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.

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28 episodes
weekly
Avg 44 min
English

Episodes 28

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S1 · E83
April 6 · 1 hr 21 min
Leading The Masters Playing With Arnold Palmer - Gary Wolstenholme Shares His Incredible Story
Follow on Instagram: @Linkedbygolf2024 What does it feel like to lead The Masters Tournament… as an amateur? In this episode, two-time Amateur Champion Gary Wolstenholme shares his unforgettable experience at Augusta National Golf Club — including the moment he found himself playing alongside Arnold Palmer… and leading the tournament. This is a story about pressure, instinct, and performing on golf’s biggest stage. First tee. Augusta National. 10,000 people watching. Arnold Palmer by your side. You’ve just put a brand-new driver in the bag… A few holes later — you’re leading The Masters. First drive down Magnolia Lane — “nothing out of place” Practice round invite from Jack Nicklaus Last-minute club change before teeing off Advice from Peter Alliss on handling nerves Tee shot in front of a packed Augusta crowd Playing alongside Arnold Palmer The moment he checks the leaderboard… and realises he’s leading The roar of Augusta — unlike anything else in sport Augusta doesn’t just test your golf. It tests your ability to stay present when everything feels bigger than the moment. Gary Wolstenholme Masters Leading The Masters amateur Augusta National experience Arnold Palmer Masters stories
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S1 · E82
March 31 · 35 min
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 2026 Unique format: pro-only event followed by a combined pro & shotgun pro-am day Event supports fundraising for a major clubhouse redevelopment project Stirling’s profile continues to rise on the Scottish golf scene Official final qualifying venue for the Seniors Open Championship at Gleneagles Opportunity for major champions and elite senior professionals to compete at the club A significant boost for Stirling’s reputation and visibility Highlights the strength of the course and its iconic backdrop Kenny reflects on working abroad and returning to Scotland Discussion on how locals can take world-class scenery and golf for granted Many outstanding courses available at accessible prices beyond the famous venues Kenny and Amy purchased the facility in October 2024 — and the transformation has been rapid: 24-bay driving range with Toptracer technology Brand new retail shop Birdies Café (35 seats) attracting golfers and non-golfers alike ☕ Junior academies, ladies’ groups, and family participation On-site sports therapy clinic Conference room used by businesses and major golf brands Children’s play area to encourage family visits Over 6.2 million golf balls hit in 2025 — far exceeding expectations Already tracking ahead year-to-date Peak demand so high that a buzzer system is used for waiting bays Technology data helps guide expansion decisions Seven additional range bays coming soon Two custom fitting & coaching studios Upgraded automated ball collection and cleaning systems Plans accelerated after winning Toptracer “Newcomer of the Year” 🏅 Ranges now attract a completely different demographic Families, beginners, social players, and even first dates Less intimidating entry point than traditional golf clubs Pathway from range participation into course membership Kenny continues to coach a wide range of players — from beginners to tour professionals Stories from working with elite players preparing for senior tour events Balancing coaching, business ownership, and limited personal playing time The evolving role of the PGA Professional Collaboration between ranges, municipal courses, and private clubs is key Modern expectations: relaxed environments, accessibility, and inclusivity Facilities must adapt to attract new generations of golfers From 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.
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S1 · E81
March 24 · 45 min
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
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S1 · E80
March 17 · 47 min
Why Elite Amateur Golf Needed a New League
📲 Follow the pod: @linkedbygolf2024 In this episode of Linked by Golf, Ross is joined by Alex Cooper, founder of the Elite Amateur Golf Group (EAGG), to talk about building one of the UK’s fastest-growing competitive leagues for elite amateur golfers. Alex shares his journey from growing up playing golf near Edinburgh to launching the league in 2017, after recognising a lack of competitive opportunities for scratch and elite amateur players. What started with 15 clubs has now grown to 80 clubs competing in a structured league format across southern England. They discuss the five-man team format, how the competition creates opportunities for young elite golfers, and the importance of meaningful team golf outside of traditional county competitions. The episode also dives into the EAGG finals in La Cala, Spain, the growing community around the league, and the now-famous pink jackets awarded to the champions. Alex’s early golf journey in Scotland Why the Elite Amateur Golf League was created Growing the league to 80 clubs Opportunities for scratch golfers and elite amateurs Bringing juniors into elite team golf The EAGG finals week in Spain Future plans to expand the league across the UK 🌐 Learn more: eagg.co.uk 📲 Instagram: @eliteamateurgolf
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S1 · E79
March 10 · 50 min
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
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S1 · E78
March 3 · 42 min
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
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S1 · E77
February 24 · 1 hr 7 min
Junior Ryder Cup and Stephen Gallacher Foundation with Scott Knowles - Linked By Golf
Guest: Scott Knowles In this episode of Linked By Golf, Ross chats with Scott Knowles — Junior Ryder Cup Vice Captain and Manager of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation — about elite junior golf, team culture, and building pathways into the game. Scott shares what it’s really like behind the scenes at the Junior Ryder Cup, from seeing world-class junior talent up close to helping select and support Team Europe players competing at Bethpage and Marco Simone. He explains the challenge of building a team, not just selecting the best individuals, and the unforgettable experiences young golfers get when they step into the Ryder Cup environment. The conversation also explores Scott’s own playing journey — from never winning as a junior to becoming Scottish Golfer of the Year — and the lessons learned from competing alongside some of Scotland’s strongest amateur golfers of the era. A major focus of the episode is the work of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation, where Scott helps introduce young players to golf through creative competition formats, coaching programmes, and events designed to build confidence, skills, and long-term love for the game. The foundation’s philosophy is simple: grow participation first, and performance will follow. Topics covered in this episode: • Inside the Junior Ryder Cup experience • Selecting Team Europe players and building team chemistry • The standard of elite junior golf today • Scott’s amateur career and Scottish team experiences • Balancing golf, work, and family life • The cost of junior golf development • The Stephen Gallacher Foundation pathway model • Flag events and junior competition formats • Long-term player development vs early performance • Creating opportunities for young golfers Stephen Gallacher Foundation https://stephengallacherfoundation.com Follow the podcast: @linkedbygolf2024
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S1 · E76
February 17 · 40 min
How to build YOUR OWN Launch Monitor - Coleman Rollins - Linked By Golf
Guest: Coleman Rollins Instagram: @colemangolfs In this episode of Linked By Golf, Ross chats with Coleman Rollins, a software engineer and golfer documenting his journey building a DIY open-source golf launch monitor from scratch. Coleman shares how curiosity about expensive commercial launch monitors turned into a hands-on engineering project combining radar technology, Raspberry Pi computing, and open-source software — all documented publicly on Instagram so others can learn alongside him. The conversation covers everything from caddying in Minnesota to testing radar data in a garage in Seattle, plus what it takes to turn raw motion data into meaningful golf metrics like clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin. At its core, the project is about making golf technology more accessible and showing that innovation in golf doesn’t always have to come from big companies. Coleman’s tagline says it best: “I built a launch monitor at home so you can too.” Growing up in Minnesota golf culture Moving from curiosity to building a launch monitor Radar vs camera launch monitor technology Using a Raspberry Pi as the “brain” of the system Trial-and-error testing at the driving range Building a custom enclosure for the device Making the project open source The role of community learning in golf technology What comes next: simulator integration and data analysis tools Puetz Golf Gerry Gubash — Radar engineering guidance Peter Michels — Enclosure design and fabrication OpenFlight GitHub Repository Open-source project: https://github.com/jewbetcha/openflight Follow Coleman’s build journey: Instagram — @colemangolfs Follow the podcast: @linkedbygolf2024 In this episodePeople and projects supporting Coleman’s journeyLinks
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