In Episode 2 of The Sports Bench Podcast, Marc Millar sits down with one of Scotland’s most respected and recognisable figures in golf, Alan Tait.

From winning the Scottish Boys Championship at just 16 to holding the course record at Carnoustie for 23 years, Alan reflects on the highs, near-misses and lessons from a life immersed in the game. He shares candid insights into transitioning from amateur to professional golf, the realities of competing on tour, and the fine margins between success and failure at the elite level.

Alan also recounts a remarkable practice round alongside Tiger Woods and Ben Crenshaw, discusses modern technology’s impact on the game, and opens up about the discipline he wishes he had embraced earlier in his career.

Beyond playing, the conversation explores his work in growing the game through Golfing initiatives, developing young talent, shaping club culture and ensuring golf becomes more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.

Honest and insightful with a few laughs along the way, this episode is a powerful reflection on performance, humility, resilience and the lifelong lessons sport can teach us.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Alan’s Career Overview
• (00:02:45) - Reflecting on Achievements
• (00:04:15) - Winning the Scottish Boys Championship
• (00:05:50) - Amateur vs Professional Mindset
• (00:09:30) - The Standard of Modern Professional Golf
• (00:10:45) - Technology & Equipment Evolution
• (00:20:50) - Carnoustie Course Record
• (00:22:30) - Playing with Tiger Woods & Ben Crenshaw
• (00:25:00) - The Rangers/Celtic Conversation with Tiger
• (00:29:40) - Failure, Losing & Competitive Hunger
• (00:34:30) - Growing the Game: Golfing & Junior Development
• (00:38:30) - Cost, Accessibility & Barriers in Sport
• (00:43:00) - When to Introduce Coaching
• (00:46:00) - Making Golf Clubs More Welcoming
• (00:51:20) - Committees, Culture & Club Leadership
• (00:53:30) - Life Skills Through Golf
• (00:55:30) - Is Golf Still Elitist?
• (00:58:30) - Broadcasting & Commentating at Majors
• (01:03:00) - Walking Up 18 at St Andrews with The Open Champion
• (01:27:00) - Favourite Par 3s & Hidden Gem Courses