In the first episode of Golf Club Talk UK Stories, and a Himalayas Golf partner episode, Leighton is joined by Eddie Pelz, son of legendary golf instructor, inventor and innovator Dave Pelz, for a fascinating conversation about a lifetime spent around the game of golf. The interview took place in Scotland around the Scottish Open. Eddie shares the story of growing up around his father's work, from helping test early short-game concepts with golfers including Tom Kite to becoming a mechanical engineer, product developer and eventually a key part of the Pelz Golf operation. He explains how his father's scientific and analytical approach helped shape many of the principles that are still central to short-game instruction today. A major theme of the conversation is the importance of the short game, with Eddie explaining why the Pelz philosophy places such emphasis on wedges, putting, chipping and bunker play. He discusses why golfers should balance their practice rather than simply hitting balls on the range, and explains how building a structured practice framework can help golfers understand their game and improve more effectively. Eddie also looks back at some of the innovations developed by Dave Pelz, including the 60-degree wedge, learning aids, putting technology and work examining grooves and equipment performance. He explains how his own role evolved from engineer and product developer to supporting the wider Pelz teaching operation, including the famous three-day schools that remain central to the business. The conversation then moves into one of the most fascinating projects in the Pelz story: Pelz Backyard. Designed to create a serious short-game practice environment at home, the backyard incorporates green complexes inspired by some of the world's most famous holes, including Augusta National, TPC Sawgrass, Pebble Beach, St Andrews and Whistling Straits. Eddie explains the thinking behind the design, how the facility performs and why it has proved so popular with both elite players and recreational golfers. Eddie also discusses the development of artificial turf and the patented Shot Stopper technology created through the Pelz Backyard project. Working with Himalayas Golf, he is now helping explore how smaller, high-quality practice facilities can be used to make golf easier to access, reduce barriers to practice and ultimately help grow participation in the game. The episode also takes us behind the scenes of a more recent project with Sir Nick Faldo, where Eddie and his team helped create a substantial home practice facility in Montana. From short-game areas and revetted bunkers to multiple tee positions and longer shots, Eddie explains how the facility gives a player of Faldo's calibre the opportunity to practise seriously without even leaving home. Alongside the technical discussion, Eddie reflects on the wider appeal of golf — its social side, the physical benefits of walking the course, the characters within the game and the importance of making golf more enjoyable and accessible. From following professional golfers around a tournament (including Patrick Reed) to understanding the mental and physical demands of elite short-game play, this is a wide-ranging conversation with someone who has spent his life looking at golf from a very different perspective. Golf Club Talk UK Stories is a new sub-series exploring the people, personalities, experiences and stories behind the game. And what better way to begin than with Eddie Pelz — someone whose family has played such an important role in changing the way golfers understand and practise the game. Pelz Golf Himalayas Golf Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: Leighton Walker Thanks to our partners Toro Himalayas Golf Support the podcast Buy Me a Coffee – Golf Club Talk UK Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people, stories and ideas shaping the future of golf.
