This Golfing Life

Dan Davies
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This Golfing Life is a series of conversations about life, golf and the relationship between the two. Join host Dan Davies as he gets to the heart of the game with an eclectic range of guests - some famous, some less so; but all of them hopelessly besotted with the most engaging, infuriating and enjoyable game ever created.

  1. 4 days ago

    20. Gordon Smart: The Game That Brought Me Back

    Broadcaster, journalist and lifelong golf fanatic Gordon Smart joins Dan Davies for one of the most entertaining and revealing conversations yet on This Golfing Life. From hosting Jon Rahm and Tom Grennan at The Open to following Scotland at the World Cup, Gordon shares remarkable stories from a life spent at the heart of sport, music, broadcasting and Fleet Street. But beneath the laughter lies a deeply personal story of resilience. Gordon reflects on growing up in the golfing heartland of Fife, learning the game with his grandfather, the magical pull of St Andrews, and why golf remains unlike any other sport. He also opens up about the devastating period that saw him lose his voice, his radio career and much of the life he'd built during the pandemic — and how walking the fairways of Kinross Golf Club became the therapy that helped him rebuild. Along the way, there are tales of Sean Connery and Michael Caine's legendary clubhouse nights, Alan Hansen's house at Royal Birkdale, playing The Old Course in reverse, Fleet Street excess, Scotland's unforgettable World Cup adventure, and why golf is ultimately about far more than the scorecard. This is a conversation about friendship, identity, resilience and why the game we love has an extraordinary ability to heal. In this episode Hosting Jon Rahm and Tom Grennan during Open Championship week Why Tom Grennan fell in love with golf The magic of The Open at Royal Birkdale, Portrush and St Andrews Growing up between Gleneagles and St Andrews Childhood golf in Fife and the influence of family Hidden gem Scottish golf courses Golf and mental health during the pandemic Losing his voice—and rebuilding his life Fleet Street, celebrity journalism and life at The Sun Playing The Old Course backwards Scotland's World Cup journey and the spirit of the Tartan Army Why golf remains the greatest game of all Chapters 00:00 Introducing this week’s guest, Gordon Smart 01:43 Hosting Jon Rahm and Tom Grennan at The Open 03:03 Tom Grennan's extraordinary journey to golf 04:47 Alan Hansen, Kenny Dalglish and Open week at Birkdale 07:21 Why The Open is golf's greatest championship 08:13 Growing up between St Andrews and Gleneagles 10:25 The magic of St Andrews and unforgettable Open memories 12:56 Jim Leishman, the R&A and golfing royalty 15:40 Why elite sportspeople become obsessed with golf 18:31 Learning the game in Kinross 22:45 Scotland's hidden nine-hole gems 24:12 Golf tours, Jimmy Nesbitt and surviving Portrush 26:12 Losing everything during the pandemic 30:42 Golf as therapy, memory and healing 35:18 Football dreams and choosing journalism 38:09 Fleet Street, celebrity culture and life at The Sun 43:41 The impossible balance of celebrity journalism 49:37 Playing The Old Course... backwards 53:08 Scotland, the World Cup and the Tartan Army 57:54 France '98, football memories and what sport means Links Gordon Smart on Instagram Dan Davies on Substack RNGC - Dan Davies’ backyard golf course Kinross Golf Club Get 20% of your next purchase at SounderGolf.com with code POD20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    20. Gordon Smart: The Game That Brought Me Back

  2. 23 July

    19. Jim Hartsell: Worship in Golf's Tiny Chapels

    A far-reaching and candid conversation with American author Jim Hartsell, who talks about his profound love for Scottish golf, his personal journey from playing with generations of his family in Alabama, the tragic loss of his son Jordan, and how the people, the golf culture and the less-heralded courses of Scotland provided sanctuary n his darkest times. Jim discusses how these experiences have shaped his writing and also shares stories behind Tennessee's cult 9-hole course Sweetens Cove, his books, and the deep cultural ties that make Scottish golf uniquely special. Key TopicsThe significance of the 1977 Open Championship to Jim The connection between family and golf across generations The story behind Sweetens Cove and its architectural philosophy Jim Hartsell's books: The Secret Home of Golf, When Revelation Comes, and A Round of Scottish Courses The importance of small, historic Scottish courses and their preservation Chapters 00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Jim Hartsell 01:42 1977 Open at Turnberry: Jim’s first Scottish golf memory 04:50 Growing up playing golf in Alabama 08:12 First Scottish golf trip with Dad in 1994 14:45 The spiritual pull of Machrihanish and Dunaverty 19:35 The Secret Home of Golf: Sweetens Cove 27:08 King Collins - Golf architecture philosophy 32:26 Get a 20% discount on your next Sounder purchase 32:39 Family tragedy and Jim's second book 39:51 The kindness and empathy of the Scottish people 44:22 Author Stephen Proctor and The Duffers' Literary Podcast 45:19 Jim's latest book on the "tiny chapels of Scottish golf" 52:29 Recapturing the joy of childhood play on Scottish courses 55:47 Dan invites Jim to Royal North Devon, The Cradle of English Golf 01:00:17 Jim Hartsell's deepening connection with Scotland through golf 01:02:58 A shout out to Jim at Back Nine Press Links Jim Hartsell on Twitter Jim Hartsell’s website Sweeten's Cove Golf Course The Secret Home of Golf by Jim Hartsell (Back Nine Press)  When Revelation Comes by Jim Hartsell (Back Nine Press) A Round of Scottish Courses by Jim Hartsell (Back Nine Press)  Dan Davies on Substack RNGC backyard golf course on Instagram Get 20% of your next purchase with Sounder using code POD20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    19. Jim Hartsell: Worship in Golf's Tiny Chapels

  3. 16 July

    Bill Elliott: Glory Days of Golf's 'Big Five'

    In this episode, veteran golf journalist Bill Elliott shares his colourful experiences covering the game's biggest names in the '80s and ‘90s. Host Dan Davies dives into Bill’s many stories about the most iconic golfers of the era – Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam, players and people that Bill got to know well. The conversation includes thoughts on their different personalities, the dynamics between them, and how the landscape of professional golf has changed. Main Topics Bill Elliott’s first Open Championship in 1969 The rise of the European Tour, led by Seve Ballesteros, and the impact on golf’s global popularity The transformation of golf journalism from in-person access to today's more controlled environment Behind-the-scenes anecdotes about legendary players such as Seve, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Ian Woosnam, and Bernhard Langer The influence of faith, personal struggles, and friendships in Bernhard Langer’s life The emergence of Tiger Woods and his impact on the cultural perception of golf Greg Norman’s legacy and his turbulent attempts to create a global pro tour Bill’s “truly horrendous” experience with Nick Faldo Chapters 00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Bill Elliott 01:48 Bill Elliott's first Open Championship in 1969 04:52 The impact of the Big Five on European golf 11:16 Balancing friendships in pro golf with the job of being a reporter 14:32 Bernhard Langer: the toughest nut to crack 18:00 The importance of faith to Bernhard Langer 25:23 Get a 20% discount on Sounder with this code 25:40 Similar types: The dynamic between Seve and Langer 30:29 Getting to know Seve and a memorable James Bond stunt 36:55 The British connection: Faldo, Lyle and Woosnam 39:40 Was Nick Faldo “socially awkward”? 41:58 All change in the Tiger Woods era 44:35 First meeting Greg Norman and the seeds of a long friendship 49:55 Greg Norman's first war with the PGA Tour 56:18 Falling out with Kenny Dalglish and Nick Faldo 01:04:19 Ian Woosnam: A spiky character Links Get 20% off your net purchase at www.soundergolf.com with code POD20 Follow Dan Davies on Substack: The Sacred Acre Follow RNGC on Instagram Watch this episode on YouTube at SounderGolf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Bill Elliott: Glory Days of Golf's 'Big Five'

  4. 9 July

    Matthew Southgate: "The Open Was Always Our Dream"

    Six Open Championships. Countless battles. One unforgettable story. This week on This Golfing Life, you're about to hear one of the most candid, emotional and inspiring conversations we've ever recorded. In a few days, Matthew Southgate will tee it up in The Open Championship for the seventh time after once again battling his way through Final Qualifying. But this story is about so much more than golf. It's the story of a little boy who fell in love with The Open because of his father. A father who taught him to shape golf shots in the woods before school, who drove him hundreds of miles to Carnoustie because he believed it was the greatest golf course on earth, and who passed on a lifelong obsession with links golf and the Open Championship itself. Matthew speaks with extraordinary honesty about surviving cancer, losing that father far too soon, the grief that followed, and the battle with alcohol that almost consumed him. He relives the unforgettable Open moments that have defined his career, explains why he believes links golf still brings out the very best in him, and reveals why, as he heads to Royal Birkdale, he genuinely believes he can remind the golfing world exactly what he's capable of. This isn't just the story of one of Britain's finest links golfers. It's a story about family, loss, resilience — and a lifelong love affair with The Open Championship. Welcome to This Golfing Life with Matthew Southgate. Key topics Why The Open Championship means more to Matthew Southgate than any other tournament How his father shaped his love of links golf — and the remarkable Carnoustie connection The story behind six successful Open Final Qualifying campaigns Fighting testicular cancer, coping with grief and overcoming alcohol dependence Inside his unforgettable Open Championship performances, including Royal Birkdale Why links golf rewards imagination, creativity and courage over power Why Matthew believes he can once again challenge at this year's Open Championship Chapters 00:00 Introduction to this week's guest, Matthew Southgate 01:56 Why the Open is so special to Matt 07:08 Thorpe Hall GC and giving back to his home club 10:01 Influences and mentorship in his early days 15:05 Qualifying for another Open - Matt's journey to Birkdale 20:09 The role of Carnoustie in Matt's life and development as a golfer 24:51 "He was born to play links golf": The role of Matt's Dad 28:02 Matt’s links golf heroes 30:17 The unique challenge of links golf 35:03 Tom Watson - taking his Dad to watch his hero at Turnberry 38:47 Learning from great Open champions - Woods, Nicklaus, Watson, Trevino 41:14 Matt's love of the Old Course and successes at St Andrews 45:41 A shared passion: Matt's fondest memories of his Dad 52:27 Being diagnosed with testicular cancer and being inspired by the Open 56:19 Success in the 2016 Open at Troon 57:38 Tying for 6th in the 2017 Open at Birkdale 01:00:19 Playing at Birkdale in 2026, plus Billy Foster on the bag 01:03:05 Finding form and feeling confident in his game 01:03:29 Battling grief and acknowledging his drink problem 01:09:22 Golf is for nutters — all golfers are crazy! Links Matthew Southgate on Instagram Matt on Twitter/X Dan Davies on Substack RNGC - Britain's premier backyard golf course Get 20% off your next purchase at SounderGolf with code POD20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Matthew Southgate: "The Open Was Always Our Dream"

  5. 2 July

    16. JJ Feild: Golf gives me imposter syndrome

    Film, TV and stage actor JJ Feild shares his eclectic golf journey, from sneaking onto courses as a kid to playing at some of the world's most prestigious venues. Discover his humorous takes on golf culture, playing in the Dunhill Links Championship, and why he feels like an imposter every time he drives through the gates of a golf club. Hear about his ill-fated trip to Pine Valley, how Simon Farnaby was his golfing mentor, and why JJ’s instinctive rebellion against authority has landed him in hot water on the golf course.  Key topics JJ Feild's early golf experiences and sneaking onto courses Memorable golf tournaments and encounters with celebrities The impact of his acting career on his physicality, golf swing and mind set Humorous and controversial golf stories and incidents Insights into exclusive golf clubs and courses around the world Chapters 00:00 Introducing this week’s guest, JJ Feild 02:08 Golfing Identity: From Imposter Syndrome to Club Membership 06:28 Navigating Golf Etiquette: Tales from the Course 07:14 The Anti-Establishment Golfer: A Clash of Cultures 10:07 Breaking into Golf: The Early Days of a Golfer's Journey 15:36 Start in golf - playing at Skull in Ireland 18:25 Joining The Stage Golfing Society 23:19 Playing in the Dunhill Links - every golfer's dream 32:27 Rivalry with his golfing mentor - Simon Farnaby 34:52 Bulking up for roles and how it affects the swing 35:46 Meeting his golfing Fairy Godfathers 37:44 Playing some of America's most exclusive courses 39:24 JJ's imposter syndrome in golf 42:17 Links golf and playing in all weathers 46:09 Talent vs Mental Game 48:24 Rebuilding the Swing: Lessons from Injury 51:05 Being mistaken for Jude Law and Tom Hiddleston 54:12 Reflections on the opportunities provided by golf 56:00 Visiting Pine Valley and losing his new suit 01:00:02 JJ's Crans Montana envy Links Highgate Golf Club Queen's Park Pitch & Putt Pine Valley Golf Club Dunhill Links Championship Sean Quinlivan (Golf Pro at Shinnecock Hills) Guest links JJ Feild on Instagram Get 20% of your next purchase at SounderGolf.com using the code POD20 Follow Dan Davies and RNGC on Instagram Read Dan Davies on Substack at The Sacred Acre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    16. JJ Feild: Golf gives me imposter syndrome

  6. 25 June

    15. Brian Viner: The best Open prank & golf’s greats up-close

    Respected sports journalist and author Brian Viner joins Dan Davies to discuss a lifetime spent covering sport, his love affair with golf, and the remarkable characters he's encountered along the way. From growing up in Southport among some of the world's greatest links courses to interviewing legends such as Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, George Foreman, Richie Benaud and John McEnroe, Brian shares unforgettable stories from both inside and outside the ropes. The conversation ranges from following a teenage Seve at Royal Birkdale in 1976, to studying at St Andrews, witnessing Jack Nicklaus's legendary 1986 Masters victory, and pulling off one of the greatest golfing pranks in Open Championship history. Brian also reflects on golf's biggest personalities, the changing landscape of televised golf, the enduring magic of links golf, and why St Andrews and Southport will always hold a special place in his heart. Key themes Growing up in Southport's golfing heartland Watching Nicklaus, Watson and Seve in the 1970s Following Seve Ballesteros at Royal Birkdale in 1976 Interviewing Seve in Spain and discussing his views on modern golf Brian’s legendary St Andrews Open prank Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and golf's greatest rivalries Witnessing Nicklaus's 1986 Masters triumph The art of interviewing sporting legends The challenges of golf on television LIV Golf, Rory McIlroy and the future of the game Why Tom Watson at Turnberry remains one of golf's greatest stories Brian's favourite courses and golfing happy places Chapters/timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Brian Viner 02:00 Growing up in Southport's golfing culture 04:30 The Open Championship heroes of the 1970s 07:10 Following Seve Ballesteros at Royal Birkdale in 1976 08:50 Interviewing Seve Ballesteros in Spain 10:20 Seve's ideas for changing golf and his gamesmanship 12:30 The charisma and legacy of Seve 14:45 Why Brian chose St Andrews University 15:45 Playing St Andrews for £15 a year 16:20 The famous Open Championship impersonation prank 20:00 Becoming "David Ridley" at The Open 24:00 The sequel: repeating the prank at Carnoustie 26:00 Interviewing sporting legends for The Independent 27:00 George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard and John McEnroe 28:30 Why older sporting greats make the best interviewees 29:30 Collecting answerphone messages from famous commentators 32:00 Arnold Palmer at Bay Hill 35:00 Palmer's impact on The Open Championship 37:00 Understanding golfers through their fathers 38:30 Palmer vs Nicklaus: golf's great rivalry 42:15 Jack Nicklaus and the 1986 Masters 44:00 The greatest unseen shot in Masters history 46:00 Turning down Augusta with Jack Nicklaus 47:00 A date with Jack Nicklaus's daughter 48:00 Golf as a television sport 49:00 LIV Golf, Rory McIlroy and modern golf coverage 52:00 Tom Watson's near-miracle at Turnberry in 2009 56:00 Why following one player reveals golf's true genius 58:00 Lee Trevino and entertaining the galleries 59:15 Royal Birkdale's redesign and preserving golf history 1:01:10 Who Brian wants to win The Open 1:03:30 Brian's golfing happy places 1:04:00 Kington Golf Club and St Andrews 1:05:00 Why links golf is the ultimate golfing experience 1:06:00 Closing thoughts Links Brian Viner’s greatest sports interviews Sounder - Use Code Pod20 for 20% off your next purchase The Open Championship Official Site Dan Davies - The Sacred Acre on Substack Brian Viner links Twitter Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    15. Brian Viner: The best Open prank & golf’s greats up-close

  7. 18 June

    14. David Howell: Ryder Cups, Taming Tiger & Playing with Joy

    Ryder Cup hero and Sky Sports commentator David Howell joins Dan Davies for a wide-ranging conversation about a pro golf career spanning three decades, the advantages of a ‘joyful’ mindset, playing in Ryder Cups, battling and beating peak-era Tiger Woods, and formative experiences alongside legends such as Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal. Across the episode, Howell reveals how a self-made but super smart mental approach helped him compete at the highest level, why joy and a love for the game shaped his career, and how his passion for team golf—especially the Ryder Cup—became his defining motivation. Key Themes How David Howell built a long DP World Tour career from an unconventional junior background Mental strategies used to handle pressure against world-class players Inside stories of Ryder Cup preparation and team-room dynamics Competing against peak Tiger Woods and simplifying performance goals Early career breakthrough in South Africa and self-belief development Playing with and against Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal  Evolution of the DP World Tour and global professional golf The secrets, sounds and sensations of elite putting Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to this week’s guest, David Howell 02:05 – Broadcasting with Sky Sport and the 2025 US Open at Shinnecock 03:39 – Turning pro in 1995 & South African breakthrough 05:08 – Playing alongside Ernie Els & early belief moment 08:37 – First DP World Tour wins & career progression 09:16 – Peak Tiger Woods at HSBC Champions 11:43 – Strategy against Tiger & mindset of control 13:01 – Amateur background & peers on the rise 15:08 – No obsession with heroes: the focus on enjoyment 17:19 – Seve Trophy memories & beating Seve and Olazábal 23:09 – Ryder Cup inspiration & childhood memories (1985–1989) 25:44 – 2004 Ryder Cup debut at Oakland Hills 29:58 – Team strategy with Paul Casey 34:34 – Thoughts on Ryder Cup captaincy 37:53 – European Tour identity & Ryder Cup “DNA” 41:41 – The challenges facing the DP World Tour 52:09 – Life on tour: friendships, dinners & social culture 54:54 – Walker Cup memories & early Tiger Woods encounters 59:33 – The art of putting & short game philosophy 1:02:19 – When was David Howell happiest in golf? About the Guest David Howell is a former European Ryder Cup player with multiple DP World Tour victories and over 700 career appearances. He is also a respected golf broadcaster with Sky Sports and a senior figure within the DP World Tour. Known for his affable personality, deadly short game and fund of great stories, Howell offers one of the most candid and thoughtful perspectives in modern professional golf. Links David Howell on Twitter David Howell on Instagram Sounder Golf - use code POD20 for a 20% discount RNGC - Britain’s premier backyard golf course Dan Davies on Substack The Mini Masters in aid of Leukaemia UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    14. David Howell: Ryder Cups, Taming Tiger & Playing with Joy

  8. 11 June

    13. Jigger Thomson: Open Heroics & Battling Leukaemia

    Discover how Jigger Thomson, the tallest tour pro in world golf, burst onto the scene at the 2021 Open Championship at Royal St. George’s having overcome childhood leukaemia to reach the DP World Tour. Hear how he has recently survived his most recent battle with blood cancer and now has his sights set on a return to top-flight golf. This is an inspiring story of faith, perseverance, and a remarkable love for golf, and not to be missed. You can join Jigger at the 2026 Mini Masters in aid of Leukaemia UK on Friday June 26th at Sunningdale Heath. Details below and in the podcast. Key Topics: His breakthrough performance at the 2021 Open Championship Jigger Thomson’s early life and battle with leukaemia starting at age 7 The emotional journey through diagnosis, treatment, and remission How golf helped with mental healing during illness The significance of family support and community engagement The role of faith and spirituality in overcoming hardship His goals for returning to professional golf after his most recent battle with leukaemia The upcoming Mini Masters fundraising event for Leukaemia UK Record-breaking moments, including nine consecutive birdies he ongoing fight for a cure and advances in leukaemia treatment Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing this week’s guest, Jonathan ‘Jigger’ Thomson 02:52 - Key moments from the 16th and 17th holes at the 149th Open  03:41 - How Jigger managed focus after the hole-in-one 04:50 - The crowd’s support and the walk down the 18th on Friday 05:53 - Walking in a surreal moment, feeling like part of a fairy tale 06:22 - Focus and mental resilience on the course during critical moments 07:41 - Jigger’s experience with backing from the crowd and his supporters 09:27 - Emotional walk on the 18th and the connection to past struggles 11:11 - Challenges on the Challenge Tour before the Open 13:45 - Family story and how childhood illness shaped his love for golf 15:01 - Recalling the diagnosis at age 7 and the emotional toll 16:02 - The return of leukemia in 2024 and its emotional impact 17:42 - The spiritual awakening and faith helping Jigger through adversity 18:53 - The physical toll of treatment and weight loss post-therapy 19:49 - The ongoing battle and future hopes for health and golf 22:07 - The importance of family, support, and faith in overcoming illness 32:14 - Physical condition after treatment and rebuilding strength 37:16 - Involvement with fundraising for leukaemia research (Mini Masters) 38:46 - Childhood influence and the importance of golf as a mental escape 40:33 - His rapid development in golf from age five onward 41:41 - Competitive amateur career highlights and early achievements 44:29 - Meaningful experiences with the England amateur team 45:28 - Fast start on the Euro Pro Tour and breakthrough victory 46:48 - Nearly winning in his first season on the DP World Tour 48:44 - Record for nine consecutive birdies  50:35 - His amateur successes and how they set the stage for professional growth 54:07 - Current health status, treatment, and golf goals for the future 57:12 - The confidence inherited from childhood perseverance and recent battles 58:50 - The desire to return to the Open and the DP World Tour 59:12 - Upcoming participation in the Mini Masters supporting leukaemia research Resources & Links: Leukaemia UK Mini Masters Golf Event Jigger Thomson on Instagram Sounder Golf Gear – Use code POD20 for 20% off Follow Dan Davies & RNGC on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    13. Jigger Thomson: Open Heroics & Battling Leukaemia
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About

This Golfing Life is a series of conversations about life, golf and the relationship between the two. Join host Dan Davies as he gets to the heart of the game with an eclectic range of guests - some famous, some less so; but all of them hopelessly besotted with the most engaging, infuriating and enjoyable game ever created.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Davies
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sounder
  • Show Website
    This Golfing Life

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