Episodes

  • A Poet’s Ode to St. Andrews: The First Hole on a Crowded Day
    Nov 22 2024

    In this episode, we explore George Fullerton Carnegie’s Golfiana and its 1833 poem, The First Hole at St. Andrews on a Crowded Day. Dive into the colorful characters, vivid imagery, and timeless love for golf that Carnegie captures in this ode to the home of the sport. It’s a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and the enduring charm of St. Andrews.

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    7 mins
  • The Secret Betting Customs of Scotland's First Golf Clubs
    Nov 7 2024

    Explore the unique wagering traditions of Scotland's early golfing societies, where bets on the course weren't just for profit but promoted unity among members. Discover how the rituals of Freemasonry influenced these clubs, weaving social harmony and spirited wagering into the fabric of 18th-century golf.

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    Talk with Hamish, our AI-powered caddie:
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    5 mins
  • EP 18: The Propaganda Wars
    Oct 31 2024

    Ben Franklin and his Scottish allies face off against the inflammatory rhetoric of John Wilkes, whose anti-Scottish and revolutionary propaganda threatens both British and colonial stability. As Franklin seeks diplomacy, Wilkes’ radical influence on American colonists only intensifies the growing call for independence.

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    Talk with Hamish, our AI-powered caddie:
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    4 mins
  • The Claret Jug
    Oct 23 2024

    In this special episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between Scotland’s golfing history and its love for claret wine. We explore how this French Bordeaux became a symbol of Scottish nationalism, with roots tracing back to the Old Alliance of 1295. From golf wagers settled with smuggled bottles to the iconic claret jug awarded at the Open Championship, this episode uncorks the intriguing blend of history, wine, and the sport of kings.

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    Talk with Hamish, our AI-powered caddie:
    https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/

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    3 mins
  • Charming Sally, Maggie’s Houff & Queen Mary
    Oct 18 2024

    In this special edition of the Secret of St. Andrew's podcast, we uncover a fascinating golf match from 1738 featuring two remarkable women—one known only as "Charming Sally"—who made history on the Bruntsfield Links. Discover how these women, along with Maggie Johnston and Mary, Queen of Scots, left their mark on the game of golf and the enduring legacy of Scottish women in the sport.

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    Talk with Hamish, our AI-powered caddie:
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    2 mins
  • The Match: A Golf Story
    Oct 3 2024

    In this episode, we delve into the story of the 1681 match between Scotland and England that solidified golf’s status as a Scottish sport. Discover how the Duke of York and his partner John Paterson defended Scotland's honor on the green, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

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    Talk with Hamish, our AI-powered caddie:
    https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/

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    2 mins
  • The Mysterious Story of Daft Willie Gunn
    Oct 1 2024

    In this episode, we share the story of Daft Willie Gunn, a beloved yet eccentric caddy from the 19th century whose memory still hangs in the halls of the Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh. Join us as we uncover his wit, quirks, and the mystery surrounding his final walk home.

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    Talk with Hamish, our AI-powered caddie:
    https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/

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    3 mins
  • St Giles' Steeple & Arthur's Seat
    Sep 26 2024

    In this special episode of the Secret of St. Andrew's Podcast, we dive into the fascinating history of 18th and 19th-century golfing wagers in Edinburgh. From launching golf balls over St. Giles' Steeple to playing across Arthur's Seat, discover the daring bets that shaped Scotland’s oldest golf traditions.

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    Talk with Hamish, our AI-powered caddie:
    https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/

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    3 mins