Ru Macdonald - Scottish Golf Podcast

Host Ru Macdonald shares his recent site visit to Trump Turnberry after the historic Open Championship venue underwent an extensive renovation to the Ailsa Course, hotel and resort amenities.

Ru & Graylyn are joined by PGA Tour player Jim Herman as the 2016 Shell Houston Open champion shares his fondness of Scottish golf and a memorable first round on the Old Course, St Andrews. Jim also looks ahead to The Open Championship at Royal Troon in just a few months time. Way to keep […]

Jack Willoughby, owner of the famous ‘The Dunvegan’  pub shares how an American from Houston ended up owning the most famous 19th hole in golf.

Ru & Graylyn are back as the first golfers begin to descend on Scotland’s links courses. On this week’s episode parter in Jones Golf Bags Matt Lehman recaps his latest father & son trip to Scotland which included rounds at Cruden Bay, Trump Aberdeen, Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart & Old Course St Andrews. Day 1 […]

Ru & Graylyn are joined on this episode by Jamie Darling of Ayrshire Golf Scotland as the region gets set to host The Open Championship this July while also finding time to answer some listener questions. If you have any to be sure to get in touch by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com. Ayrshire Golf Scotland do a […]

Ru Macdonald & Graylyn Loomis discuss how difficult Scottish links golf really is. For many golfers planning a trip they often think back to seeing Tiger Woods battling the rough at Muirfield while hearing scare-stories of golfers shooting 100+ on a blustery day at Prestwick or Nairn. On this episode we share the factors involved in making […]

Ru & Graylyn are joined by author Josh Evenson to share the backstory of his book Links To St Andrews. Links to St Andrews features 100-plus contributors including revered amateurs and international pros, Arnold Palmer, Sir Michael Bonallack, Rory McIlroy, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Annika Sörenstam, Greg Norman, Lorena Ochoa, and many more; […]

On this week’s epiode Ru Macdonald & Graylyn Loomis share their favourite Scottish golf travel experiences in a bid to upstage the recent Oscars and Grammys. Best Golf Region For Non Golfers East Lothian with its close proximity to Scotland’s…Read more ›

One of golf’s most historic venues is no longer as golf’s longest running bar Mrs Forman’s, Musselburgh is set for demolition. Neil Laird of Scottish Golf History who broke the story revealed the closure of the pub and the lodged…Read more ›

As Dornoch marks the anniversary of 400 years of golf in the town this season who better to have on the podcast than the author of ‘A Season In Dornoch’ Lorne Rubenstein. Graylyn Loomis Royal Dornoch golf course review. Lorne Rubenstein…Read more ›

Subscribe to our weekly podcast Hosts Ru Macdonald & Graylyn Loomis discuss some of the costs involved in planning a Scottish golf trip including green fees, lodging, transport and airfares and put forth the case that Scottish golf can be as affordable as you…Read more ›

Email a question – question@scottishgolfpodcast.com Host Ru Macdonald is joined by New York golfer Mike Altobello who just returned from a buddies golf trip in and around North Berwick. Apart from providing a transparent account of his trip, Mike shares with us a host…Read more ›

Micah Pueschel, front man for Iration joined Ru to relive his recent Scottish golf trip which included a proposal on North Berwick beach. Remember to subscribe to our weekly podcast here. The purpose of the trip wasn't actually golf. Micah's then girlfriend Chloe's family originate from Ayr, Turnberry country for those that don't know your Scottish geography. So when possible efforts were made to play some of Scotland's great golf courses; North Berwick, Cruden Bay, Loch Lomond, Dundonald Links, Western Gailes, Glasgow Gailes, Royal Troon and Shiskine. Day 1 - Proposing at North Berwick Golf was the after thought at North Berwick. 'Burning a hole in my pocket' was the phrase coined by Micah on the toorture of travelling to Scotland and proposing on day 1 of the trip. In the shadows of the 16th green on the sandy shores of North Berwick beach and low setting sun the question was asked. Thankfully for the potential detriment of the trip Chloe said YES. As for the golf, a little jet lagged Micah admittedly struggled on a very fast and firm North Berwick which was all set to host the Scottish Open qualifier that week. Day 2 - Cruden Bay Staying at the Cruden Bay B&B which offered views over the course, the couple joined me for a game round my home course Cruden Bay. Very concious that I don't turn this weekly podcast into a Cruden Bay propaganda piece, Micah noted this as his favourite round of the trip. Great day at Cruden Bay Golf Club with @RuMacdonald @ScotGolfPodcast Might be my favorite course I've ever played. pic.twitter.com/IN0wxFcNJj — Micah-Iration (@Pooshdaddy) July 3, 2015 To break up the 3 hour commute back south the pair stopped by The Home of Golf. While closed for The Open Championship walking the course late into the evening was still very special. A nice reason to come back and play!? Made it to the #HomeOfGolf today with the fiancé and got to walk the course. Dream come true. #StAndrews pic.twitter.com/YuHKaLNURR — Micah-Iration (@Pooshdaddy) July 4, 2015 Day 3 - Lavish Loch Lomond Not a recommendation of mine I must add (playing parkland golf in Scotland is like playing parkland golf...anywhere) Micah's third day golfing was at the very lavish Loch Lomond.  Day 4, 5 & 6 - Ayrshire Golf Most the golf was played from Ayrshire where Chloe's family were based. After doing some research Micah opted into the Gailes Golf Package which included a round at Western Gailes, Glasgow Gailes and Dundonald Links at a cost of £215. The one 'trophy' course of the trip was Royal Troon where the welcome couldn't have been warmer.   Beautiful day @RoyalTroonGC Course is in immaculate condition and the weather was the same. #NewBalanceGolf#callawaypic.twitter.com/uo01AfF7Ir — Micah-Iration (@Pooshdaddy) July 7, 2015 The final leg of the trip was a couple days on the Isle of Arran, home to the fun Shiskine Golf Club, famed for have just 12 holes. Members play this twice in less than 4 hours.

In the second part of the podcast interview with bestselling author Tom Coyne we discuss some of the more spiritual experiences which Tom encountered for the basis of his next book A Course Called The Kingdom while finding out how the trip ended at Regional Open Qualifying. Personally I was excited to hear how Tom would tackle the quick-fire question round, a set of questions put to every guest who has recently returned from their Scottish golf trip. 1. Favourite course? Cruden Bay, Askernish, Murcar & Anstruther 2. Favourite accommodation?   Exclusive - Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle Affordable - Meldrum House, Aberdeen 3. Equipment option? Waterproof rain pants (trousers) Jones Golf Bag & Seamus Golf Tartan headcovers 4. Scottish golf misconception? The people, Scots are friendly! 5. Favourite shot? Blind par 3 15th at Cruden Bay 6. Bit of advice for Scottish golf trips? Don't do too much and be brave enough to discover your own hidden gem, Scotland has plenty. As you'd expect with any good author Tom's character shines through on both podcast appearances. There is plenty to like about the red haired maverick from Philadelphia. Not only did Tom relish every moment of his Scottish experience but he was more than happy to share it with anyone that cared, showing gratitude and  charisma in equal measure. It was therefore very humbling for me to read Tom's sentiments on me and his Scottish Golf Podcast experiences. "I don’t think there’s a better known or connected golf lad in Scotland.  He was a tremendous resource on my travels, and I was fortunate for the chance to speak with him both before and after the cards were signed.  Though our paths never actually crossed in my travels, I’m happy to have a reason for another round at Cruden Bay." So what do I make of Mr Coyne's efforts? In truth I can't wait to read the finished version of A Course Called The Kingdom which is scheduled for summer 2016. Then I will eventually tee it up with Tom and do my best to try get the book in the hands of as many golfers as possible. That said I'm not sure he'll need much help. In the same way his Ireland book A Course Called Ireland has done, I predict it will find many the bedside retreat on the cold winter nights. Bring on the influx of the golfing mavericks! Subscribe to the weekly podcast on all things Scottish golf travel and hear from other golfers willing to share hints and tips from their recent golf trip to Scotland. If you have a question or feedback I'd love to hear from you - email question@scottishgolfpodcast.com

Episode 69 - Tom Coyne Trip Listen to part two here.