We count down the top five Scotsmen who shaped the legacy of American golf—from course design and instruction to bringing the game itself to U.S. soil. Discover how their vision and influence still define the game today.
In this special Mother's Day episode of The Secret of St. Andrews, we honor Agnes “Nancy” Morris—the wife of Old Tom Morris and mother of Young Tom Morris—whose quiet strength and devotion helped shape one of golf’s most legendary families. Her legacy is a testament to the profound impact of motherhood on the game and its history.
Before Augusta, before Pebble Beach—there was a cow pasture in Yonkers. This is the true story of how two Scotsmen brought golf to America and sparked a cultural tradition that still defines the country club experience today.
In this episode, we explore how a moment of defeat at St. Andrews shaped Bobby Jones’ destiny—and ultimately led to the creation of Augusta National. Through his partnership with architect Alister MacKenzie, Jones reimagined golf course design by blending strategic brilliance and natural beauty, drawing deep inspiration from the Old Course.
On a moonless night in 1864, legendary golfer Old Tom Morris and three companions embarked on a midnight round at Prestwick Golf Club, playing entirely by instinct and lantern light. This remarkable match, now part of golf folklore, was a testament to both their skill and Morris’s enduring passion for the game—even in total darkness.
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In 1849, four of golf’s greatest players faced off in a historic three-leg showdown that would cement Scotland’s place as the game's true homeland. The Invincibles of St. Andrews and the mighty Dunn twins of Musselburgh battled for pride, prestige, and the largest purse in golf history—resulting in a rivalry that shaped the sport forever.
How did a single golf match in 1681 shape Scotland’s claim as the birthplace of the game? In this bonus episode, we explore the origins of the motto Far and Sure, from its legendary match at Leith Links to its lasting impact on golf’s history. Discover how three simple words came to define the game’s spirit of precision, perseverance, and national pride.
In this bonus episode, we journey back to 1681 and the first recorded international golf match at Leith Links. Discover how the Scots defended their honor against English boasts, how a shoemaker changed history, and how a teenage caddy left a lasting legacy. Golf’s origins come alive in this story of pride, tradition, and triumph.
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Did you know that the iconic clubhouse behind the Old Course's first tee originally belonged to a different club? In this episode of The Secret of St. Andrews, we uncover the history of the Union Club, its ties to archery, and how it eventually merged with the R&A to become the legendary Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
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Ever wonder how the scoring system in golf's greatest championships came to be? In this episode of The Secret of St. Andrews, we delve into the fascinating chaos of the R&A's original method for determining a champion—where players waited for clerks to scrutinize "jottings" before a winner was revealed. Join us as we uncover how this convoluted system led to the stroke play scoring we know today.
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Three remarkable figures—John Rattray, Hugh Mercer, and David Wemyss—are at the heart of this episode of The Secret of St. Andrews. From their shared experience at the Battle of Culloden to their fascinating journeys across Scotland, France, and the American colonies, this story reveals their enduring patriotism, secret intelligence efforts, and lasting impact on history. Discover how their bonds, forged in rebellion, shaped Scotland’s future and influenced the American Revolution.
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In this episode, we explore George Fullerton Carnegie’s Golfiana and its 1833 poem, The First Hole at St. Andrews on a Crowded Day. Dive into the colorful characters, vivid imagery, and timeless love for golf that Carnegie captures in this ode to the home of the sport. It’s a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and the enduring charm of St. Andrews.
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Explore the unique wagering traditions of Scotland's early golfing societies, where bets on the course weren't just for profit but promoted unity among members. Discover how the rituals of Freemasonry influenced these clubs, weaving social harmony and spirited wagering into the fabric of 18th-century golf.
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Ben Franklin and his Scottish allies face off against the inflammatory rhetoric of John Wilkes, whose anti-Scottish and revolutionary propaganda threatens both British and colonial stability. As Franklin seeks diplomacy, Wilkes’ radical influence on American colonists only intensifies the growing call for independence.
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In this special episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between Scotland’s golfing history and its love for claret wine. We explore how this French Bordeaux became a symbol of Scottish nationalism, with roots tracing back to the Old Alliance of 1295. From golf wagers settled with smuggled bottles to the iconic claret jug awarded at the Open Championship, this episode uncorks the intriguing blend of history, wine, and the sport of kings.
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In this special edition of the Secret of St. Andrew's podcast, we uncover a fascinating golf match from 1738 featuring two remarkable women—one known only as "Charming Sally"—who made history on the Bruntsfield Links. Discover how these women, along with Maggie Johnston and Mary, Queen of Scots, left their mark on the game of golf and the enduring legacy of Scottish women in the sport.
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In this episode, we delve into the story of the 1681 match between Scotland and England that solidified golf’s status as a Scottish sport. Discover how the Duke of York and his partner John Paterson defended Scotland's honor on the green, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
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In this episode, we share the story of Daft Willie Gunn, a beloved yet eccentric caddy from the 19th century whose memory still hangs in the halls of the Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh. Join us as we uncover his wit, quirks, and the mystery surrounding his final walk home.
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In this special episode of the Secret of St. Andrew's Podcast, we dive into the fascinating history of 18th and 19th-century golfing wagers in Edinburgh. From launching golf balls over St. Giles' Steeple to playing across Arthur's Seat, discover the daring bets that shaped Scotland’s oldest golf traditions.
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In this special edition of the Secret of St. Andrews podcast, we explore a forgotten chapter of golf history when a simple rules dispute nearly disbanded the oldest golf club in the world. Tune in as we uncover the 1807 controversy that split the Royal Burgess into two factions, and the mysterious destruction of 21 pages from the club's records.
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