Ru Macdonald - Scottish Golf Podcast

The modern golf traveler now brings their phone and tablet devices everywhere, even onto Scotland's best golf courses. Here is our fab 5 apps which will enhance your next golf trip to Scotland. A few might just surprise you. 1. Golf History App with Peter Alliss The Scottish Golf Podcast interview the founder and president of the Golf History App Howard Schickler and discover all about the apps background and features. Listen to full interview here. Full of fantastic and original content for those who love their golf history. With Scotland being fundamental to the game of golf it is no surprise the app is bursting with interesting stories and iconic imagery of golf in Scotland. With an archive of video footage, photography and articles you will find yourself spending hours reading up on the game, encapsulated. Just in time to walk in the footsteps of the greats who have played at The Home of Golf with a full appreciation of what golf in Scotland is all about. 2. Gamebook - The Live Scorecard Planning a buddies trip to Scotland and fed up with score-keeping? The interactive Scorecard is just the start of the fun as you watch the live scoring populate across all groups in your party. Choose the game you play while in Scotland from Texas scrambles to match-play. Keep connected with those friends and family back home who did not make the golf trip as users can comment as you birdie, bogey and more on a golf course in Scotland. Share your scores, comments, emotions and so much more in this revolutionary golf app. Golf buddy trips in Scotland just got social. 3. Scotland Battles and Castles Golf travel to Scotland is as intriguing for many off the golf course than on. Scotland is rich in history and stories which is of interest to many inbound golf visitors and even more so to those non golfers. We felt this app gave you the visiting golfer a true idea of how much history and heritage Scotland has to offer. The balance of informative story telling and imagery to reference to prior to your visit was perfect. With the ability to understand your location in relation to your golf trip or general itinerary, visiting a nearby castle has never been easier or more attractive. 4. Snapseed Did you know Scotland can be quite photogenic in places? We know how much sharing imagery across social media is part of the travelling process. The photo editing app has the ability to transform a standard photo to a more representative image of your trip. For those who love to post to social media sites like Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook this is for you. When looking for that perfect photo the app provides a simple solution for you the budding photographer in Scotland. 5. St Andrews Links - The Home of Golf The oldest golf course in the world has one of our favourite apps. When visiting The Home of Golf have all the information you will ever need. All golf courses and facilities run by the St Andrews Links Trust are listed with relevant information for the golfer. Scorecards, visual guides and playing tips let he excitement build ahead of 'that' round. Manage your tee bookings and even check the famous ballot for the following day. Again, informative to the non-golfers providing a thorough overview of general activities, bars and restaurants in and around St Andrews. *One other app to consider is the Scot Rail App for those travelling by train particularly in the year of Ryder Cup at the famous railway venue Gleneagles. Check out Co-Host Graylyn Loomis' blog for excellent Scottish golf course reviews and more here.

This episode discusses the importance in social media when looking to travel to Scotland and The Home of Golf.Author Zeb Welborn recently published the book The Social Golf Course and was the perfect guest to talk all things social networking in Scottish golf. You can check out more of Zeb at his website - http://19thholemedia.com/  Co-Host Introduction Graylyn Loomis. is a 22-year-old senior at The University of St Andrews in St Andrews, Scotland. He shares a similar enthusiasm, passion and knowledge for golf travel to Scotland as host Ru and will prove to be a vital part of the Scottish Golf Podcast moving forward. Graylyn's Recounter... Favourite Scottish Golf Course & Accommodation Royal Dornoch & Ardshiel Hotel, Campbeltown  Favourite St Andrews Experience A sunset round on Old, to the tune of bagpipes    Favourite Scottish Shot Hole in One #8 Old Course, St Andrews    1 Equipment Option for a Scotland Golf Trip Gortex weather suit    1 Misconception of Scotland Golf Travel Lots of golf is good, manage your rounds   Finally, 1 tip for booking a Scotland Golf Trip Base yourself in a Town/City for a period of your trip    Follow him on his fantastic blog - Twitter @grayloomis and Instagram @graylynloomis

On the weekend of the 80th Masters what could possibly connect Scottish golf and the origins of the most hallowed golfing turf on earth, Augusta National? After some initial research I was amazed to find that Augusta National was built by a Scot, Alister MacKenzie. After further research the compelling story of Mackenzie and his travels made for a fascinating story which needed told. Our guest is the perfect man to tell this story, arguably the most knowledgeable in the life of Dr Mackenzie, Nick Leefe, as Chairman of The Alister MacKenzie Society Of Great Britain and Ireland and Historian of Alwoodly, Mackenzie's first course design Mr Leefe was happy to come on the podcast to talk through the Scots' untold story. With some of Scotland's most notable golf courses associated to Dr Alister MacKenzie and the very fact that he was a member of the Royal and Ancient of St Andrews this episode is a celebration of the great man. One of his famous Scottish golf course designs is Duff House Royal, pictured below which is located in the heart of the Speyside Whisky Region and unsurprisingly adjacent to an active distillery. Golf and whisky galore. Of his other course design influences is Blairgowrie Golf Club's Rosemount which hosts the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup this September. CNN are paying tribute to Mackenzie this weekend on their broadcast airing multiple times across the platform. A video of the feature can be seen here;.

A group of nearly 30 students from Penn State University, USA  recently returned from the Home of Golf for a weeks golfing during their spring break. Before they returned home to Pennsylvanian some of the students and course leader Eric joined us on the Scottish Golf Podcast to share their favorite Scottish golf experiences. What was evident from the start was that Penn State University ensured each student was given the opportunity to play golf as expected but also understand the golfing culture which surrounds some of the world's most celebrated golf courses. The public accessibility, with members of the public walking across many of the courses was of a surprise to many of the students. This whole experience will ensure each and every student can now return home to the US with a very different perspective on golf and the humble origins. With each student having aspirations to pursue a career in the golf sector, a small part of the golf industry's future is now in love with Scotland and importantly understands that golf is for anyone. . Beautifully put by one of the students, what are you waiting for?  

Gordon Donaldson, owner of St Andrews Executive Travel joins the host Ru Macdonald to answer all questions for bus travel in Scotland and reveals that this transport option is actually a lot more affordable than perceived. An often overlooked aspect of a Scottish golf trip episode 15 focuses on transportation throughout your trip and the importance in selecting the correct method for your budget and group. One of the most popular options selected by golfers here in Scotland is by bus and offers various benefits including a very well trained driver which is part of Gordon's regime for his 30 or so drivers. As part of a £550,000 investment this winter St Andrews Executive Travel will, with their new fleet of bespoke vehicles inclusive of fittings such as cool boxes for some of Scotland's most refreshing beverages, wifi enabled throughout each and every coach, power points at each seat, card tables and what feels like more leg room than a Dustin Johnston drive. As the episode outlines the cost per golfer can often be as economical as a rental vehicle. Even if you are paying that little bit more wouldn't you rather prefer friendships to be grown rather than arguments over driving directions? Wouldn't you prefer local knowledge instead of a missed tee-time? Wouldn't you prefer a better golf travel experience? That is why I genuinely advise the adoption of bus travel while in Scotland. The very fact that all the worries of the trip can be left on the golf course after a round must be evidence enough. Anyway Scotland is far too picturesque to be staring at a busy road map or fighting with a malfunctioning GPS. Next time you travel to Scotland consider the option of bus travel and the opportunity to sit back, relax and take in Scotland as it's very best. Recounter is where we ask a guest or fan of the podcast to share some useful hints and tips from their Scottish golf travel experiences. Recounter with Gordon Donaldson (St Andrews Executive Travel) Favourite Course & Accommodation - Turnberry Ailsa & Resort Favourite Shot - #17 Tee Shot Old Course St Andrews Equipment Option - Woolly Hat Scottish Golf Misconception - .Lots of rain, not true! Parting bit of Advice - Play a lesser known course on your way..you will love it.

Scotland has around 100 Scotch whisky distilleries with 50 being found in Speyside. We talk Scotch whisky with Mike Duncan from Moray Prestige Tours as he explains the truly unique whisky offerings in the Speyside region. Positioned on the very easterly point of the North-east coast, Speyside has the landscape perfect for centuries old whisky producing and an array of world class golf courses. Mike Duncan who runs Moray Prestige Tours, a bespoke chauffeur driven tours to some of the most famous whisky distilleries in the world speaks exclusively on the Scottish Golf Podcast and shares some really powerful insight including revealing some of the secret ingredients that go into the Speyside whisky. The climate of dry sunny weather (YES in Scotland) provides the local land resource that goes into the distilling process. The prolonged hours of sunshine help create the barley while the neighboring Scottish Highlands capture the rain, which when washed down the River Spey provides some of the cleanest water in the world. It's not only whisky on offer in Speyside, golf is very much on the pallet too with some fantastic lesser known golfing offerings. The first Moray Old which neighbours the RAF airbase at Lossiemouth. The golf and whisky affiliation is best represented here. Moray Golf Club was founded in 1889 and formally opened on 30th March of that year.The Old Course was laid out by Old Tom Morris who became a frequent visitor and played a number of exhibition matches in the early years. The membership then included a number of distillers. These distiller members who had been laying down whisky since the formation of the club and in 1900 the club purchased one hogshead (54 Imperial gallons) of Glen Grant 1894 whisky at 7/6 per gallon, one of 1897 at 5/- and two of 1900 at 2/6. Today's "club malt" is a 10 year old single malt. The traditional links course like many great Scottish courses starts and finishes in town. A really special golf experience. Other great golf offerings in the region include Duff House Royal, which has had architectural influences by none other than James Braid and latterly Alister Mackenzie. This inland course is arguably the best of its kind in the region. Herald by Alan Mcpherson in Episodes 11 & 12 as his favourite golf course in Scotland so far, (out of 627 isn't too bad) Hopeman Golf Club offers natural links golf with the often quirk thrown in. Again on the Moray Firth the views are spectacular. Honestly, the Moray region and Speyside offer so much to a visiting golfer that you can really see it all. Nestled on the edge of the Scottish Highlands and rich in history consider stopping your bus or car next time you take the Aberdeen-Inverness route.if not for a few days, just for a couple hours. You will not regret it.  Other News The Scottish Golf Passport is now live, check out this amazing initiative which promises to be very beneficial for golfers visiting Scotland.Sign up online and get your passport with complimentary liability golf insurance and track golf travel round Scotland of you, your friends and other golfers visiting Scotland. Recounter with Sandy Lyle Favorite Golf Course & Accommodation - Old Course & Skibo Castle  Favorite Shot - 17th tee shot on the Old Course St Andrews Misconception - N/A  Equipment Option - Sat-nav   Parting bit of Advice - Spend more time between rounds 

As part of the 'Warming Up Ryder Cup series our latest episode talks exclusively with the resident Head Proffestional at Gleneagles Resort Andrew Jowett. He explains his day to day roles leading up to the event and shares with the Scottish Golf Podcast how he expects the Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course to play for the 2014 Ryder Cup. This year sees the Ryder Cup returning to Gleneagles once more after the first unofficial Ryder Cup was played here in 1921. As it prepares to celebrate it's 90th anniversary, Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, has teamed up with Golf & Thistle Ltd to offer visitors the chance to experience golf as it would have been played in 1924 (1st official Ryder Cup.) From now until the end of July, hotel guests and visitors can take to the fairways with hickory clubs to recreate the authentic early 20th century golfing experience on Gleneagles’ PGA National Academy Course. Alternatively, individual and corporate groups can be transported to Fife to play a round on the 9-hole Kingarrock Course, which was lovingly restored by the Anderson family in 2008. For more information visit the Gleneagles website. The golf course Andrew believes will play similarly to the Johnnie Walker Championship played annually on the European Tour around a month before this event will take place. An obvious advantage to the mainstay European's who have familiarized themselves with the course over the last several years. Andrew continued by saying the course will suit the longer, straighter hitter and very conducive to match-play. It was evident throughout speaking with Mr Jowett that Gleneagles are fully aware of the past failings of host venues of the Ryder Cup. The term legacy is a mainstay in the Gleneagles vocabulary now as they hope to build on creating long term benefits throughout their resort and more wider into the local Scottish community. If the individuals involved in implementing such legacy objectives share the same enthusiasm and vision as Andrew it most certainly has a chance and what benefit to Scotland's golfing culture it would be. Andrew Jowett's Recounter (Scotland Golf Travel Advice from Gleneagles) Favorite Golf Course & Accommodation - Queens Course & Hotel (both Gleneagles Resort) Favorite Shot - Second into the PGA Centenary Course late September 2014 Misconception of Scottish Golf Travel - Accessibility to Scotland's best golf courses Equipment Option - Learn knock-down shot (Not equipment option but we will let him off with it!) Parting bit of Advice - Come with an open mind and enjoy all that Scotland has to offer.

We hear once again from a real Scottish golfing pioneer Alan Mcpherson as he describes the amazing lesser known golf courses he has passed on his way to playing almost every course in Scotland. Number 655 is due to be completed this year. Not one to miss. Alan is doing this all for charity so please donate what you can for Cancer Research UK if you enjoyed the show and like me admire what Alan is doing. Simply click the image below to his website Scottish golf courses - all of them

A man went on a mission across every bit of Scottish soil in search for all 655 golfing experiences. His name was Alan and we hear his story. Check out Alan's progress here.

An interview with the 'American Caddie in St Andrews' Oliver Horovitz as he reveals the secrets to playing the Old Course and how much a caddie can help lower your score! We couldn't have Oliver on the podcast without sharing some of his secrets. Here are 5 tips to play better golf around The Home of Golf, St Andrews; Tip #1 Keep it Left "All the danger is right of the tee here in St Andrews. If the ball is going left 9/10 times it will be on a fairway on the Old Course perfectly unharmed. Right however is another matter, gorse, rough, bunkers out of bounds and even Grannies Clark Wynd are all potential homes for an errant sliced tee shot. at The Home of Golf!". Tip #2 Ban your Lob Wedge  "The hard links makes for playing a traditional lob wedge shot very difficult. The bounce off the turf makes thinning a chip likely and without conviction a 'chunk' almost a certainty. Leave the lob wedge at home for this trip." Tip #3 Putt. Putt and Putt Some More  "As suggested chipping is not the easiest way to score on the links so putt when you can, even when you would usually think to chip. Some of these greens are huge so expect some of the longest lag putting you'll ever experience! Some can be as long as 80 yards! Tip #4 No Heroics From the Rough  "End up in the rough or heather then take your medicine. Scottish rough is really nasty so grab a wedge and get back on the fairway. Find the shortest route back, grip down the shaft and get out of there first time, No hero style golf here please." Tip #5 Take a St Andrews Caddie, it's Dangerous Out There "A caddie can save you 10 shots minimum round the Old Course, St Andrews so take one if not for your wager then just for safety! Numerous double greens, adjacent fairways and bad golf means balls are flying about in all directs, crisscrossing the course.Above all else a caddie can ensure your emotional round on the Old is special, not just sentimentally but on the scorecard too!" A caddie since he was twelve and a golfer sporting a 1.8 handicap, Ollie decides to spend his gap year in St. Andrews where he enrolls in the St. Andrews Links Trust caddie trainee program. The story of the caddie shack and life growing up in St Andrews is a thrilling read. For more information check out Oliver's website. In Other News: Kingsbarns Golf Links Reveal Bumper 2014 Sales One of Scotalnd's best golf courses has reported huge interest ahead of the 2014 season as golfers from around the world plan to descend on Scotland. Alan Hogg, Kingsbarns Golf Links Chief Executive commented, “We are extremely excited about 2014,We have already seen an upsurge in bookings around the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, and if the sun shines, as it did last year, this will only help with last-minute bookings and additional replay rounds.” Regular fans of the podcast will already know that Kingsbarns is highly regarded by your host and it is little surprise that this golfing experience is a must play for so many of you visiting golfers in 2014. Trump Scotland Update  The circus which is Donald Trump was part of his Scotland development from the get-go however no more so than this week where Mr Trump halted work to his second golf course on site and erection of his luxury hotel. This at the same time he purchased Doonbeg Golf Resort in Ireland. To explain the timeline of events the Scottish Golf Podcast earlier this week produced '5 Golfing Analogies Explaining Trump Scotland'. Read it here.

The episode looks back at a very successful PGA Merchandise Show  for Scotland after the largest contingent of Scottish golf organisations descended on Orlando accompanied with ampule whiskey and bagpipes to satisfy the thousands of golf enthusiasts. Of significant important was the rise in interest for Scottish golf travel to Scotland for 2014 and 2015. . Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is the first Scottish venue for this prestigious exhibition.  The story of the Ryder cup from its early beginnings in 1927 through to the present day will begin its tour round Scotland in Stirling.. With a collection of fascinating items and memorabilia on display it captures more significant Scottish golf history together with the featuring the humble beginning of this huge event. Finally, #ScotlandHour is a monthly chat on Twitter covering subjects like ‘where to stay’, ‘where to eat’, ‘what to do in Scotland’ etc. It’s a chance for travelers to chat and plan a visit to Scotland. The nect #ScotlandHour is Wednesday 26th of February 2014 9-10pm talking Scottish festivals.

Ever expected something and it has disappointed? This podcast episode is all about managing the service level expectation when visiting Scotland during a golf vacation. Discussed in depth with our guest who knows a thing or two about service, currently leading a sales team at The American Club Resort, USA one of the countries leading luxury golf resorts.

Golf Digest Have Royal Dornoch Top Scot In a week where another set of rankings were released a common theme has appeared.Here is the breakdown of all 14 Scottish golf course entries; Royal Dornoch 7 Old Course, St Andrews 8 Muirfield 9 Turnberry Ailsa 19 Carnoustie 31 Kingsbarns 50 Trump International 56 Machrihanish 57 North Berwick 65 Cruden Bay 70 Royal Aberdeen 73 Royal Troon 76 Castle Stuart 87 Loch Lomond 90 A staggering 62 golf courses in Golf Digest's 100 World Greatest Golf Courses are untouchable to the average visiting golfer. In this episode of the podcast this mind-blowing statistic is discussed. In Other News Old Tom makes his red carpet debut in a movie all about his relationship with his son Tommy. The 'keeper of the greens' amazing story is being produced by Jason Connery, son of James Bond star Sean and filming is due to start in Scotland this spring. Read About it The fifth oldest golf course in the world, 452 year old Montrose Golf Links is finally being protected by the harsh elements of the North sea. This Old Tom designed course has for many years being eroding into the sea. Efforts are now in place to prevent further erosion having further detrimental impacts on this old age links. Read About it Henrick Stenson is set to be the latest golfing superstar to commit to the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen. The world number 3 believes this fantastic links would be perfect preparation for the British Open at Royal Liverpool. Read About it  

Happy New Year to all. Scottish Golf Podcast brought 2014 in typical Scottish style! Scotland welcomed a wide variety of bloggers from across the world to sample welcoming in the New Year. You can read and see their shared Scottish experiences here: Runaway Juno  Kirsten Alana  Travels of Adam  The Travelling Editor  Normadic Samuel  It is great to read the above blogs and experiences of Scotland which clearly showcase just the start of a big year ahead. Scotland has a bottomless array of experiences to offer and through blogging our secrets can be revealed. I have compiled my 5 exciting reason for 2014. 1. Ryder Cup 2014 2. Homecoming 2014 3. Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open 4. Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games 5. Lonely Planet 2014 Travel Destination   The final part of the show I shared my experiences in Inverness. Must visit restaurant is the Mustard Seed for all things Scottish.  Set in an old church building on the banks of the river the atmosphere almost matched the food. For an accommodation option within walking distance of Inverness the Kingsmills Hotel equipped with spa and leisure facilities is perfect.The young and friendly staff really cater for guests and understand the golf tourism market very well. Looking for things to do then you must visit Loch Ness. Multiple walks are available but we recommend Jacobite Cruises to experiences the wonders by boat. Golf Courses near by include Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch, Spey Valley, Nairn and Boat of Garten.  

World's Premier Golf Course Rankings Out Now Dancing to a Scottish Jig Scotland is once again showcased as the must visit golf destination with no fewer than thirteen Scottish golf courses featured in the 2014-2015 world rankings from Top 100 Golf Courses. This leading source featuring Top 100 Golf Courses with rankings from individual countries including a forthcoming Scotland list together with more general destinations such as Continental-Europe. Episode 5 breaks down these rankings with familiar emphasis on Scotland with the Director of Top 100 Golf Courses, Andy Newmarch as he reveals how no matter where the next great new course appears, in any corner of the world Scotland still remains the place to visit for any avid golfing traveller. The warm welcome and open door philosophy is in Andy's opinion a key fundamental to Scotland's golfing legacy.  A full list of the Top 100 World Rankings from Top 100 Golf Courses can be found here; Top 100 Golf courses placed Scottish golf courses in their respective position within a world ranking featuring a huge proportion of golf courses unattainable to the average travelling golfer. Luckily in Scotland we have a density of superb golf courses in small proximity, with an open door to all visiting golfer. Recounter with Andy Newmarch This new feature of the podcast looks at past Scottish golf experiences made by visiting golfers to help you take your Scottish golf trip to the next level! Favourite Scottish golf course/accommodation - Royal Dornoch / Glenagles Hotel Resort Favourite shot in Scotland - Old Course, St Andrews tee-shots #1/#18 & Turnberry Ailsa #9 Tee-shot    Equipment essential - Scotch Whiskey & World Top 100 rankings list! Biggest misconception - Scottish links golf only - Inland courses are great! Parting piece of advice - Be prepared for it all! The Recounter feature was brought to you by Recounter, a leading reportage personal golf photography service which creates a lifetime of memories for discerning golfers.