Linked By Golf

Ross McGuire

Linked by Golf is a golf podcast that explores the journeys of individuals shaped by the sport. Each episode features candid conversations with golf professionals, aspiring tour players, golf coaches, and sports journalists. From golf coaching tips to tour player stories, Linked by Golf offers a unique perspective on the game. Guests share how golf has influenced their careers, personal growth, and connections. Subscribe for inspiring golf interviews, expert advice, and behind-the-scenes stories. Follow us on Instagram @linkedbygolf2024.

  1. -1 D.

    Why You Talk Yourself Out of Good Shots (And How to Stop)

    📲 Follow along on Instagram: @linkedbygolfpodcast What's really going on inside a golfer's mind under pressure? And how much of what we tell ourselves on the course is actually making things worse? In this episode of the Linked By Golf golf podcast, I sit down with John Mathers — sports psychologist and expert in the mental game of golf — to explore why so many golfers struggle mentally on the course, and what you can do to play better golf by fixing how you think. John has spent 30 years working with elite performers across golf, tennis, snooker and motorsport. In this golf psychology conversation, he breaks down why it happens — and what you can actually do about it at any handicap level. Whether you're a scratch golfer or a 20 handicapper, if you've ever wondered why your best golf disappears when it matters most — this golf podcast episode is essential listening. Why golf psychology is no longer just for players with problemsWhat elite golfers are really thinking under pressure — it's not what you'd expectThe difference between judging yourself on outcome vs processWhat acceptance actually means on the golf courseHow to build a pre-shot routine that holds up under pressureWhy negative self-talk starts before you even take the club backHow to improve your mental game of golf at any handicapHow long it actually takes to change your mental habits on the courseWhy making a bogey isn't the problem — what you do next isJohn's own golf journey, his +1 handicap, and what still challenges himNo golfer — amateur or elite — is immune to pressure. The difference is how you respond to it.Judging yourself on effort and process, not outcome, is the foundation of a strong mental game in golf.A pre-shot routine isn't just a habit — it's your defence against anxiety and doubt on the course.The mental challenges of a scratch golfer and a 20 handicapper are more similar than you think.Lasting improvement in golf psychology takes 12 to 18 months — but green shoots appear within weeks."Enjoy the highs — but learn from the lows. So that your next high will happen sooner, and perhaps last longer than the last one." — John Mathers 🎧 Follow Linked By Golf for more golf podcast episodes connecting the game through people, stories, and insight.

    53 min
  2. 22. APR.

    Inside Srixon: How Golf Clubs Are Really Made (With European Product Manager Joe Miller)

    📲 Follow along on Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024What actually makes a golf club feel right? And how much of what golfers believe about equipment is… wrong? In this episode of Linked By Golf, I sit down with Joe Miller, European Product Manager at Srixon, inside their European custom build facility to go deep into the history, science, and craftsmanship behind modern golf clubs. From the earliest wooden clubs in Scotland to today’s precision-built equipment, Joe breaks down what’s really changed—and what surprisingly hasn’t. We also get a rare behind-the-scenes look at how custom clubs are built, why “standard spec” doesn’t exist, and what everyday golfers can learn from how tour players actually think about their equipment. If you’ve ever wondered whether your clubs are holding you back—or what actually matters when getting fitted—this is essential listening. The true origins of golf clubs (and why Scotland still matters)The biggest innovations in golf equipment history (steel, graphite, titanium)Why feel hasn’t changed as much as you thinkThe real meaning of quality inside a Japanese brand like SrixonWhy cutting the shaft is the most critical step in club buildingThe biggest myth in golf: “standard spec”Why tour players treat clubs like tools—not trophiesWhat actually changes when you get properly fittedHow much influence tour players really have on your bagWhy most golf clubs are still built by hand, not robotsThere is no such thing as a “standard” golf club—specs vary massively between brands.The smallest build errors (like shaft length) can completely change performance.Tour players prioritise function over looks, unlike most amateurs.Getting fitted correctly impacts confidence before you even swing.Despite modern tech, golf equipment is still heavily influenced by tradition and perception.“There is no standard. It’s like asking for a standard pair of trousers.” 🎧 Follow Linked By Golf for more conversations connecting the game through people, stories, and insight.

    28 min
  3. 31. MARS

    Toptracer Newcomer Win and Exciting Year Ahead For Stirling Golf Club With Kenny Monaghan

    Instagram for the show: @linkedbygolf2024 This week on Linked by Golf, Ross is joined by PGA Professional Kenny Monaghan — Head Pro at Stirling Golf Club and co-owner (with wife Amy) of Strathclyde Park Family Golf Centre. Kenny returns to the pod to share exciting developments at both facilities, from major tournament hosting to rapid growth at one of Scotland’s busiest driving ranges. ⛳ Stirling set to host the Scottish PGA Order of Merit FES Pro-Am — expected to be the biggest Pro-Am in Scotland in 2026Unique format: pro-only event followed by a combined pro & shotgun pro-am dayEvent supports fundraising for a major clubhouse redevelopment projectStirling’s profile continues to rise on the Scottish golf sceneOfficial final qualifying venue for the Seniors Open Championship at GleneaglesOpportunity for major champions and elite senior professionals to compete at the clubA significant boost for Stirling’s reputation and visibilityHighlights the strength of the course and its iconic backdropKenny reflects on working abroad and returning to ScotlandDiscussion on how locals can take world-class scenery and golf for grantedMany outstanding courses available at accessible prices beyond the famous venuesKenny and Amy purchased the facility in October 2024 — and the transformation has been rapid: 24-bay driving range with Toptracer technologyBrand new retail shopBirdies Café (35 seats) attracting golfers and non-golfers alike ☕Junior academies, ladies’ groups, and family participationOn-site sports therapy clinicConference room used by businesses and major golf brandsChildren’s play area to encourage family visitsOver 6.2 million golf balls hit in 2025 — far exceeding expectationsAlready tracking ahead year-to-datePeak demand so high that a buzzer system is used for waiting baysTechnology data helps guide expansion decisionsSeven additional range bays coming soonTwo custom fitting & coaching studiosUpgraded automated ball collection and cleaning systemsPlans accelerated after winning Toptracer “Newcomer of the Year” 🏅Ranges now attract a completely different demographicFamilies, beginners, social players, and even first datesLess intimidating entry point than traditional golf clubsPathway from range participation into course membershipKenny continues to coach a wide range of players — from beginners to tour professionalsStories from working with elite players preparing for senior tour eventsBalancing coaching, business ownership, and limited personal playing timeThe evolving role of the PGA ProfessionalCollaboration between ranges, municipal courses, and private clubs is keyModern expectations: relaxed environments, accessibility, and inclusivityFacilities must adapt to attract new generations of golfersFrom hosting major tournaments to reinventing a community golf facility, Kenny’s story highlights how the modern golf industry is evolving — blending tradition with innovation to grow the game for everyone. A brilliant insight into what it really takes to build thriving golf environments in 2026.

    36 min
  4. 24. MARS

    Inside Dunlop Golf Europe HQ with Product Manager, Joe Miller

    Follow on Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024 In this exclusive on-location episode of Linked by Golf, we step behind the scenes at Dunlop Golf Europe’s headquarters in Ash Vale — one of the most advanced custom golf club build facilities in the UK. Ross tours the workshop with Product Manager Joe Miller to discover exactly how a set of clubs goes from retailer order to precision-built performance equipment — trusted by tour professionals and everyday golfers alike. From shafts and heads to swing weight, loft, lie, and quality control, this conversation reveals the science, craftsmanship, and surprising details that determine how your clubs actually perform on the course. How custom golf clubs are built step-by-step Why custom fitting isn’t just for elite players The biggest equipment mistakes amateur golfers make Why wedges are often the most mismatched clubs in the bag How grip changes can completely alter club performance The role of loft, centre of gravity, and shaft selection Typical lead times for custom-built clubs How manufacturers ensure tour-level quality control Joe walks us through the entire journey of a custom order: ✔ Order submission from retailer✔ Specification review and build planning✔ Component picking — heads, shafts, grips✔ Precision cutting and assembly✔ Swing-weighting and measurement✔ Final quality control checks Every club is built to tight tolerances, with multiple verification stages to ensure the finished product matches the player’s exact requirements. “Small changes — length, lie, grip weight — can completely change how a club feels and performs.” Contrary to popular belief, custom fitting isn’t only for tour pros. Joe explains how body type, swing speed, injuries, age, and playing style all influence the ideal club setup — and why buying off-the-rack equipment can leave performance on the table. A standout insight: many golfers carefully fit drivers but neglect the scoring clubs they use most. This episode also explores how golfers actually choose equipment — and why looks often matter more than performance. The surprising importance of aesthetics Why golfers buy wedges that don’t match their irons The psychology behind club selection How modern iron lofts have changed the game If you’re ordering custom clubs, Dunlop Golf Europe aims to deliver within about five days when stock is available — though supply chains and component availability can affect timelines. Considering most golfers keep clubs for years, a short wait can deliver long-term performance gains. Joe also discusses: Forged vs hollow irons High-launch designs and modern loft trends Combo iron sets used by tour players Graphite shafts for injury relief and vibration reduction Counterweighting and swing dynamics Joe Miller is Product Manager at Srixon Europe, responsible for technical specifications, product knowledge, and supporting marketing and retail teams across the region. He has worked with the brand for nearly two decades and brings deep insight into both equipment design and real-world performance. This episode was recorded inside Dunlop Golf Europe’s custom fitting and build headquarters in Ash Vale, offering rare access to the environment where performance equipment is assembled for golfers across Europe. 🏌️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🏭 Inside the Custom Build Process 🎯 Why Custom Fitting Matters (For Every Golfer) ⚙️ Equipment Myths & Eye-Opening Insights ⏱️ Lead Times & What to Expect 🧠 Technology, Materials & Performance 👤 About the Guest 📍 Recorded On Location, Srixon players include Shane Lowry, Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, Sepp Straka, Ryan Fox, Keegan Bradley, Ben Griffin & JJ Spaun

    45 min
  5. 10. MARS

    How Fitness Can Improve Your Golf Game – With Colin Dickson

    Follow the podcast on social: Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024 In this episode, Ross is joined by personal trainer Colin Dickson to talk about the growing role of fitness in golf and how golfers can improve performance through strength, mobility and better preparation. Colin shares his journey from working in IT to becoming a personal trainer, why he now works with golfers, and how he’s helping junior players build strength and clubhead speed through winter training programmes. They also discuss practical ways golfers can improve their fitness, avoid injury and add distance without needing a full gym setup. Why fitness is becoming essential in modern golf The most common physical weaknesses in golfers How strength training can increase clubhead speed Simple mobility exercises to do before a round Why hydration and nutrition matter during a 4-hour round The most underrated exercise for golfers How junior golfers are gaining a competitive edge through fitness Most golfers struggle with tight hips and poor spinal mobility, often caused by sitting for long periods. Improving mobility helps golfers rotate better and reduce lower back strain. Colin focuses on compound movements like deadlifts, squats, lunges, pull-ups and presses to build full-body strength that translates into more power in the golf swing. Golf-specific exercises such as cable rotations, band work and medicine ball drills help develop core strength and improve swing efficiency. Junior golfers working with Colin have already gained 6–8 mph in clubhead speed through structured winter training — potentially adding 20+ yards of distance. Many golfers go straight from the car to the first tee. Colin recommends spending 5–10 minutes warming up with simple mobility and band exercises to activate the hips, spine and shoulders before playing. Golf rounds can last four hours or more, so fuelling properly matters. Colin recommends focusing on: Protein and carbohydrates before a round Hydration the day before and during play Light snacks like fruit, protein bars or shakes during the round Avoid heavy, high-fat foods between rounds which can leave you feeling sluggish. If Colin had to choose one exercise for golfers it would be the trap bar deadlift, which builds strength through the legs, glutes and core — key areas for generating power in the golf swing. Follow Colin for golf fitness tips, workouts and nutrition advice: Instagram: @colindicksonpt

    51 min
  6. 3. MARS

    The Amateur Champion’s Journey | Craig Watson on Winning The Amateur, Playing The Masters & The Open

    Guest: Craig Watson In this episode of Linked By Golf, Ross chats with Craig Watson — one of Scotland’s most accomplished amateur golfers — about a career that spans winning The Amateur Championship, playing in The Masters and The Open, and representing and captaining Great Britain & Ireland in the Walker Cup. Craig reflects on his victory at The Amateur Championship in 1997, a win that opened doors to Augusta National and Royal Birkdale. He shares what it was like walking the fairways at The Masters Tournament and competing in The Open Championship — experiences few amateurs ever get to live. The conversation also dives deep into his long association with the Walker Cup — first as a player representing Great Britain & Ireland, and later as captain. Craig explains the unique pressure and pride that comes with amateur team golf, the responsibility of leadership, and what it takes to prepare players for elite international competition. From growing up in Scottish golf to competing on the biggest stages in the world, Craig offers insight into longevity in the amateur game, balancing elite sport with life beyond competition, and what the modern amateur landscape looks like compared to his era. Topics covered in this episode:• Winning The Amateur Championship in 1997• Earning a place at The Masters and The Open• The Augusta National experience as an amateur• Competing at Royal Birkdale• Representing Great Britain & Ireland in the Walker Cup• Captaining the Walker Cup side• The evolution of elite amateur golf• The pride of Scottish golf tradition• Leadership, preparation, and team culture• Life beyond tournament golf Follow the podcast:@linkedbygolf2024

    42 min

Om

Linked by Golf is a golf podcast that explores the journeys of individuals shaped by the sport. Each episode features candid conversations with golf professionals, aspiring tour players, golf coaches, and sports journalists. From golf coaching tips to tour player stories, Linked by Golf offers a unique perspective on the game. Guests share how golf has influenced their careers, personal growth, and connections. Subscribe for inspiring golf interviews, expert advice, and behind-the-scenes stories. Follow us on Instagram @linkedbygolf2024.

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