Both Sides of Par: The Golf Podcast

Colin and Ross
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Colin and Ross share their golf journeys, from both ends of the spectrum. A high handicapper and a low handicapper, still sharing the same love of the game and most of the same frustrations!

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Why Hitting Fewer Balls Could Transform Your Practice Sessions

    Let us know what you want from the show! Email us at hello@bothpar.com, as tell us: What parts do you want more of?What do you want less of?What else could we cover that would make the show unmissable for you?Thanks! On today's episode: Why Hitting Fewer Balls Could Transform Your Practice SessionsThe £15 Training Aid That's Actually Worth Using (SimStick Review)How One Scottish Course Uses Dramatic Elevation to Create Unforgettable HolesWinter Golf Tournament Formats That Keep You Motivated Through the Dark MonthsColin and Ross kick off the episode with Colin sharing his exciting move to Muir of Ord Golf Course on the Black Isle. He's particularly drawn to their winter tournament series—a weekly Sunday competition running through the coldest months where players accumulate Stableford points for a season trophy. The course itself sounds like a gem, with two distinct halves separated by a railway track: one side relatively flat with interesting tree-lined doglegs, the other featuring dramatic elevation changes including two par threes with 50-100 foot drops and one hole that climbs back up, leaving Colin baffled about club selection even though it's barely 100 yards. The conversation shifts to Ross's recent revelation about practice quality. After struggling with consistency despite logging plenty of range hours, he's discovered that hitting 30-40 intentional shots beats mindlessly working through 100 balls. This sparks a discussion about the SimStick—a simple but effective training aid that's been helping both hosts work on swing path and strike quality. They compare it to alternatives like the Divot Board and Tour Striker Smart Ball, debating the merits of each for different aspects of practice. Colin admits he's still getting value from working through strike issues with his irons, while Ross emphasizes how the SimStick provides immediate feedback without the faff of more complex training tools. The episode wraps with a chat about golf balls (Colin's experiment with Srixon Q-Star Divide's half-orange, half-yellow design mostly taught him that new balls just feel nice, even if they don't actually perform differently), before Ross shares two fantastic competition opportunities in Cornwall. Both are on Sunday, May 24th: an open at the stunning coastal Carlion Bay for just £27, and a 36-hole better ball at West Cornwall Golf Club in St Ives for £120 per pair. The lads make a compelling case for a spring golf trip to England's southwest corner. 00:00 Introduction and welcome 03:30 Colin's new club at Muir of Ord 08:45 Winter tournament format and course description 15:20 Muir of Ord's dramatic elevation changes 19:10 Ross's practice quality breakthrough 26:35 SimStick training aid discussion 34:50 Comparing training aids: SimStick vs Divot Board vs Smart Ball 41:15 Golf ball chat and Srixon Q-Star Divide experiment 45:00 Cornwall competitions: Carlion Bay and West Cornwall Golf Club

    48 min

  2. FEB 5

    Stealth vs QI 35, Impact Stickers, and Staying Calm When Your Round Wobbles

    Let us know what you want from the show! Email us at hello@bothpar.com, as tell us: What parts do you want more of?What do you want less of?What else could we cover that would make the show unmissable for you?Thanks! Colin and Ross kick off with another cracking competition find – a three-person team event at Cleveland Golf Club in Yorkshire that has Colin planning a road trip from Newcastle to Edinburgh. Both lads are sporting their new Druids ambassador gear and share first impressions (spoiler: impressed, especially for the price). Colin finally retired his 20-year-old Cleveland Launcher after his son broke it, and a trip to the local shop turned into a TaylorMade Stealth purchase – the numbers were just too good to ignore, even if it didn't feel quite as sweet as the QI 35. Ross, meanwhile, is fully committed to Ping life and loving his G430 LST driver after some early teething issues. The practice chat is gold this week. Ross put Episode 4's mental game advice into real action during a one-under round, proving that staying calm mid-wobble actually works. Colin discovered through impact stickers that he's been addressing his driver wrong for years – a simple six-inch step back fixed his heel strikes entirely. Ross talks speed training progress (174 ball speed, not bad), and they wrap up chatting about watching golf on TV. Full Swing gets a strong recommendation if you haven't seen it yet. Episode Highlights🟢 Colin tests two drivers in-store and goes with feel vs numbers – the TaylorMade Stealth wins despite not feeling as "sweet" because it added 20 yards 🟢 Ross applies the mental game strategies from Episode 4 during a real round and shoots one under, proving the mindset work actually pays off 🟢 Impact stickers reveal Colin's been hitting off the heel for years – a simple setup change fixes it instantly 🟢 Both hosts unbox their Druids ambassador packs and share honest first impressions on quality vs price 🟢 Speed training update: Ross is back up to 174 ball speed and 118.5 club head speed after some winter rust Gear & Resources Mentioned🟢 Cleveland Golf Club, Yorkshire – the only true natural links in Yorkshire, bookable online https://www.clevelandgolfclub.co.uk 🟢 Happy Golf – competition search tool Ross used to find the three-person event https://www.happygolf.co.uk 🟢 Druids Golf – affordable golf clothing brand, ambassador packs available https://www.druidsgolf.com 🟢 TaylorMade Stealth Driver – Colin's new driver purchase with adjustable weight and loft 🟢 TaylorMade QI 35 Driver – tested but not purchased, very forgiving feel 🟢 Ping G430 LST Driver – Ross's current driver choice 🟢 Ping G425 3-Wood – Ross's fairway wood, highly recommended 🟢 Inverness Golf Centre – local shop with Trackman fitting bay 🟢 How Did I Do – online booking system used by many UK golf clubs https://www.howdidido.com 🟢 Impact Stickers – strike location training aid for club faces 🟢 Trackman – launch monitor used for fitting and speed training 🟢 Therabands – resistance bands for golf warm-up and flexibility 🟢 Full Swing (Netflix) – golf documentary series, highly recommended https://www.netflix.com/title/81483353 🟢 Golfing Gray YouTube Channel – Colin's channel with Druids unboxing video coming soon Weekly Competitions🟢 Cleveland Golf Club – Redcar, Yorkshire The only true natural links course in Yorkshire, right on the waterfront. Ross found this three-person team event perfect for Colin's family golf trip with his dad and brother. Format: Three-person team event Cost: £22 per visitor Booking: Online via How Did I Do through the club website Access: Two train changes from Inverness, one change from most mainline stations. Airbnb options available nearby including beachfront accommodation. Chapter List00:00 Welcome to Both Sides of Par 00:50 Competition Challenge: Finding a Three-Person Team Event 03:30 Planning a Golf Road Trip: Cleveland to Edinburgh 05:25 Druids Ambassador Pack Unboxing and First Impressions 10:50 Colin's Driver Upgrade: TaylorMade Stealth vs QI 35 18:15 Ross's Ping G430 LST Driver Update 21:50 Mental Game Breakthrough: Staying Calm Mid-Round 27:45 Tiger Woods' "Box" Technique for Managing Emotions 30:00 Putting Practice Games and Scoring Systems 31:05 Impact Stickers: Finding Your Strike Pattern 35:45 Speed Training Progress and Trackman Sessions 39:40 Watching Golf on TV: What's Worth Your Time 43:15 Full Swing Netflix Documentary Recommendation 45:30 The PGA vs LIV Discussion 50:40 Listener Feedback Request and Outro

    52 min

  3. JAN 29

    New Clubs, AI Caddies & the Tech That's Changing How We Practice

    Let us know what you want from the show! Email us at hello@bothpar.com, as tell us: What parts do you want more of?What do you want less of?What else could we cover that would make the show unmissable for you?Thanks! Colin and Ross brave the Scottish winter to discuss everything from broken driver faces to AI-powered golf coaches. Colin shares his experience switching from TaylorMade to Ping after his QI35 driver gave up the ghost (again), while Ross opens up about creative ways to practice when you're snowed in. The duo dives deep into golf technology—from rangefinders and GPS watches to AI swing analysis apps that could change how you practice. Plus, Ross shares a brilliant story about staying in the Gary Player Suite at Carnoustie for just £50, and they discuss why measuring outcomes beats obsessing over swing mechanics. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & Weather Update 03:30 - Carnoustie Course Review & The £50 Gary Player Suite Story 08:50 - New Club Review: Switching from TaylorMade to Ping 18:45 - Winter Practice Tips & Putting Mat Games 26:30 - Golf Tech on the Course: Rangefinders, Watches & Apps 34:30 - AI in Golf: Caddies, Rules & Swing Analysis Apps 41:30 - Competition Corner: Team Events Worth Entering 46:45 - Wrap-Up

    46 min

  4. JAN 22

    The Putting Practice Drill That Actually Works & Two Scottish Opens Worth Entering

    Let us know what you want from the show! Email us at hello@bothpar.com, as tell us: What parts do you want more of?What do you want less of?What else could we cover that would make the show unmissable for you?Thanks! Ross and Colin check in on their golf weeks, with Ross bringing tales of solid scoring at his home course Wokefield—carding a couple under and one under par despite a few mid-round wobbles. Meanwhile, Colin admits to a complete golf drought this week, not even picking up a club, which naturally leads into a candid conversation about the eternal struggle of building practice into daily routines when motivation runs low. The lads dig into winter golf realities, from muddy lies and temporary tees to the ongoing debate about whether courses down south use mats on fairways (spoiler: they mostly don't need to). Ross shares his latest putting practice revelations, including a structured drill he's borrowed from the internet that's transformed his green-reading approach. They also tackle the mysteries of the World Handicap System—breaking down course ratings, slope, and why your handicap behaves differently on easier versus tougher tracks. The episode wraps with Ross presenting two absolute belters for competition lovers: Brora Golf Club's five-day open in August and Tain Golf Week's various formats. The conversation touches on everything from Ross's mental approach to scoring rounds, to Colin's quest for better practice habits, to whether five consecutive days of golf would leave you knackered or energized. Episode Highlights🟢 Ross shoots two under par at Wokefield and reveals his secret to not letting mid-round mistakes derail the score—finishing with back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18 🟢 Colin opens up about struggling to build golf practice into his routine and the conversation explores practical approaches to habit-building when motivation is lacking 🟢 Deep breakdown of how the World Handicap System actually works—course rating, slope index, and why your handicap changes based on the difficulty of the course you're playing 🟢 Ross shares a structured putting practice drill he found online that combines distance control, green reading, and scoring to create meaningful practice sessions 🟢 The reality of playing five consecutive days of golf during competitions and whether it's exhausting or exhilarating (Ross has done it and shares his experience) Gear & Resources Mentioned🟢 Wokefield Golf Club, Reading (Ross's home course) 🟢 broragolfclub.co.uk (Brora Golf Club website for five-day open competition) 🟢 tain-golfclub.co.uk (Tain Golf Club website for golf week competitions) 🟢 World Handicap System (WHS) resources for understanding course rating and slope 🟢 Royal Dornoch Golf Club (mentioned in context of Ross's previous five-day golf trip) 🟢 Lanark Golf Course (played on Ross's trip to Scotland) 🟢 Brora Bridge and Castle Highland courses (mentioned from Ross's Scotland trip) Weekly Competitions🟢 Brora Golf Club Five Day Open Location: Brora, Scotland Date: August 3-7 Format: Five-day competition with match play stages and guaranteed rounds even if knocked out Cost: £190 for visitors 🟢 Tain Golf Week Location: Tain, Scotland Dates: Available on website Format Options: Four-day competition (£90), Ladies two-day (£25 per person) Website: tain-golfclub.co.uk Chapter List00:00 Intro and Weekly Golf Recap 03:00 Ross's Scoring Rounds at Wokefield 08:00 Winter Golf Conditions and Course Setup 14:00 Competition Practice vs Casual Rounds 19:00 Ross's Putting Practice Drill 29:00 Understanding the World Handicap System 38:00 Course Rating, Slope, and Handicap Calculations 45:00 Colin's Practice Routine Struggles 48:00 Building Better Practice Habits 50:00 Weekly Competitions: Brora and Tain 54:00 Listener Feedback Request and Wrap-Up

    55 min

  5. JAN 15

    Back Nine Strategy Secrets, Putting Practice Setups & Why Teenagers Sleep on Fairways

    Let us know what you want from the show! Email us at hello@bothpar.com, as tell us: What parts do you want more of?What do you want less of?What else could we cover that would make the show unmissable for you?Thanks! Colin and Ross kick off this week's episode with Colin fresh off the course after sneaking in seven holes at Inverness Golf Club during a rare sunny winter morning. The lads dive into an interesting discussion about playing the back nine more often than the front nine - something Ross did religiously when he first joined his club, inadvertently creating a massive advantage when it came to course management on those holes. Colin shares a hilarious accidental GoPro capture of his teenage son literally sleeping on the fairway mid-round, which perfectly sums up the reality of playing golf with teenagers. The conversation shifts into serious practice territory as both hosts get deep into their winter training routines. Ross walks Colin through his impressive home putting setup, covering everything from basic putting mats to high-tech options like PuttView that can adjust green speeds and simulate slopes. They discuss the merits of putting mirrors for checking eye position and shoulder alignment, debate whether you need to spend big money on practice equipment (spoiler: you don't), and explore how to build an effective practice routine when you can't get out on the course. Ross even reveals his DIY approach to creating realistic practice putting greens at home, including cutting the actual shape of putts into carpet. The episode wraps with Ross giving a quick plug for the Royal Deeside Golf Week coming up in July 2026 - a 72-hole stableford event across four stunning Scottish courses including Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory, and Braemar. It's the perfect blend of practical winter practice advice, relatable golf stories, and inspiration for future golf trips. Episode Highlights🟢 Ross reveals why playing the back nine three times as much as the front nine at his club gave him a massive course management advantage - and how you can use the same strategy to lower your scores 🟢 Colin accidentally captures his 13-year-old son literally sleeping on the fairway with a GoPro he forgot to turn off - the most relatable teenage golf moment ever 🟢 Detailed breakdown of Ross's home putting practice setup, from basic £15 mirrors to high-tech PuttView systems that simulate real green conditions and slopes 🟢 The truth about expensive practice equipment - why you don't need to break the bank to build an effective winter practice routine at home 🟢 Ross's DIY putting green hack: cutting the actual shape of breaking putts into your carpet to create realistic practice scenarios without spending thousands on synthetic greens Gear & Resources Mentioned🟢 PuttView - High-tech putting training system with app integration, slope adjustment, and green speed simulation 🟢 Putting Mirrors - Available from £10-20 on Amazon, Putt Out version around £20 for checking eye position and shoulder alignment 🟢 Putting Mats - Various options discussed for home practice 🟢 Linked by Golf (Instagram / YouTube) - Ross's social media channels with practice tips and videos 🟢 Golfing Gray - Colin's Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok handle for amateur golf content 🟢 Royal Deeside Golf Week (royaldsidegolfweek.co.uk) - Multi-course tournament event in Scotland Weekly Competitions🟢 Royal Deeside Golf Week Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland (Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory, and Braemar) Date: July 19-24, 2026 Format: 72-hole Stableford across four different courses Open to: Ladies and Gents More info: royaldsidegolfweek.co.uk Chapter List00:00 Winter Golf at Inverness & Playing the Back Nine Strategy 08:12 The Accidental GoPro Footage of Colin's Sleeping Teenager 12:45 Why Ross Played the Back Nine Three Times More Than the Front 18:30 Winter Practice Routines & Staying Sharp Off the Course 25:15 Building a Home Putting Practice Setup 32:40 Putting Mats, Mirrors & Essential Practice Equipment 38:55 High-Tech Training: PuttView Technology Explained 45:20 DIY Putting Green Hacks That Actually Work 50:10 Royal Deeside Golf Week Competition Details 53:45 Where to Find Colin & Ross on Social Media

    57 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    130mph Swings, Frozen Greens, and the 300ft Drop

    In this episode of Both Sides of Par, Colin (the high-handicapper) and Ross (the low-handicapper) dive into a week of extreme contrasts, from chasing professional-level clubhead speeds to navigating the literal "frozen" greens of the Scottish Highlands. Whether you are looking for tips on speed training, debating the merits of a new driver, or looking for high-value course recommendations in Scotland, this episode covers the game from every angle of the handicap spectrum. What’s Inside the Show This Week: The Quest for Speed: Ross shares his latest results from "swinging like a madman," hitting clubhead speeds of 120 mph and even a wild 130 mph during practice. He discusses why "freedom of motion" is often more important than control when trying to find extra yardage.The Winter Diary: Colin recounts a "game of two halves" at Muiravoord, where the first nine holes were played through thick frost before a sudden thaw changed the green speeds on every hole.The Driver Dilemma: With Colin’s driver officially "launched" (and broken) by his son, the guys discuss how to choose a replacement. Ross offers a "brand tour" of the best current options—including the Ping G430, TaylorMade Qi10, Titleist GT, and Srixon ZX—and explains why you should always test a driver on a range rather than just an indoor simulator.Field Experiments at Strathpeffer: Colin describes the "crazy" experience of playing Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club, home to a first hole with a massive elevation drop that might be a world record.The Pace of Play Debate: A look back at the "famous sheets" of the pro shop and why modern golf needs to embrace "Ready Golf" to get back to the three-hour rounds of the past.Ross’s Recommendations: High-value Senior Open entries for 2025, featuring Ratho Park, Royal Montrose, and the world-renowned Cruden Bay. Links & Resources MentionedColin’s YouTube Channel: Search for Golfin McGray to see the drone footage of Strathpeffer Spa and Muiravoord.Ross' Instagram - search LinkedByGolf on IG. Gear Discussed: Payntr Mesh X001 shoes, MCC Align grips, and the TaylorMade Stealth/Qi10 series.

    47 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Unlocking Speed: How to Add 25+ Yards to Your Driver (Plus Scotland Golf Trip Ideas)

    Want to add serious distance to your game? In this episode, Ross breaks down exactly how he increased his driver clubhead speed from 106 to 121 mph and gained 25-30 yards of carry distance—without changing his entire swing. You'll discover the simple step drill that transforms swing speed, why the mental side of speed training matters as much as the physical, and how raising your ceiling automatically lifts your floor. Ross shares his complete journey from speed sticks to Project Harrington drills, including what worked (and what caused injury). Plus: impact stickers that reveal exactly where you're striking the ball, a brilliant £100 weekend golf trip across three Scottish courses, and why getting feedback is the key to actually improving your game. Whether you're a high handicapper looking to compete with longer hitters or just tired of being outdriven on every hole, this episode delivers practical strategies you can implement immediately. Topics Covered: Speed training protocols, step drills explained, clubhead vs ball speed, the psychology of swinging faster, impact stickers review, Scottish golf trip recommendations, and more. Chapters00:00 Introduction 00:58 Speed Training: How Ross Added 25-30 Yards 09:00 Speed Training Tools & Protocols 12:02 Garmin R10 Setup & Practice Routine 21:50 Using Claude AI as Your Golf Coach 25:07 Impact Stickers: Finding Your Strike Pattern 36:56 Scottish Golf Weekend: 3 Courses for £100 41:48 Wrap Up

    43 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Unlocking the UK's Best Golf Opens: Your Guide to Affordable Play

    In this podcast episode, Colin and Ross explore the vibrant and accessible world of open golf competitions in Scotland and around the UK. They highlight the financial benefits of participating in these events, allowing passionate golfers to play renowned courses at a fraction of the typical green fees. Key competitions and websites like happygolf.co.uk are discussed, along with personal anecdotes about the enriching experience of playing diverse courses and meeting new players. The conversation also touches on the benefits of playing in less-than-ideal weather and the joy of impromptu, peaceful rounds in the Scottish rain. Overall, it's a love letter to opportunistic golf enthusiasts.

    49 min

  9. 11/11/2025

    What's in our Bags, 2025 Courses, and Practice Planning

    Colin and Ross embark on a new podcast journey, discussing their shared passion for golf equipment and experiences. Despite having a lengthy podcasting background in various topics, this marks Colin's return to his childhood interest in golf. Ross, a long-time Srixon enthusiast, shares insights about his current gear choices and the benefits of graphite shafts for reducing physical strain. Throughout the conversation, they explore the impact of technology on golf equipment and the importance of maintaining consistency. Their engaging dialogue showcases a mutual love for the sport and eagerness to delve deeper into its nuances.

    53 min
  • 9 Episodes

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Colin and Ross share their golf journeys, from both ends of the spectrum. A high handicapper and a low handicapper, still sharing the same love of the game and most of the same frustrations!

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