Josh Simpson joins the podcast (a.k.a 'the Ginger Golfer') to talk about his world record breaking effort over the last 12 months playing 652 courses in a year, eclipsing the previous 581 World Record.

We talk about Josh's introduction to the sport, and how he turned a tragic chapter in his life into a force for good, raising nearly £100,000 for two wonderful charities: Macmillan Cancer Support and Tapping House. We've put the link for further donations here so you can contribute to the money raised.

We also discuss the trials and tribulations of life on the road, some of his favourite courses and also his - soon to be trademarked - shower rating system. The 10 point rating criteria can be found below:

• 2.5pts: Shower Pressure
• 2pts: Temperature (consistency & warmth)
• 2pts: 'Look'
• 1pt Towel Provided (yes or no)
• 1pt: Privacy / Draft / Space
• 0.5pts: Amenities (0.1pt for each amenity provided)
• 0.5pts: Dials accessed without getting hands wet
• 0.5pts: No need to keep pushing to activate

(Only Sunningdale & The Caversham have swept up 10 points so far!)

Follow Josh and his adventure along here.

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Sam sits down for a catch-up with friend of the pod, West Byfleet membership secretary and exceptional writer Richard Pennell. Together, they cover a wide range of topics, including Richard’s latest book, Common Grounds, which chronicles his journeys to some of the rawest and purest forms of the game.

Building on the success of his first book - Grass Routes - you can secure a copy through the wonderful folks over at Grant Books here.

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Tom sits down with Golf Badgers’ James Bledge at BTME in Harrogate to discuss the event.

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Sam and Tom sit down in the West Sussex clubhouse to chat to one half of Mackenzie & Ebert - Tom Mackenzie - about his love affair with landscapes, and a career in course architecture. We talk about West Sussex and making alterations to your home course, as well as work further afield.

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Sam & Tom head to where it all began for the British motorway service station: Watford Gap. Not only the official north–south divide, but the birthplace of what has grown to become a staple of travel culture in Great Britain — none more so than in our world of planning stops at service stations on the road to and from the links.

This is an episode we’ve wanted to do for some time. And while the connection with golf is extremely tenuous, it’s fascinating to explore the evolution of the motorway service network — from the early days of the M1, through how service stations have changed over time, and what the future might hold.

Of course, we talk about some of our favourites, but now you can rank your own as well. The link below will take you to a ranking website specially created by Tom, where you can leave reviews and help us shine a light on the good, the bad, and the ugly.

https://cookiejarservices.com/

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Sam talks to Jean van de Velde about his career in the game, which began as a six-year-old in Mont-de-Marsan, in the Pyrenees in south-west France. Growing up in the era of persimmon drivers and balata balls, Jean turned professional in 1987 and went on to compete at the highest level of the game for several decades. He is perhaps best known for his performance at the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie, where he slept on a five-shot lead going into the final round.

Jean has also been involved in the administration of the game and was instrumental in bringing The Ryder Cup to France in 2018.

A huge thank you to Jean for his time on the podcast. His reputation as one of the game’s great characters — and as a wonderfully honest, funny, and brilliant storyteller — remains fully intact after this epic episode.

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Sam & Tom sit down to discuss their recent trip to Kington in Herefordshire. The highest course in England, Kington offers spectacular views and great architecture from C. K. Hutchison. We talk tangential historic tidbits and the style and playability of the course.

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This time its Sam's turn to sit in the hot seat and take pot-shots from our regular host Tom, on all things related to his year in golf. From travel, to performance on the links, foursomes match-ups and the honest review of a burger-dog.

Here's his new course eclectic 18 from 2025 below, a comfy par 62, 4,000 yarder!

1: Olympic (Cliff's Course) - Par 3 | 180
2: Streamsong Black - Par 4 | 300
3: Cabot Citrus Farms - Karoo - Par 3 | 250
4: Durness - Par 4 | 310
5: Beau Desert - Par 4 | 400
6: Panmure - Par 4 | 390
7: Golden Gate Park Par 3 - Par 3 | 140
8: Sandiway - Par 4 | 360
9: The Park (Par 3) - Par 3 | 40
10: Hayling Island - Par 4 | 270
11: Maple Leaf - Par 3 | 150
12: East Potomac Putting Course - Par 2 | 10
13: Cabot Highlands (Old Petty) - Par 4 | 320
14: Hunstanton - Par 3 | 220
15: Winter Park - Par 4 | 290
16: Hesketh - Par 3 | 180
17: TPC Sawgrass - Par 3 | 130
18: Kington - Par 4 | 270
Par 62 / Yardage 4210

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