Shows
Golf Weekly+Golf Weekly: Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour after quitting LIV Golf | Rory at the Australian Open | John HugganFionn Davenport was joined by Gary Murphy and golf writer John Huggan following the news that five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka will return to the PGA Tour after agreeing to restrictions on his financial benefits and a charitable donation of $5 million. Want to join Ireland's biggest, best (and possibly nerdiest) golf community? Email golfweekly@offtheball.com with proof of your subscription to get access to the Golf Weekly Discord server!
2026-01-1351 min
Golf WeeklyGolf Weekly: Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour after quitting LIV Golf | Rory at the Australian Open | John HugganFionn Davenport was joined by Gary Murphy and golf writer John Huggan following the news that five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka will return to the PGA Tour after agreeing to restrictions on his financial benefits and a charitable donation of $5 million. Want to join Ireland's biggest, best (and possibly nerdiest) golf community? Email golfweekly@offtheball.com with proof of your subscription to get access to the Golf Weekly Discord server!
2026-01-1351 min
Indo SportRyder Cup week | Player payments, the 'New York crowd' & Donald Trump's grand entranceJoe is joined by Conor McKeon from Bethpage and golf writer John Huggan to look ahead to this weekend's Ryder Cup showdown between Europe and America. Conor gives all the latest from New York, where Donald Trump is set to appear on Friday. John then joins Joe to break down the two teams and discuss the hostile atmosphere facing Europe on American soil this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-09-2348 min
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf: #144 Jennifer LucasSome golf stories are just part of a much bigger and more important life story and on Episode 144, we meet just such a guest. Jennifer Lucas won the first Women’s British Open in 1976, but it is what happened later in life, when she discovered a twin sister she never knew she had at the age of 55, that has dominated the last 20 years. In this engrossing chat with John Huggan, Jenny talks not only about being a pioneer of the women’s game and the Ladies European Tour, but the impact such a major life discov...
2025-07-301h 22
Talk Birdie To MeEp148: We Talk to the Top 100 Golf List Boss about our Concerns; Plus Tour Pro's and Unsportsmanlike BehaviourA feedback pod today, we start with a question from wolfpacker Ross on The Shark vs Rory. Michael asks about blades on tour these days. Ed has a nomination for the Top 5 injury comebacks list from last week who he believes we overlooked. And a suggestion for a Top 5 on 'unsportsmanlike' actions on the tour, we kick it around.We chat about pros breaking their caddys fingers. Apparently it happens a bit, and we hear about one time it happened and who did it, and Mark tells a story about when he nearly broke his caddys...
2025-07-1743 min
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf: #143 Billy HorschelMany in the public eye have taken to speaking without saying much in this modern media age, but not Billy Horschel. The 38-year-old Floridian has gathered some wisdom and perspective on both life and the game in his 16-year professional career and he’s not afraid to share what he’s learnt. Forthright and thoughtful, Horschel gives his take on everything from the LIV Golf/PGA Tour divide, to why he thinks young American golfers should consider starting their careers in Europe. It’s a compelling chat with John Huggan, which is as revealing...
2025-07-031h 13
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf: #141 Andrew ColtartHe’s familiar to many through his work as a commentator for Sky Sports, but Scotland's Andrew Coltart is much more than that. A two-time Australian PGA champion alongside two European Tour wins is testament to a well-rounded game and a mind sited to golf’s multitude challenges. Coltart reveals a keen intellect and a willingness to share his opinions in this engrossing chat with John Huggan.
2025-06-041h 16
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf: #139 David LeadbetterFew people in any industry can claim to have altered the direction of that industry, but David Leadbetter is one. When a playing career eluded him in the 1980s, he turned his mind and energies to coaching and from humble beginnings, has built one of the most recognisable golf instruction "brands" in the world. But along the way, Leadbetter’s profile - and that of his successful clients - helped reshape the way golfers think about taking lessons, a change remaining in effect to this day. John Huggan sits down with Leadbetter to talk everything from...
2025-05-051h 25
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf: #138 Andrew CotterThey're the voices that accompany our enduring memories of the game but TV commentators often have more to their story - and connections with the game - than we hear about. Such is the case for our guest on episode 138, Andrew Cotter. Cotter will be familiar to golfers and also viewers of rugby, tennis, athletics, the Olympics, boat racing and more. In this wide ranging chat with John Huggan Cotter talks about his start in broadcasting, his lifelong love of golf and gives a peek behind the broadcasting curtain and what it means to be a commentator.
2025-04-161h 04
OTB DailyOTB Breakfast Bite | 'I hope he retires... I'm not able for him!' + Reaction to Rory's greatest dayThis is Monday's OTB Breakfast Bite, your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, Gary Murphy joined Ger, Colm and Arthur to look back at Rory McIlroy's momentous win at Augusta National.Golf journalist John Huggan proclaims Rory as Ireland's greatest ever sportsman.And today's Bite begins with Gary Murphy recalling the rollercoaster of emotions he went through whilst watching perhaps golf's greatest day. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and...
2025-04-1412 min
The Thing About Golf PodcastTHE THING ABOUT GOLF #136: COLIN DALGLEISHAsk most recreational players their dream job and 'professional golfer’ will be pretty high on the list. But not all who have the opportunity to join the pay for play ranks take that path and on episode 136, we meet just such a golfer. Colin Dalgleish is not only a long-time friend of our correspondent John Huggan, but a decorated amateur who chose not to pursue a professional career, despite winning the 1981 Scottish amateur championship and representing GB&I in that same year’s Walker Cup. He later captained the team twice, in 2007 and 2009. Don’t miss Joh...
2025-03-121h 12
The Thing About Golf PodcastTHE THING ABOUT GOLF: #129 JAVIER BALLESTEROSJohn Huggan sits down with Seve Ballesteros’ son, Javier, to talk life, golf, the Ryder Cup, the state of the world game and plenty more.Few golfers have made an impact on the game comparable to Seve. The Spanish magician entertained and thrilled crowds worldwide with his extraordinary skill and matador-like personality. He remains to this day one of the most popular players in history. John’s chat with Javier for episode 129 offers a fascinating and compelling insight into events and people, past and present, from a perspective we rarely get to see.
2024-10-231h 00
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf: #123 Stephen GallacherThis week John Huggan catches up with a true golfing stalwart who has spent more than 20 years plying his trade on the European Tour.Stephen Gallacher has four wins and a Ryder Cup appearance to his name, placing him in some elite company. Having grown up around golf with his famous uncle Bernard as a mentor, Gallacher still lives and breathes the game.With the senior tour fast approaching and a thriving junior foundation bearing his name, Gallacher is as busy as he’s ever been and chats with John about everything from LIV Golf and the fu...
2024-07-311h 17
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf: #122 Henrik StensonHe was part of one of the most epic duels in Open history, when he and Phil Mickelson went head to head for the Claret Jug last time golf's most prestigious tournament was held at Troon in 2016 ... and he is also John Huggan's latest interview guest.There is so much more to Henrik Stenson than a brilliant golf game … he also has a sense of humour and a perspective on the world a bit broader than many of his professional brethren.Stenson sat down with our very own John Huggan recently to reflect on a career which ha...
2024-07-161h 26
Golf TodayCHRIS KIRK: KING OF THE HAWAIIAN SWING! | Jan. 10Chris Kirk's 14th season on the PGA TOUR couldn't have gotten off to a better start! The former University of Georgia Bulldog wins the first event of the year and gets to join Damon & Eamon on the show. Kirk discusses his favorite shots from the weekend, and how his openness about addiction struggles has helped him find success on tour once again. Gary Woodland is starting his own comeback too. The 2019 U.S. Open Champion is back on TOUR for the first time this week since undergoing brain surgery. Woodland spoke to Todd Lewis about his expectations for the week...
2024-01-1055 min
The NCG Golf PodcastFrom the Clubhouse: Is the golf ball about to be rolled back for everyone?“There are only three options: We can bifurcate; you change the whole game; or you do nothing. And doing nothing is not an option.”
R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers says a decision on what to do about hitting distances in golf is coming by the end of the year but, after admitting to Golf Digest’s John Huggan there had been lots of opposition to the R&A and USGA’s proposed Model Local Rule, what's going to happen now?
If you change the whole game, could that mean a shorter ball for everyone? In this...
2023-12-011h 08Golf TodayWeekend Winners Around the WorldDamon and Eamon recap an electric weekend in golf that saw wins by Camilo Villegas, Lilia Vu, Max Homa, and Steve Alker. They then welcome Rex Hoggard and Ryan Lavner to talk about the last few weeks on the PGA Tour and Rory’s recent comments on his fiery Ryder Cup. The guys then get into Homa’s win at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and welcome in John Huggan to talk about everything to do with the DP World Tour. Anthony Rodriguez, senior program director of First Tee, then hops on to talk about all he is doing to grow the...
2023-11-141h 01
The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 159: Waiting For The Solheim CupThere are few better spectator sports than waiting for an international team golf competition to get underway. With the Solheim Cup now just days away we catch up with John Huggan from on site at Finca Cortesin in Spain for all the latest non stories.
Links mentioned ion this episode:
Angus and Grace Go Golfing website and Instagram
2023-09-2052 min
Playing from the TipsPlaying From The Tips #23: The Open ChampionshipIt’s hard to believe it’s the final men’s major for the year but what a tournament it promises to be at Royal Liverpool for the 151st Open this week.John Huggan joins the pod from on site in England as the team breaks down the course, the players to watch, Australians in the field and more.There’s also a preview of the LPGA’s Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational team event and the modified stableford Barracuda Championship co-sanctioned by the PGA and DP World Tours.Music by www.Audionautix.com
2023-07-1849 minThe Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 144: The Curmudgeon John HugganJohn Huggan joins the pod to discuss Brooks Kopek's PGA win and, as is the way in the New World Golf Order, the broader implications for the top end of the men's game. From the Ryder Cup to an outburst from Koepka's coach, nothing happens in isolation in men's golf any more.
Links mentioned on this episode:
Adam Schupak's interview with Claude Harmon III
2023-05-2551 min
The Firm & Fast Golf PodcastRod Morri - The Godfather of Golf PodcastingRod Morri is a multi award winning Australian golf journo, serial podcast presenter and head honcho at Sydney Podcast Studios.
Over the course of the episode we take a look behind the scenes of his fascination with Golf Course Architecture and how that origin story that can be traced to a holiday to Ireland and the UK in the late 1990's.
We highlight some of the individuals that Rod podcasts with.... characters such as Mike Clayton and Adrian Logue.....why Geoff Shackleford hasn't provided him with an advance copy of his new book Golf Architecture...
2023-03-172h 04The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 136: At The Players With John HugganJohn Huggan is on the ground at Sawgrass where there is very little talk about the golf and almost endless chatter about the split at the top levels of the game. He joins the pod to discuss all things PGA Tour, LIV, DP World Tour and why he likes Francesco Molinari this week.
Links Mentioned On This Episode
John Huggan's column from Sawgrass
2023-03-0849 minThe Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 115: Emma Ballard at The Women's OpenIt's the final major of the year this week and what a fitting end to a fabulous run of Grand Slam events with the world's best women set to take on the Muirfield golf course in Scotland. Women and Golf Editor Emma Ballard is on site for the week and joins the pod to set the scene for what promises to be a great event.
Links mentioned on this episode:
Women & Girls Golf Week: My career in golf
https://womenandgolf.com/news/women-and-golf-features/women-and-girls-golf-week-my-career-in-golf
Women & Girls Golf Week: Volunteering at The Open
...
2022-08-031h 01
The LoopIs the Old Course losing its character? John Huggan on the week in St. AndrewsWhat a week in St. Andrews: From Tiger giving an Old Course goodbye, to boos for Ian Poulter and an awkward Phil exit, there is so much to talk about as it relates to the 150th Open Championship. There are few people better to recap an Open than our John Huggan, a longtime editor who is now our European correspondent and an expert on the Old Course. We get Huggan’s thoughts on Rory’s missed opportunity, Cameron Smith making history and whether the Old Course has been reduced to a pitch and putt … or a hybrid-and-putt.The ‘B...
2022-07-1842 minThe Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 113: On The ground with Brendan James at The Old CourseThere's electricity in the air as the 150th Open approaches and we get a taste of the atmosphere and what's making news on the ground at St Andrews from Golf Australia magazine editor Brendan James.
Links mentioned on this episode:
John Huggan: My Open Journey
https://www.golfaustralia.com.au/feature/huggan-my-open-journey-582481
2022-07-131h 10The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 111: Linn Grant and LIV GolfIn the big picture, the most important thing to happen in golf last week was Linn Grant winning the Scandinavian Mixed event. We at least talked about that a bit before getting completely derailed - like everybody else - by LIV Golf and the turmoil at the top of the men's professional game.
Links mentioned on this episode:
Linn Grant’s win in the Scandinavian Mixed
https://www.golfaustralia.com.au/news/grant-claims-historic-scandinavian-mixed-win-581253
Ben Coley for Sporting Life on LIV event:
https://www.sportinglife.com/golf/news/liv-golf-invitational-at-centurion-ben-coley-reflections-on-saudi-arabia-backed-golf-tournament/201425
Brian Wa...
2022-06-141h 25
The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 111: Linn Grant and LIVIn the big picture, the most important thing to happen in golf last week was Linn Grant winning the Scandinavian Mixed event. We at least talked about that a bit before getting completely derailed - like everybody else - by LIV Golf and the turmoil at the top of the men's professional game. Links mentioned on this episode:Linn Grant’s win in the Scandinavian Mixedhttps://www.golfaustralia.com.au/news/grant-claims-historic-scandinavian-mixed-win-581253Ben Coley for Sporting Life on LIV event:https://www.sportinglife.com/golf/news/liv-golf-invitational-at-centurion-ben-coley-reflections-on-saudi-arabia-backed-golf-tournament/201425Brian Wacker in New York Post writing about the 9/11 survivors criticism of the LI...
2022-06-141h 26The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 110: Minjee and Mickelson with John HugganHardly a dull week in the world of golf so, unusually for us, we've turned our attention to the pay for play ranks with special guest John Huggan joining form London as he prepares to cover the first LIV Golf event at the Centurion Club.
Links mentioned on this episode:
Horrendously formatted player LIV Golf Player announcements
https://twitter.com/JasonSobelTAN/status/1531795936619503616?s=20&t=NS40r0g-HchJ-fbZxWDC6A
Over-designed LIV Golf talking points with inscrutable background images
https://twitter.com/the_fried_egg/status/1533489995025195008?s=20&t=NS40r0g-HchJ-fbZxWDC6A
...
2022-06-071h 10The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 101: John Huggan On His week In Saudi ArabiaWhat's Saudi Arabia really like? What was Phil Mickelson thinking when he told John Huggan he was offended by the PGA Tour's 'obnoxious greed'? What does the Phoenix Open have to do with The Simpsons and Soccer? And for a change of pace, is the Vic Open the best tournament in Australia? All on Ep 101 of the Good-Good Golf Podcast.
Links mentioned on this episode:
Simpsons on Soccer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJu2qSJ9zno
John Huggan’s interview with Phil Mickelson
https://www.golfdigest.com/story/phil-mickelson-pga-tour-media-rights-obnoxious-greed
...
2022-02-161h 07
The Shotgun StartThe Future of the European Tour and its schedule with John HugganThis Friday episode begins with some reaction to Phil’s indignant tweets about the news of the USGA rule on driver length, and a not-so-subtle threat at his own PGA Tour for adopting it. Then Brendan and Andy are joined by European correspondent for Golf Digest (among many other things), the legendary John Huggan to discuss a variety of topics from across the pond. First, they ask John about his close friendship with and memories of Renton Laidlaw, the voice of the European Tour who died this week. Then they banter on the “strategic alliance” and what it means for th...
2021-10-1549 min
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #51: Neil ColesJohn Huggan describes Neil Coles as the best golfer Americans have never heard of. An aversion to flying meant one of the United Kingdom’s best players had limited exposure in the US but that takes nothing away from his remarkable resume. Coles played in eight Ryder Cups between 1961 and 1977 and is credited with 50 professional victories in a playing career spanning more than 40 years. Huggan sat down with Coles recently at his home near Wentworth in London. They had an engaging chat about all things golf, from his start in the game to staring down the Golde...
2021-09-291h 17The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 091: Ryder Cup, Mike Whan, PGL and more with John HugganHow much Ryder Cup is too much Ryder Cup? Is Mike Whan the right man at the right time for the USGA job? Does the PGL have something to offer golf? And what's to become of the Australian Open? All this and more when John Huggan joins Ep 91 of the Good-Good Golf Podcast.
Links mentioend in this episode:
MIke Whan's distance commments on Geoff Shackelford's site
Shackelford's cliff notes on Phil Mickelson's podcast appearance
And John Huggan's excellent Ryder Cup bias piece in Golf Australia Magazine
2021-09-221h 28The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 089: Emma Ballard from Women and Golf MagazineWomen and Golf Magazine Editor Emma Ballard joins the pod to talk Carnoustie, SolhiemCup, FedEx Cup, Curtis Cup, her Masters Cup and lots of other stuff on a disorganised and rambling Ep 89.
Links mentioend on ths episode:
Emma's interview with Annika Sorenstam
John Huggan's fascinating piece on the differenc between caddying for mem annd women at the top level of the game.
2021-09-031h 12
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #49: Roger MaltbieFor a generation of golf fans Roger Maltbie is known only as a TV commentator but the NBC stalwart is so much more than that. The winner of the inaugural Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village in 1976, Maltbie was also a legitimate contender at more than one major and is a five-time PGA Tour winner. Known among his peers as one of the game's more colourful characters, this lengthy chat with host John Huggan shows Maltbie to be not only a shrewd analyst of the game but a warm and engaging story teller.
2021-09-011h 24
TrapDraw Podcast – No Laying Up153: CarnoustieThe Women's British Open is this weekend at famed Carnoustie so we brought in a true Scotsman, John Huggan, to talk about it. An up-front caveat, though, we spend more time discussing golf at large than we do Carnoustie, because in John's words, there's just not that much going on. So come for Tron and Randy discussing news of the day in the first part of the episode, and stay for John Huggan discussing his wider thoughts on the game of golf in the second part. You can find John writing at Golf Digest, and on twitter @johnhuggan. Enjoy!
2021-08-171h 22
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #47: Renton LaidlawPeter Alliss might have had golf’s most recognisable voice but it’s almost a dead heat with Scotland’s Renton Laidlaw. In a career spanning more than 50 years there is barely a medium he hasn’t contributed to, from books and newspapers to magazines and TV. Renton, as he is simply known to so many, sat down with The Thing About Golf’s John Huggan to reflect on a lifetime in the game unlike few have ever experienced.
2021-08-041h 30
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #45: Denis PughFrom Colin Montgomerie to Francesco Molinari, and countless others in between, there isn't much Denis Pugh hasn't seen or done in the world of elite player coaching. To listen to him, though, you'd never know it. The down-to-earth Englishman brings a rare and engaging mix of humour and bluntness to any conversation and this delightful chat with John Huggan is no different. Pugh was generous with his time and thoughts in this episode and it is one you'll want to listen to at least twice because there is simply too much insight to take in in one sitting.
2021-06-301h 38
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #43: Padraig HarringtonThree majors and a Ryder Cup captaincy might be the highlights of a stellar career but as John Huggan puts it in the introduction, the most impressive thing about Padraig Harrington is that he's basically a good bloke. Harrington sits down with Huggan a week after finishing a remarkable T4 at the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, a performance that went largely unheralded thanks to the even more remarkable play of Phil Mickelson. The pair talk elite golf, how to know if a player choked, slow play, the distance debate and much, much more in a wildly entertaining episode...
2021-05-311h 43
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #43: Padraig HarringtonThree majors and a Ryder Cup captaincy might be the highlights of a stellar career but as John Huggan puts it in the introduction, the most impressive thing about Padraig Harrington is that he's basically a good bloke. Harrington sits down with Huggan a week after finishing a remarkable T4 at the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, a performance that went largely unheralded thanks to the even more remarkable play of Phil Mickelson. The pair talk elite golf, how to know if a player choked, slow play, the distance debate and much, much more in a wildly en...
2021-05-311h 43The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 077: Phil, The Saudis and the Australian OpenAn eclectic mix of topics might be the best way to describe Episode 77 when we are joined by John Huggan for a PGA wrap. That plan, however, soon went completely off the rails and descended into a discussion about world affairs and how to deal with Saudi Arabia and how the Masters might be key to fixing the Australian Open.
2021-05-251h 09
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #41: Curtis StrangeHe's remembered by most - and rightly so - for his two US Open wins, but Curtis Strange's achievements in the game go far beyond that. A Ryder Cup player and captain, one time holder of the course record at The Old Course at St Andrews and a not infrequent visitor to Australia, he is a thoughtful and eloquent speaker about the game. In this broad ranging chat, John Huggan explores one of the most interesting careers of the modem era with a player regarded as one of the most competitive ever to pick up a club.
2021-04-281h 35The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 071: John Huggan talks ANA and MastersA thrilling finish at the ANA, Spieth back from wherever he's been and the Masters just a couple of days away. No shortage of topics to discuss with special guest John Huggan.
Links mentioned on this episode:
As always, our sponsor The Golf Society . Don't forget to use code TG at checkout for a 20% discount!
The TalkinGolf Network
2021-04-071h 09
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #39: R&A chief Martin SlumbersIn the world of golf administration there is no more important role than Chief Executive of the R&A. Former London-based businessman Martin Slumbers was appointed to that role in 2015 and has quietly set about evolving the culture at the organisation to something more in keeping with modern society. A lifetime golfer with an understanding of the game at the grass roots level, he has demonstrated a capacity for innovative thought in his six years in the job to date and, as he reveals to John Huggan in Episode 39, there is more to come.
2021-04-011h 19
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #37: Nick PriceOf all the players who have ascended to World No.1 since the rankings began in 1986, Zimbabwe's Nick Price is the one who attracts the least attention. Universally regarded as one of the best ball-strikers of his generation, Price's distinctive swing saw him hold the top position for 43 weeks. With three majors to his name and as a two time Presidents Cup Captain, there isn't much Price hasn't seen or done in the game. This is a captivating chat with John Huggan, which covers everything from modern equipment, winning majors and life in Zimbabwe in the 1960's and 70's.
2021-03-031h 43The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 063: John Huggan, Saudi Arabia and the Distance DebateWe welcome John Huggan back to he pod this week to talk all things professional golf from the lure of Jordan Spieth to the ethics of golf in Saudi Arabia. As always, it's a can't miss discussion with one of the keenest minds in the game.
Links Mentioned on this episode:
As always, our sponsor The Golf Society . Don't forget to use code TG at checkout for a 20% discount!
The TalkinGolf Network
2021-02-091h 15
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #35: Dame Laura DaviesFor more than 30 years Laura Davies has been a breath of fresh air in the game. A combination of prodigious length and attacking play has delivered 85 professional victories but it is her down to earth nature and sense of humour which has endeared Davies to fellow players and fans alike. In this wide-ranging discussion with John Huggan, the World Golf Hall of Famer is typically forthright on all topics from pros using hybrids (hint: not a fan) to the importance of the Solheim Cup.
2021-02-031h 16
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #33: Author, Tom CallahanTom Callahan is one of the best all-round sports writers in the world. Golf has been lucky to have such a fine wordsmith, with a genuine love for the game, witness its biggest moments and tell the stories of champions. In a career spanning five decades, he's has had enough experiences to last a few life times from having Ben Hogan critique his swing, to Arnold Palmer making him drinks to trekking through a Vietnam jungle looking for the family of Tiger Phong, the soldier after whom Earl Woods nicknamed his son. In this episode to close out 2020 for...
2020-12-161h 34
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #32: Robert MacIntyreThis episode of the The Thing About Golf has a distinct Scottish flavour as we welcome John Huggan in his debut episode as co-host where he chats with Scotland's most promising young professional in Robert MacIntyre. Huggan caught up with MacIntyre the week after he claimed his maiden European Tour title, the first of what many good judges believe will be multiple career victories. MacIntyre is not your run of the mill Touring Professional and in this fascinating conversation with Huggan reveals some insight into an upbringing surrounded by foster brothers and sisters, his passion for the little known...
2020-12-021h 20
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #32: Robert MacIntyreThis episode of the The Thing About Golf has a distinct Scottish flavour as we welcome John Huggan in his debut episode as co-host where he chats with Scotland's most promising young professional in Robert MacIntyre. Huggan caught up with MacIntyre the week after he claimed his maiden European Tour title, the first of what many good judges believe will be multiple career victories. MacIntyre is not your run of the mill Touring Professional and in this fascinating conversation with Huggan reveals some insight into an upbringing surrounded by foster brothers and sisters, his passion for the little known...
2020-12-021h 20The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 52: John Huggan, Brandel Chamblee And The BubbleTwo big events for John Huggan this week: he was on site at a golf tournament for the first time since February and he also got blocked by Brandel Chamblee on Twitter. Hard to imagine a better time to get him the pod (even though it's only been four weeks since his last appearance). Enjoy!
Links for this episode:
As always, our sponsor The Golf Society (discount page)
The TalkinGolf Network
2020-10-061h 04The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 048: Logue's Back And So Is HuggyJohn Huggan joins Episode 48 to break down everything that is wrong with the Tour Championship (and the rest of the PGA Tour), the parlous state of the European Tour and what the future may hold, Sophia Popov not being in the ANA and plenty more as well.
Links for this episode:
As always, our sponsor The Golf Society (discount page)
JOhn Huggan's piece on the US Open
2020-09-091h 20
McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #48. Tommy FleetwoodThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by one of the best (and most popular) players in the world, Tommy Fleetwood, to discuss his life and career. We talked about his amateur career and his development as a golfer , his dad, and his move into the pro game. He spoke about the importance of environment and the people you surround yourself, and about finding his game, losing it and finding it again. It's a brilliant insight into the mind of a world-class golfer.
2020-06-231h 07McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #47. Mark Cannizzaro of the New York PostThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by the legendary New York Post reporter Mark Cannizzaro. Mark was one of the few reporters allowed inside the PGA Tour 'bubble" in Fort Worth to report on the Charles Schwab Challenge. He talked to us about the surreal experience.
2020-06-151h 02McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #46. Peter KostisThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Peter Kostis, leading swing coach and one of the most famous voices in modern television coverage of the PGA Tour. We talked to Peter about returning to his beginnings in the game, his career with the CBS network in the US and returning to his roots.
2020-06-0956 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #45: Keith PelleyThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour for a wide-ranging discussion about the future of golf in Europe and beyond. We talk Ryder Cup, closer relations with the PGA Tour, "no thanks" to the Premier Golf League and the bouncing back from the financial tsunami of COVID-19.
2020-06-0356 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #44: Darren ClarkeThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Darren Clarke, 2011 Open Champion and one of the greatest ball-strikers of the modern era. We talk Ryder Cup, major championships and the pursuit of perfection.
2020-05-271h 19The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 33: John Huggan talks Rory, Aus Open and moreRespected golf writer John Huggan joins Episode 33 to talk all things golf including: his recent podcast interview with Rory McIlroy that went viral; the 'Hitler' v 'Stalin' choice potentially facing the European Tour; the future of the Australian Open; gender politics in golf and so much more.
Links mentioned on this episode:
As always, our sponsor The Golf Society (discount page)
The Rory Interview on the excellent McKellar Journal Podcast
2020-05-251h 23McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #43: Rory McIlroyThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by world no1 Rory McIlroy for a wide-ranging discussion - Seminole, golf course architecture, the balance between power and artistry, golf development, his amateur career, the pros, and his interests and views on the world beyond golf.
2020-05-141h 28McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #42: Jamie DiazThis week John Huggan and Lawrence Donegan are joined by Golf Channel analyst Jaime Diaz, considered by most of peers in the media tent to be the best golf writer of his generation. We talked to him about golf in these turbulent times - the sport's imminent return, and its future. But we start in happier, more innocent times, with Jaime's recollections of playing golf with the 14-year-old Tiger Woods.
2020-05-051h 17McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #42: James CorriganIn a special news podcast, Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan speak to James Corrigan of the Telegraph about the prospects for the Ryder Cup and the financial landscape facing the European Tour. (Spoiler; it ain't good).
2020-04-3048 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #41: Pete CowenThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Pete Cowen, considered by most of the savvy people around the upper echelons of professional golf to be the best swing coach in world. Pete doesn't chase publicity or attention so it was an absolute privilege to spend an hour talking to him about his career and ideas about coaching.
2020-04-281h 10McKellarMcKellar Golf Pocast #40: Curtis StrangeThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Curtis Strange for a wide-ranging discussion about his life in golf - his US Open victories, the Ryder cup, his love of the Old Course, his development as a player, Seve and the other members of the "Big Five". A captivating guest. Thx Curtis.
2020-04-211h 20McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #39 Denis PughThis week John Huggan and Lawrence Donegan are joined by Denis Pugh, who discusses his work with many of the top class players he has coached through years - Seve, Monty, Molinari and many others.
2020-04-141h 11McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #38 Lee WestwoodThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Lee Westwood, winner of 44 professional tournaments around the world. We discuss Lee's story - a late starter in junior golf who became the world's number one player.
2020-04-071h 16McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #37 Padraig HarringtonThis week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Padraig Harrington. We discuss his social media coaching career, his majors, the golf coaches he has worked with - Torrance, Cowen, Gankas, his Ryder Cup captaincy and how he sees his career post-Ryder Cup.
2020-03-311h 38McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #36This week John Huggan and Lawrence Donegan are joined by Geoff Ogilvy. Amongst other things we discuss Geoff's move home to Australia and how it has made him a better golfer, the "art of scoring", and how much he enjoyed vice-captaincy enjoyed the Presidents Cup. Plus much more.
2020-03-261h 12McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #35This week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by legendary agent Chubby Chandler to discuss golf in a Coronavirus world - how will the pandemic impact the game and what does he see for the future.
2020-03-191h 07McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #34This week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined Meg MacLaren, professional golfer and five-star writer/blogger, to discuss her life on tour. We also talk about Bay Hill, The Players and Saudi sportswashing. NOTE: we lost the last 30 seconds of the recording. Hopefully, that won't spoil your enjoyment of the podcast. thanks.
2020-03-101h 02McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #33The week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Mark Cannizzaro to discuss Paul Azinger, the Honda "Classic", gambling in golf, and the preponderance of mediocre golf courses on the PGA Tour's Flordia swing..
2020-03-0459 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #32Back after a short holiday/trip to Australia, the hosts of Moaning Drive Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are back to discuss the week's events in golf.
2020-02-251h 01The Good-Good Golf PodcastEp 018: John Huggan On All Things GolfJohn Huggan is one of the most respected and forthright voices in the game and he joins Rod Morri and Adrian Logue on Episode 18 to talk Vic Open, Min Woo Lee, the Distance Insights Report and more. There's also news about Derek Duncan and a special announcement about the long awaited return of the much loved Book Club.
Links menitoned on this episode:
The Golf Society for the best apparel brands and accessories.
TalkinGolf - the podcast network for serious golfers
John Huggan on Twitter
Adrian's piece on the...
2020-02-111h 11McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #31A busy week in golf deserves a bumper podcast. Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan discuss everything from the BBC's relationship with golf to the proposed. We discuss the PR effort on behalf of Saudi Arabia, Rory at Torrey Pines and Course set-up in Dubai. And more.
2020-01-291h 11McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #30We're back! Lawrence Donegan catches up with John Huggan in Dubai to discuss the European Tour's desert swing, the proposed world tour for golf, knee-high rough and Tiger's first tournament start of 2020 in San Diego.
2020-01-2559 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #29Here's to 2020. To mark the beginning of the year (if not the golf calendar) Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by the great Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post to look ahead to the majors and more. Be warned: the chat goes long and deep!
2020-01-081h 44
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #9: John HugganGolf has more than its fair share of cheerleaders but Golf Australia columnist John Huggan is not one of them. And the game is better for it. Here, we get an insight into his passion for the game – born on the links of Scotland – which has taken him from outside the ropes as a young autograph-hunting fan, to a fine amateur player, award-winning writer and occasional caddie.
2020-01-081h 30
The Thing About Golf PodcastThe Thing About Golf #9: John HugganGolf has more than its fair share of cheerleaders but Golf Australia columnist John Huggan is not one of them. And the game is better for it. Here, we get an insight into his passion for the game – born on the links of Scotland – which has taken him from outside the ropes as a young autograph-hunting fan, to a fine amateur player, award-winning writer and occasional caddie.
2020-01-081h 10McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #27This week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by the great Mike Clayton to discuss events in the world of golf. Aussie Open, Patrick Reed, Presidents Cup, Royal Melbourne. Plenty to talk about!
2019-12-101h 32McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #26This week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan discuss Phil Mickelson's response to criticism over his announced participation in a golf tournament in Saudi Arabia. The chaps also chat about why Rory McIlroy > Jon Rahm, the Australian Open, and next week's Presidents Cup.
2019-12-0344 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #25Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan discuss the week in golf - Dubai, Nedbank, the prospect of a world tour, McIlroy, Fleetwood, Q school and much else besides.
2019-11-1955 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #24A brad new episode of Moaning Drive with John Huggan and Lawrence Donegan. Special guest Denis Push discusses his work with Francesco Molinari and his life on Twitter, and joins in on our regular discussion of the week's events in golf. One of the smartest guys in the game. Denis, that is. Not Huggan or Donegan.
2019-11-1258 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #22Bumper show this week as regulars John Huggan and Lawrence Donegan offer their Moaning Drive 'hot takes' on the Skins game, Nicolas Colsaerts' win in France, the brilliance of Justin Thomas and the uselessness of golf's drugs testing policies.
Now available on all good podcasting platforms.
2019-10-2257 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #21This week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan discuss the European Tour's announcement of a new tournament, the Scandinavian Mixed, in which men and women will compete head to head. Brilliant idea. We also discuss the Italian Open on the ET, Ryder Cup venues and the two things you say to yourself after every shot.
2019-10-1559 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcat #20This week Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan are joined by Mike Clayton to discuss Jon Rahm's win in Spain, Kevin Na and the use of stats in golf. Plus, a bonus 10 minutes on the coming era of bifurcation.
2019-10-081h 07McKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #19This week on Moaning Drive ....John Huggan and Lawrence Donegan discuss Rory McIlroy's comments about golf course set-ups on the European Tour + a whole lot else besides.
2019-10-0153 minMcKellarMcKellar Golf Podcast #18The band is back together! In the first of their new weekly episodes on the wide world of golf, Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan discuss the BMW Championship and Sanderson Farms whatever. Plus, a quick look ahead to the Dunhill at St Andrews later this week.
2019-09-2445 min
State Of The GameSOG Ep 090: Old Course Rough and Rules, Rules, RulesIs golf going into meltdown or are we just having a rough patch because of the new rules? Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri delve into the seemingly weekly rules snafus in the professional game while also touching on the 'enhanced' rough we can expect at the 2021 Open at St Andrews and what might happen if the pro game made its own rules.
Links mentioned in this episode:
John Huggan talks to R&A Chief Martin Slumbers
Watson and Seve at St Andrews (19.03 is the start of the drama at the 17th):
2019-03-021h 22
TalkinGolfTG 02: John Huggan with Catriona MatthewAfter an overwhelming response to our first TalkinGolf History podcast last week we change gears this week as we welcome one of the game's most respected golf writers, John Huggan, with the first of an occasional but ongoing series of 'In Conversation With'. In this opening episode Huggy sits down with Solheim Cup Captain and long time friend Catriona Matthew for an engrossing chat on every facet of the game. In TalkinGolf news, we had such a good reaction to our first History episode we have decided already to switch it from a monthly show to fortnightly. More importantly...
2019-02-0850 min
Local KnowledgeEpisode 46: Ryder Cup roundtable and all things across the pondWith the U.S. and the European Ryder Cup team rosters starting to fill out, the upcoming event at Hazeltine National is starting to get interesting. Golf Digest editors Sam Weinman, Ryan Herrington and Alex Myers are joined by our European reporter, John Huggan, to discuss how things are shaking out and which team has the edge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2016-08-3130 minState Of The GameSOG Ep 17: "I hope the end game is the ball..."On today's episode Mike Clayton, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to discuss the surprise announement by Tim Finchem that the US PGA Tour would oppose the proposed ban on anchored putters. The team also discusses Rory McIlroy's poor play since switching to Nike and the Australian PGA's move to a golf course not in the country's top 100
2013-03-0354 minState Of The GameSOG Ep-15: "What they're doing is unforgiveable..."Two monumental announcements were made this week: The Old Course at St Andrews is under the surgeon's knife and anchored putting will be outlawed in 2016. Host Rod Morri is joined by Geoff Shackelford, John Huggan and Mike Clayton to dicsuss two of golf's biggest announcements in recent memory (and be prepared for a healthy dose of outrage)...
2012-11-3055 minState Of The GameSOG Ep 14: "My mum could captain the Ryder Cup..."Golf's most compelling event somehow seems to just keep getting better. Geoff Shackelford, John Huggan and Mike Clayton join host Rod Morri to break down events at Medinah, with Clayton even claiming his mum could captain the Ryder Cup....
2012-10-0546 minState Of The GameSOG-Ep-13: "It's all too friendly at the moment.."""Join Rod Morri, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan as they break down the most exciting week in golf, the Ryder Cup. The team also give their final verdict on the just concluded FedEx Cup and why the format still isn't quite right.
2012-09-2639 minState Of The GameSOG-Ep-12-"The first clear Number one since Tiger..."The year's final major is run and won so now it's time to rank them. Hear from the State of the Game team Mike Clayton, John Huggan and Geoff Shackelford as they break down the Grand Slam events of season 2012, from Bubba's hooked wedge at Augusta to Rory's doinating peroformance at Kiawah Island.
2012-08-1558 minState Of The GameSOG-EP-10 "The Open won't be going to Portrush..."Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to look back at the US Open, analyse the US Tour's new secondary tour sponsor, the new event in Turkey giving Tim Finchem and George O'Grady a headache and the chances of The Open returning to Royal Portrush. All that an moreon the latest episode of State of the Game.
2012-07-0647 minState Of The GameSOG Ep 8 - "What have they done to Merion?"In this special combined episode of TalkinGolf and State of the Game Geoff Shackelford, Mike Clayton and John Huggan join host Rod Morri to talk US Masters, Augusta National politics and Mike Clayton's amazing golf odyssey taking in some of America's very best golf courses.
2012-04-181h 00State Of The GameSOG Ep 7 - "We'll forgive Augusta National anything if the golf's good"The most anticipated US Masters in years gets underway this week and, like everyone else with an interest in the game, we at State of the Game are keen to talk about it. Join Rod Morri, Geoff Shackelford and John Huggan as they break down the field, the course and the lingering controversy over Augusta's lack of female members which has reared its head again this year.
2012-04-0236 minState Of The GameState of the Game Episode 5 - "Slow play is an epidemic and it'a just bad manners.."Does your club have a problem with slow play? Well today's episode of State of the Game is a must listen. Host Rod Morri is joined by blogger Geoff Shackelford and Scotland on Sunday columnist John Huggan as they meet John Small, a tournament organiser and inventor fom Australia whose Solution 240 product is achieving remarkable results in eliminating slow play at two Sydney golf clubs.
2012-03-0846 minState Of The GameSOG Ep 3 - "The game has been hijacked by money"The USGA - and Tiger Woods - are talking banning the belly and long putter. Join host Rod Morri, co-hosts John Huggan and Mike Clayton and long time broomstick putter user Craig Spence as they dissect just how dificult - or even desirable - that might be.
2012-02-1347 minState Of The GameState of the Game Episode 2Could the USGA be preparing to take on golf's major manufacturers over distance? New USGA President Glen Nager was talking tough on the issue at last week's USGA annual meeting and Geoff Shackelford was there. Join Shackelford and host Rod Morri as they dissect what looks to be a brave new era for the game's govrning body in the US. Also this week a John Huggan interview with player manager Andrew "Chubby" Chandler discussing the new US Tour Q School proposal and it's potential effects on world golf.
2012-02-0852 minState Of The GameState of the Game Episode 1Geoff Shackelford, John Huggan, Mike Clayton and Rod Morri today launch State of the Game, their new podcast exploring issues effecting the game of golf. Among topics discussed on this first episode are: why the distance obsession has hurt the game, why a roll back of the ball might not be as far off as we think and why professional golf really i important to the health of the game...
2012-01-2236 min