Just a quick update on the first few weeks of the adventure that is The Firm & Fast Golf Podcast, which in case you missed it has already somehow managed to get two episodes in the can. Many thanks to those who have listened, subscribed etc. We really do appreciate the support!
I do have a quick favour to ask, reviews and ratings are welcomed - be they positive or negative - so please vote early and often as it were - your reviews and ratings may just inspire someone else to jump on the Firm & Fast train!
For those of you wondering if you can get it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean etc. you can indeed. All you need to do is scroll down a little on the website episode links (posted below or on the socials) and select the specific podcast service that you want.
Alternatively you can also download the mp3 file link on the episode page directly to your phone and this will play like any other podcast or piece of music.
I just wanted to recap on the first two episodes to remind you what you may have missed/can look forward to or indeed may decide to listen to again (I’ve listened to both of them quite a few times at this stage :))
#1 - Ally McIntosh
The Firm & Fast Pod Episode1 Link - http://firmandfastgolfpodcast.fireside.fm/episode1
Ally McIntosh joined us on episode 1 to introduce listeners to some of the fundamentals of golden age strategic golf design, the impact that Alan Robertson, Old Tom, the golden age's old dead guys, RTJ and Dick Wilson, Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, Tom Doak, masthead pros, trees, restoration, renovation and rankings have on our beloved game.
Ally is the current consulting architect at Carne Golf Links in Belmullet, Co. Mayo (see the video above to get a feel for the thrill that the 27 hole links mecca represents).
Ally is also design consultant at Strandhill Colf Club in Co.Sligo, the 15th hole at the Sligo links is pictured below. Standhill are currently renovating and improving the course under Ally’s watchful eye.
#2 - Mike Clayton
The Firm & Fast Pod Episode2 Link - http://firmandfastgolfpodcast.fireside.fm/2
Mike Clayton joined us from Hobart to introduce 7 Mile Beach to listeners, 7MB is a remarkable sandy site, ideal for golf, where tour pro Mat Goggin has entrusted Mike De Vries and Clayts to build a course for the ages…..or at least not to ‘screw it up’….Mike shares a few titbits about favourite holes on the property and how the design has changed since they got boots in the sand.
We touch on the similarities between the 7 Mile Beach project and another Clayton co-design opus at Barnbougle Dunes, located some 3 hours North of Hobart on the uncompromising Bass Straight coast of Tasmania. The Jacob Sjoman video below should whet your appetite to consider making a pilgrimage to the back of beyond.
We go on to explore his early days in golf at Eastern Golf Club in Melbourne. His ascent to become an Australian Amateur Champion which led to a successful professional career in Australia, Europe and Asia.
Mike reflects on his beginnings as a golf writer and his first forays into restoring some of the golden age greats of Australia. For those that have heard Clayts before he also covers some of his party pieces such as rollback, scale and the importance of MacKenzie's design principles.
This is a long episode but rewarding for those that invest the time. I felt that splitting it would be disingenuous to both Mike and the listenership, so apologies if you need a few bites to get it finished.
Plans Change
Our next guest was to be Mike Cocking of OCM Golf, due to some ongoing work in the USA and Mike’s onerous travel schedule over the next few weeks we have postponed his appearance until towards the end of March.
We have changed up the schedule as a result of this and will be spending some time with Mat Goggin over the coming days. Mat is the developer of the 7 Mile Beach project in Hobart that Mike Clayton and Mike DeVries are currently building on his behalf.
A native of Tasmania, Mat stumbled across the 7 Mile Beach site many years ago and has turned a dream into reality. We will explore the journey that has led him to this point - from the germ of an idea through permitting, financing, the appointment of architects and go-time.
We are very grateful to Mat for agreeing to appear on the pod and look forward to sharing some time with him, please keep an eye out for this episode when it drops.
Augmentation of the St. Patricks Golf Links Episode
In discussions with Frank Casey Junior (Director of Golf @ Rosapenna Golf Links) we have decided to add Clyde Johnson and Ally McIntosh to participation roster for our upcoming episode on the evolution of the St. Patrick’s Golf Links course at Rosapenna.
Clyde was centrally involved in the development and creation of St Patrick’s under the guidance of Tom Doak and Eric Iverson and with no little assistance from Angela Moser. Both Clyde and Angela are now creating more Renaissance golfing magic at the Te Arai golf course construction site, north of Auckland in New Zealand, .
Thanks for taking the time to read the update, please subscribe, like, share and retweet - it all helps.
Happy Golfing from the Firm & Fast team!