, comparing players from different eras, our favourite periods of golf history and more.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Email address to submit questions: history@talkingolf.com

Connor's underloved Twitter thread

Connor on Twitter

Rod Morri on Twitter

Society fo Golf Historians on FaceBook

Canadian golf course architect Keith Cutten originally started out to write a thesis for his University course but that project ultimately morphed into The Evolution Of Golf Course Design. Keith joins Episode 8 of the podcast to talk about the role of golf courses - and their architects - through time.

Link mentiond on this episode:

Keith Cutten's book The Evolution of Golf Course Design

Keith Cutten on Twitter

Get in touch via email: history@talkingolf.com

Society of Golf Historians Facebook Group

Connor Lewis on Twitter

Rod Morri on Twitter

Special Guest: Keith Cutten.

One of the more fascinating corners of golf history is collecting, a multi million dollar business which spans the globe. The biggest and most influential auction house in golf is Green Jacket Auctions, started by Bob Zafian and Ryan Carey in 2006. Bob joins Episode 7 of the podcast to talk about how he got started in collecting, some of the best - and weirdest - items he's been offered for sale and some advice on how a beginner should approach getting started in the trade.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour

Green Jacket Auctions

Connor Lewis on Twitter

Society of Golf Historians on Facebook

Rod Morri on Twitter

Special Guest: Bob Zafian.

Florida attorney Sid Matthew is regarded by most as the foremost expert on the life and times of Augusta National co-founder Bob Jones. Sid joins Episode 6 of the TG History podcast to talk about Jones and what made him special beyond just his extraordinary playing resume.

Links mentioend on the show:

Connor Lewis on Twitter

Rod Morri on Twitter

Join the Society of Golf HIstorians Facebook Page

Email the show: history@talkingolf.com

Special Guest: Sid Matthew.

Karsten Solheim was the founder of PING Golf but his legacy in the game is far greater than the establishment of one manufacturing company. Solheim was a true visionary and one of golf's great innovators, his contribution to the development of modern putters and irons at least the equal of any in history. On Episode 5, we meet PING Historian Rob Griffin to get some insight into one of the game's best known and most respected figures.

Links mentioned on this episode:

Questions to history@talkingolf.com

Connor on Twitter: @SHistorians

Rod on Twitter: @Rod_Morri

Don't forget to use #TGHistory when sending questions on Twitter

Special Guest: Rob Griffin.

If you think some of golf's new rules don't make sense wait till you hear how the game used to be played. From drops that included throwing - yes throwing - the ball to free swings at your opponent's ball in matchplay there have been some weird and wonderful rules governing the game over time. Join hosts Rod Morri and Connor Lewis for Episode 4 as they break down some of the crazier laws golf has endured over time. We also answer listener questions from last episode so make sure to get yours in for next episode by Tweeting with the hashtag #TGHistory or by using the email address below.
Links mentioned in this episode:

Email for questions and feedback: history@talkingolf.com

Twitter handles: @Rod_Morri and @SHistorians

Rules History

To downlaod the brochure for the Barnbougle Dunes Course Study Tour with Mike Clayton click here

Did Bobby Jones really win two Grand Slams? Was The Masters a Major when Gene Sarzen hit 'the shot heard round the world in 1935'? Should Walter Hagen's five PGA titles between 1921 and 1927 be considered Grand Slam victories and will Craig Perks retroactively become New Zealand's third men's Major champion if The Players is one day deemed a Major? All this and more when TalkinGolf History welcomes special guest historian Bill Williams to Episode Three for a lively discussion on golf's 'Big Four' Tournaments.
Don't forget to send in questions via email (below) or on Twitter using the hashtag #TGHistory.

Links mentioned in this episode:
Contact Email: history@talkingolf.com
Rod Morri on Twitter: @Rod_Morri
Connor Lewis on Twitter: @SHistorians
Bill Williams on Twitter: @BilltheBrit1
Society of Golf HIstorians Facebook Page

Special Guest: Bill Williams.

After an overwhelming response to our first TalkinGolf History podcast last week we change gears this week as we welcome one of the game's most respected golf writers, John Huggan, with the first of an occasional but ongoing series of 'In Conversation With'. In this opening episode Huggy sits down with Solheim Cup Captain and long time friend Catriona Matthew for an engrossing chat on every facet of the game. In TalkinGolf news, we had such a good reaction to our first History episode we have decided already to switch it from a monthly show to fortnightly. More importantly, we want YOUR questions for each episode and the two best ways to submit them are either by email - history@talkingolf.com - or by Twitter. If you're using Twitter, you MUST use the hashtag #TGHistory to make sure we receive your questions. In coming weeks we'll be presenting an eclectic mix of content and any and all feedback is wlecome whether good, bad or indifferent. Looking forward to the journey!

Special Guest: Catriona Matthew.

There are almost too many golf podcasts to count these days but for all the content - both good and bad - available in audio format none delve into the history of the game. TalkinGolf changes all that this week as hosts Rod Morri and Connor T Lewis boldly go where no podcaster has been before: back. Way back. This monthly podcast will cover every facet of the incredibly rich histroy of golf from players to architecture to clubs to rules to the implements we use to whack the ball around the field of play. And the best thing about it is that it's not only fascinating, it's entertaining, sometimes funny and always enjoyable. This is golf history like you've never heard it before and we hope you'll enjoy the journey as much we do.
PS: One of the cornerstone ideas of this podcast is to have as much involvement from listeners as possible. We want your feedback - both good and bad - but more importantly we want your input. If you have questions you want answered or ideas for episodes don't be afraid to get in touch. The easiest way is Twitter at @Rod_Morri or @SHistorians or you can also visit the TalkinGolf Facebook page and - if you're into it - sign up to the Society of Golf Hisotirans Facebook page.

We are once again joined by John Barba of MyGolfSpy to dive into another historical tale from the golf manufacturing business.

Today on our show we dive into Part 1 of the Rise & Demise of the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. This epic tale starts in 1953 and sadly ends in 2022 with the last and perhaps final demise of this famous brand.

I have no idea how to describe this episode other than to say that Vaughn Halyard and I started this podcast after playing Landmand for the third time and we had no agenda or a script.

This is a bit different from our past podcasts, so if you are listening for the first time its not quite what we normally deliver, but I felt it was still worth publishing especially in its raw form. Just two friends who love golf history and golf design.

In this episode we celebrate the 2023 Open Championship and its host club, Royal Liverpool. We are joined by a familiar voice, Joe McDonnell who rejoins us on the podcast to talk about his home club.

We tend to think of links golf as something eternal - something that is unchanged - or perhaps created by Mother Nature. Today we dive into all of the changes that have occurred at Hoylake and how the course has evolved to the course that will host this year's Open.

With the Open Championship returning to Royal Liverpool, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to reshare the amazing history of John Ball, Junior. Ball was the first amateur in history to win a professional major and he was the most prolific winner of the Amateur Majors in golf history.

This is the story of Hoylake's original hero - the man that helped bring the Open to Royal Liverpool - the golfer who became the first Englishman to win the Open.

The underrated, John Ball, Junior.

Episode #104 welcomes back the USGA, with USGA Golf Historian, Katie Boyce who joins the show to discuss the History of LACC, the history of golf in Los Angeles and the USGA in California.

We hope you enjoy this wonderful pre-US Open podcast!

In episode #103 we kickoff where we left off in episode #102 - we make the turn to discuss Andrew Green's transformational restoration of Oak Hill's back nine and mix in some history you might not get anywhere else.

We are joined by renowned golf course architect, Andrew Green to discuss the history and restoration of the Donald Ross classic, Oak Hill's East Course which will be the host of the 2023 PGA Championship.

On this podcast we dive into the front nine - how they changed over the years, how Andrew and his team restored them and then we sprinkle in a little bit of history behind each golf hole for measure.

TalkinGolf History Episode 101 dives into the rich history of the events that transpired before Bobby Jones purchased the land that Augusta National sits on today. We are joined by golf historian, Greg Lamb who shares the property's unique history - from the Native Americans who lived on the land, to the land owners who tried to make a business out of it, to the public golf resort that nealry happened here, to a retired golfer looking to design his first golf course.

As we close in on the 124th playing of the US Open at Pinehurst, I thought it would be a great time to rollback the podcast to a show we recorded during the pandemic.

Recorded and filmed from Golf Club Atlas Headquarters in Pinehurst, NC, this podcast includes the Founder of Golf Club Atlas, Ran Morrisett, Kyle Frantz Golf Design, former President of the Donald Ross Society, Brad Becken, CEO of Story Lounge Film Company and current President of the Donald Ross Society and myself.

A great podcast that celebrates Pinehurst and the genius of Donald Ross.

Its been 5 years in the making...our 100th Episode!

Today we dive into the History and Restoration of Belleair CC, which happens to be my home club. Belleair has not only a fascinating golf history, but has just been restored to one of the best Donald Ross' courses in the United States.

Our panel for this show includes:
Myself, Connor T. Lewis, the Founder of the Society of Golf Historians

Vaughn Halyard, the MC for this show, my producer and Board Member of the Society of Golf Historians

Hal Bodley, former President of Belleair CC, Chairman of the Restoration Committee and the author of Belleair's 125th Anniversary Book

Jason Straka of Fry-Straka Design, who was the masterful architect who helped reno-restore Belleair's West Course in 2022.

Only one episode from our 100th show! And #99 is a doozy! Vaughn Halyard and I welcome the President of the Donald Ross Society, Brad Becken to talk about his new book, "The Golf Course Architecture of Donald Ross" which is now available for purchase at www.ClassicsofGolf.com. I promise there is something for everyone on this show- I learned a lot and I hope you do too!

We filmed and recorded this show on location at Belleair Country Club.

In Episode 98, golf historian Dave Moore joins the show to share the tragic story of US Amateur Champion, Eben Beyer who conquered the game of golf but was struck down in his youth by radium poisoning. It goes down in golf history as one of golf's saddest stories.

What better way to kick off season 5 of the TalkinGolf History Podcast than with an unplanned podcast with my dear friend Vaughn Halyard. We had just concluded our round on the newly restored Belleair CC and Vaughn wanted to to go public with his thoughts.

What follows is a funny podcast where Vaughn and I talk about Donald Ross' Belleair CC, our travels across the country sharing golf history through storytelling and where this podcast should go in 2023.

This episode concludes our three part series on the History of AW Tillinghast. We kick off Part 3 with golf historian, author and Tillinghast expert, Phil Young as we enter into the Great Depression, Tillinghast's bankruptcy and his much maligned work with the PGA of America.

We end with a high note as I ask Phil: "What three courses would one have to play to best understand the genius of AW Tillinghast?" His answer may surprise you.

This is the last episode of Season 4 - thank you for listening!

Golf Historian, author and AW Tillinghast expert, Phil Young joins us on the show for Part 2 of the History of AW Tillinghast. In this episode we dive into some of Tilly's most famous designs, as we ponder the question of Tilly's genius and whether it was divine genius - ie... did he just inherently understand strategic golf design or did his architecture evolve?

Stick around for the end of the show where Phil riffs on 6 of Tilly's great designs.

This is Part 1 of a series of podcasts dedicated to the History of AW Tillinghast. In our first installment we dive into Tilly's early years, his golf career, we explore a theory that he might have been bi-polar and end this first show his break out golf design that helped catapult his career.

We are joined by Tillinghast historian and author, Phil Young.

In our second episode of "A Golf Historian's Scavenger Hunt we explore the course that changed golf in America and the ruins of America's Home of Golf, then we dive into the most famous golf match perhaps in golf history and then end with the location of a match that may have determined where golf was born!

A great show made even better by the music that matches the eras:
Story #1: Scott Joplin playing Pineapple Rag in 1908
Story #2: Theme song to the movie, Caddyshack, "I'm Alright" by Kenny Loggins
Story #3: John Helmich Roman's, "Drottingholmsmusiken" written in 1744

Ralph Guldahl for a period of 4 to 5 years was the greatest golfer on the planet - even outshining his more famous peers Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson. Today on the podcast, with an assist from Warren Rogan, host of Sports Forgotten Heroes and his guest, Dr Tony Parker we share the story of the forgotten great...Ralph Guldahl.

If you like this story and just love sports, Warren Rogan's show, Sports Forgotten Heroes may be the show for you. Check it out and thank me later.

For episode #91 we welcome back golf course architect, Rob Collins to share the story of his latest creation, Landmand. You are about to get an insiders glimpse into how every hole at Landmand took shape.

This pod will be a classic - and I truly believe Landmand will become a legend. A special thanks to my production partner: Story Lounge Film Company.

We welcome author Peter May back to the podcast to discuss his latest book: "Changing the Course: How Charlie Sifford & Stanley Mosk Integrated the PGA."

A wonderful expansion on the DocuPod I recorded years ago by the title: "The Caucasian Clause." Peter May's study of the events that took place between 1896 and 1962 was thorough and tells the story, while not a happy one, of the creation of the PGA, the PGA Tour and the PGA Championship we know today.

On Episode 90 we interview half of the dynamic duo that make up King Collins Golf Design, Rob Collins.

On this two part podcast we dive into Rob's personal golf history, the incredible history behind King Collins' first design, Sweetens Cove and finally a teaser of Episode #91 the birth of Landmand.

This podcast was made with Story Lounge Film Company.

Golf Historian and author, Stephen Proctor joins us again to recount his sabbatical to play the Old Tom Morris Trail in Scotland. Proctor played 18 courses that Old Tom Morris designed or renovated and he joins the podcast to share his insights into the design mind of Old Tom Morris and the trip of a lifetime.

John Barba of MyGolfSpy joins us for the exciting conclusion of the Rise & Demise of MacGregor Golf. The company has started its death spiral, but there is a ray of hope on the horizon. How does a golf course design deal help bring an end to MacGregor? Listen to find out...

Once again we are joined by John Barba of MyGolfSpy fame to help us tell the amazing story of MacGregor Golf - a company that had the opportunity to be the greatest golf equipment company of all-time and yet met with the demise of so many other great companies that showed promise.

This show will be aired in two parts.

The final half of my interview with St Andrews Golf Historian, Roger McStravick as we complete our two hour walk through the cobblestone streets of St Andrews.

We welcome back St Andrews Golf Historian, Roger McStravick to TalkinGolf History to give our listeners a walking tour of the Auld Grey Toon that will be hosting the 150th playing of the Open Championship.

A very special thanks to Monty Python and the Holy Grail for adding some much needed humor to the podcast.