This week on Both Sides of Par, Colin and Ross explore what really happens to your golf game during the winter months — and why the cold, wet season might actually be your biggest opportunity to improve.

From course closures and muddy fairways to the unseen importance of drainage systems, they unpack why some courses survive heavy weather while others struggle. There’s also a deeper look at how course design and maintenance influence play far more than most golfers appreciate.

Alongside that, they discuss smart ways to practice when conditions aren’t ideal, and how focusing on the right areas now can pay off massively when spring arrives.

If you’ve ever wondered why your local course floods, why temporary greens appear, or how to keep progressing when the weather’s against you — this episode is packed with insight, realism, and practical takeaways.

In this episode of Both Sides of Par, Colin and Ross tackle the realities of winter golf in the UK - relentless rain, course closures, and why some layouts cope far better than others.

They dive into the often-overlooked science of golf course drainage, sharing insights from a greenkeeper’s perspective and exploring why what’s beneath your feet matters more than most golfers realise.

Plus, they get into this week’s practice focus, discussing how everyday golfers can make meaningful improvements even when the weather (and the course conditions) aren’t playing ball.

Whether you’re battling clay-based fairways or lucky enough to play on free-draining sand, this episode is all about understanding the game beyond the scorecard - and finding ways to keep progressing, whatever your handicap.

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On today's episode:

• Why Hitting Fewer Balls Could Transform Your Practice Sessions
• The £15 Training Aid That's Actually Worth Using (SimStick Review)
• How One Scottish Course Uses Dramatic Elevation to Create Unforgettable Holes
• Winter Golf Tournament Formats That Keep You Motivated Through the Dark Months

Colin and Ross kick off the episode with Colin sharing his exciting move to Muir of Ord Golf Course on the Black Isle. He's particularly drawn to their winter tournament series—a weekly Sunday competition running through the coldest months where players accumulate Stableford points for a season trophy. The course itself sounds like a gem, with two distinct halves separated by a railway track: one side relatively flat with interesting tree-lined doglegs, the other featuring dramatic elevation changes including two par threes with 50-100 foot drops and one hole that climbs back up, leaving Colin baffled about club selection even though it's barely 100 yards.

The conversation shifts to Ross's recent revelation about practice quality. After struggling with consistency despite logging plenty of range hours, he's discovered that hitting 30-40 intentional shots beats mindlessly working through 100 balls. This sparks a discussion about the SimStick—a simple but effective training aid that's been helping both hosts work on swing path and strike quality. They compare it to alternatives like the Divot Board and Tour Striker Smart Ball, debating the merits of each for different aspects of practice. Colin admits he's still getting value from working through strike issues with his irons, while Ross emphasizes how the SimStick provides immediate feedback without the faff of more complex training tools.

The episode wraps with a chat about golf balls (Colin's experiment with Srixon Q-Star Divide's half-orange, half-yellow design mostly taught him that new balls just feel nice, even if they don't actually perform differently), before Ross shares two fantastic competition opportunities in Cornwall. Both are on Sunday, May 24th: an open at the stunning coastal Carlion Bay for just £27, and a 36-hole better ball at West Cornwall Golf Club in St Ives for £120 per pair. The lads make a compelling case for a spring golf trip to England's southwest corner.

00:00 Introduction and welcome

03:30 Colin's new club at Muir of Ord

08:45 Winter tournament format and course description

15:20 Muir of Ord's dramatic elevation changes

19:10 Ross's practice quality breakthrough

26:35 SimStick training aid discussion

34:50 Comparing training aids: SimStick vs Divot Board vs Smart Ball

41:15 Golf ball chat and Srixon Q-Star Divide experiment

45:00 Cornwall competitions: Carlion Bay and West Cornwall Golf Club

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Colin and Ross kick off with another cracking competition find – a three-person team event at Cleveland Golf Club in Yorkshire that has Colin planning a road trip from Newcastle to Edinburgh. Both lads are sporting their new Druids ambassador gear and share first impressions (spoiler: impressed, especially for the price). Colin finally retired his 20-year-old Cleveland Launcher after his son broke it, and a trip to the local shop turned into a TaylorMade Stealth purchase – the numbers were just too good to ignore, even if it didn't feel quite as sweet as the QI 35. Ross, meanwhile, is fully committed to Ping life and loving his G430 LST driver after some early teething issues.

The practice chat is gold this week. Ross put Episode 4's mental game advice into real action during a one-under round, proving that staying calm mid-wobble actually works. Colin discovered through impact stickers that he's been addressing his driver wrong for years – a simple six-inch step back fixed his heel strikes entirely. Ross talks speed training progress (174 ball speed, not bad), and they wrap up chatting about watching golf on TV. Full Swing gets a strong recommendation if you haven't seen it yet.

🟢 Colin tests two drivers in-store and goes with feel vs numbers – the TaylorMade Stealth wins despite not feeling as "sweet" because it added 20 yards

🟢 Ross applies the mental game strategies from Episode 4 during a real round and shoots one under, proving the mindset work actually pays off

🟢 Impact stickers reveal Colin's been hitting off the heel for years – a simple setup change fixes it instantly

🟢 Both hosts unbox their Druids ambassador packs and share honest first impressions on quality vs price

🟢 Speed training update: Ross is back up to 174 ball speed and 118.5 club head speed after some winter rust

🟢 Cleveland Golf Club, Yorkshire – the only true natural links in Yorkshire, bookable online https://www.clevelandgolfclub.co.uk

🟢 Happy Golf – competition search tool Ross used to find the three-person event https://www.happygolf.co.uk

🟢 Druids Golf – affordable golf clothing brand, ambassador packs available https://www.druidsgolf.com

🟢 TaylorMade Stealth Driver – Colin's new driver purchase with adjustable weight and loft

🟢 TaylorMade QI 35 Driver – tested but not purchased, very forgiving feel

🟢 Ping G430 LST Driver – Ross's current driver choice

🟢 Ping G425 3-Wood – Ross's fairway wood, highly recommended

🟢 Inverness Golf Centre – local shop with Trackman fitting bay

🟢 How Did I Do – online booking system used by many UK golf clubs https://www.howdidido.com

🟢 Impact Stickers – strike location training aid for club faces

🟢 Trackman – launch monitor used for fitting and speed training

🟢 Therabands – resistance bands for golf warm-up and flexibility

🟢 Full Swing (Netflix) – golf documentary series, highly recommended https://www.netflix.com/title/81483353

🟢 Golfing Gray YouTube Channel – Colin's channel with Druids unboxing video coming soon

🟢 Cleveland Golf Club – Redcar, Yorkshire

The only true natural links course in Yorkshire, right on the waterfront. Ross found this three-person team event perfect for Colin's family golf trip with his dad and brother.

Format: Three-person team event

Cost: £22 per visitor

Booking: Online via How Did I Do through the club website

Access: Two train changes from Inverness, one change from most mainline stations. Airbnb options available nearby including beachfront accommodation.

00:00 Welcome to Both Sides of Par

00:50 Competition Challenge: Finding a Three-Person Team Event

03:30 Planning a Golf Road Trip: Cleveland to Edinburgh

05:25 Druids Ambassador Pack Unboxing and First Impressions

10:50 Colin's Driver Upgrade: TaylorMade Stealth vs QI 35

18:15 Ross's Ping G430 LST Driver Update

21:50 Mental Game Breakthrough: Staying Calm Mid-Round

27:45 Tiger Woods' "Box" Technique for Managing Emotions

30:00 Putting Practice Games and Scoring Systems

31:05 Impact Stickers: Finding Your Strike Pattern

35:45 Speed Training Progress and Trackman Sessions

39:40 Watching Golf on TV: What's Worth Your Time

43:15 Full Swing Netflix Documentary Recommendation

45:30 The PGA vs LIV Discussion

50:40 Listener Feedback Request and Outro

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Colin and Ross brave the Scottish winter to discuss everything from broken driver faces to AI-powered golf coaches. Colin shares his experience switching from TaylorMade to Ping after his QI35 driver gave up the ghost (again), while Ross opens up about creative ways to practice when you're snowed in. The duo dives deep into golf technology—from rangefinders and GPS watches to AI swing analysis apps that could change how you practice. Plus, Ross shares a brilliant story about staying in the Gary Player Suite at Carnoustie for just £50, and they discuss why measuring outcomes beats obsessing over swing mechanics.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome & Weather Update

03:30 - Carnoustie Course Review & The £50 Gary Player Suite Story

08:50 - New Club Review: Switching from TaylorMade to Ping

18:45 - Winter Practice Tips & Putting Mat Games

26:30 - Golf Tech on the Course: Rangefinders, Watches & Apps

34:30 - AI in Golf: Caddies, Rules & Swing Analysis Apps

41:30 - Competition Corner: Team Events Worth Entering

46:45 - Wrap-Up

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Ross and Colin check in on their golf weeks, with Ross bringing tales of solid scoring at his home course Wokefield—carding a couple under and one under par despite a few mid-round wobbles. Meanwhile, Colin admits to a complete golf drought this week, not even picking up a club, which naturally leads into a candid conversation about the eternal struggle of building practice into daily routines when motivation runs low.

The lads dig into winter golf realities, from muddy lies and temporary tees to the ongoing debate about whether courses down south use mats on fairways (spoiler: they mostly don't need to). Ross shares his latest putting practice revelations, including a structured drill he's borrowed from the internet that's transformed his green-reading approach. They also tackle the mysteries of the World Handicap System—breaking down course ratings, slope, and why your handicap behaves differently on easier versus tougher tracks.

The episode wraps with Ross presenting two absolute belters for competition lovers: Brora Golf Club's five-day open in August and Tain Golf Week's various formats. The conversation touches on everything from Ross's mental approach to scoring rounds, to Colin's quest for better practice habits, to whether five consecutive days of golf would leave you knackered or energized.

🟢 Ross shoots two under par at Wokefield and reveals his secret to not letting mid-round mistakes derail the score—finishing with back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18

🟢 Colin opens up about struggling to build golf practice into his routine and the conversation explores practical approaches to habit-building when motivation is lacking

🟢 Deep breakdown of how the World Handicap System actually works—course rating, slope index, and why your handicap changes based on the difficulty of the course you're playing

🟢 Ross shares a structured putting practice drill he found online that combines distance control, green reading, and scoring to create meaningful practice sessions

🟢 The reality of playing five consecutive days of golf during competitions and whether it's exhausting or exhilarating (Ross has done it and shares his experience)

🟢 Wokefield Golf Club, Reading (Ross's home course)

🟢 broragolfclub.co.uk (Brora Golf Club website for five-day open competition)

🟢 tain-golfclub.co.uk (Tain Golf Club website for golf week competitions)

🟢 World Handicap System (WHS) resources for understanding course rating and slope

🟢 Royal Dornoch Golf Club (mentioned in context of Ross's previous five-day golf trip)

🟢 Lanark Golf Course (played on Ross's trip to Scotland)

🟢 Brora Bridge and Castle Highland courses (mentioned from Ross's Scotland trip)

🟢 Brora Golf Club Five Day Open

Location: Brora, Scotland

Date: August 3-7

Format: Five-day competition with match play stages and guaranteed rounds even if knocked out

Cost: £190 for visitors

🟢 Tain Golf Week

Location: Tain, Scotland

Dates: Available on website

Format Options: Four-day competition (£90), Ladies two-day (£25 per person)

Website: tain-golfclub.co.uk

00:00 Intro and Weekly Golf Recap

03:00 Ross's Scoring Rounds at Wokefield

08:00 Winter Golf Conditions and Course Setup

14:00 Competition Practice vs Casual Rounds

19:00 Ross's Putting Practice Drill

29:00 Understanding the World Handicap System

38:00 Course Rating, Slope, and Handicap Calculations

45:00 Colin's Practice Routine Struggles

48:00 Building Better Practice Habits

50:00 Weekly Competitions: Brora and Tain

54:00 Listener Feedback Request and Wrap-Up

Let us know what you want from the show! Email us at [email protected], as tell us:

• What parts do you want more of?
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Colin and Ross kick off this week's episode with Colin fresh off the course after sneaking in seven holes at Inverness Golf Club during a rare sunny winter morning. The lads dive into an interesting discussion about playing the back nine more often than the front nine - something Ross did religiously when he first joined his club, inadvertently creating a massive advantage when it came to course management on those holes. Colin shares a hilarious accidental GoPro capture of his teenage son literally sleeping on the fairway mid-round, which perfectly sums up the reality of playing golf with teenagers.

The conversation shifts into serious practice territory as both hosts get deep into their winter training routines. Ross walks Colin through his impressive home putting setup, covering everything from basic putting mats to high-tech options like PuttView that can adjust green speeds and simulate slopes. They discuss the merits of putting mirrors for checking eye position and shoulder alignment, debate whether you need to spend big money on practice equipment (spoiler: you don't), and explore how to build an effective practice routine when you can't get out on the course. Ross even reveals his DIY approach to creating realistic practice putting greens at home, including cutting the actual shape of putts into carpet.

The episode wraps with Ross giving a quick plug for the Royal Deeside Golf Week coming up in July 2026 - a 72-hole stableford event across four stunning Scottish courses including Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory, and Braemar. It's the perfect blend of practical winter practice advice, relatable golf stories, and inspiration for future golf trips.

🟢 Ross reveals why playing the back nine three times as much as the front nine at his club gave him a massive course management advantage - and how you can use the same strategy to lower your scores

🟢 Colin accidentally captures his 13-year-old son literally sleeping on the fairway with a GoPro he forgot to turn off - the most relatable teenage golf moment ever

🟢 Detailed breakdown of Ross's home putting practice setup, from basic £15 mirrors to high-tech PuttView systems that simulate real green conditions and slopes

🟢 The truth about expensive practice equipment - why you don't need to break the bank to build an effective winter practice routine at home

🟢 Ross's DIY putting green hack: cutting the actual shape of breaking putts into your carpet to create realistic practice scenarios without spending thousands on synthetic greens

🟢 PuttView - High-tech putting training system with app integration, slope adjustment, and green speed simulation

🟢 Putting Mirrors - Available from £10-20 on Amazon, Putt Out version around £20 for checking eye position and shoulder alignment

🟢 Putting Mats - Various options discussed for home practice

🟢 Linked by Golf (Instagram / YouTube) - Ross's social media channels with practice tips and videos

🟢 Golfing Gray - Colin's Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok handle for amateur golf content

🟢 Royal Deeside Golf Week (royaldsidegolfweek.co.uk) - Multi-course tournament event in Scotland

🟢 Royal Deeside Golf Week

Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland (Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory, and Braemar)

Date: July 19-24, 2026

Format: 72-hole Stableford across four different courses

Open to: Ladies and Gents

More info: royaldsidegolfweek.co.uk

00:00 Winter Golf at Inverness & Playing the Back Nine Strategy

08:12 The Accidental GoPro Footage of Colin's Sleeping Teenager

12:45 Why Ross Played the Back Nine Three Times More Than the Front

18:30 Winter Practice Routines & Staying Sharp Off the Course

25:15 Building a Home Putting Practice Setup

32:40 Putting Mats, Mirrors & Essential Practice Equipment

38:55 High-Tech Training: PuttView Technology Explained

45:20 DIY Putting Green Hacks That Actually Work

50:10 Royal Deeside Golf Week Competition Details

53:45 Where to Find Colin & Ross on Social Media

In this episode of Both Sides of Par, Colin (the high-handicapper) and Ross (the low-handicapper) dive into a week of extreme contrasts, from chasing professional-level clubhead speeds to navigating the literal "frozen" greens of the Scottish Highlands.

Whether you are looking for tips on speed training, debating the merits of a new driver, or looking for high-value course recommendations in Scotland, this episode covers the game from every angle of the handicap spectrum.

What’s Inside the Show This Week:

• The Quest for Speed: Ross shares his latest results from "swinging like a madman," hitting clubhead speeds of 120 mph and even a wild 130 mph during practice. He discusses why "freedom of motion" is often more important than control when trying to find extra yardage.
• The Winter Diary: Colin recounts a "game of two halves" at Muiravoord, where the first nine holes were played through thick frost before a sudden thaw changed the green speeds on every hole.
• The Driver Dilemma: With Colin’s driver officially "launched" (and broken) by his son, the guys discuss how to choose a replacement. Ross offers a "brand tour" of the best current options—including the Ping G430, TaylorMade Qi10, Titleist GT, and Srixon ZX—and explains why you should always test a driver on a range rather than just an indoor simulator.
• Field Experiments at Strathpeffer: Colin describes the "crazy" experience of playing Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club, home to a first hole with a massive elevation drop that might be a world record.
• The Pace of Play Debate: A look back at the "famous sheets" of the pro shop and why modern golf needs to embrace "Ready Golf" to get back to the three-hour rounds of the past.
• Ross’s Recommendations: High-value Senior Open entries for 2025, featuring Ratho Park, Royal Montrose, and the world-renowned Cruden Bay.

• Colin’s YouTube Channel: Search for Golfin McGray to see the drone footage of Strathpeffer Spa and Muiravoord.
• Ross' Instagram - search LinkedByGolf on IG.
• Gear Discussed: Payntr Mesh X001 shoes, MCC Align grips, and the TaylorMade Stealth/Qi10 series.

Want to add serious distance to your game? In this episode, Ross breaks down exactly how he increased his driver clubhead speed from 106 to 121 mph and gained 25-30 yards of carry distance—without changing his entire swing.

You'll discover the simple step drill that transforms swing speed, why the mental side of speed training matters as much as the physical, and how raising your ceiling automatically lifts your floor. Ross shares his complete journey from speed sticks to Project Harrington drills, including what worked (and what caused injury).

Plus: impact stickers that reveal exactly where you're striking the ball, a brilliant £100 weekend golf trip across three Scottish courses, and why getting feedback is the key to actually improving your game.

Whether you're a high handicapper looking to compete with longer hitters or just tired of being outdriven on every hole, this episode delivers practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Topics Covered: Speed training protocols, step drills explained, clubhead vs ball speed, the psychology of swinging faster, impact stickers review, Scottish golf trip recommendations, and more.

00:00 Introduction

00:58 Speed Training: How Ross Added 25-30 Yards

09:00 Speed Training Tools & Protocols

12:02 Garmin R10 Setup & Practice Routine

21:50 Using Claude AI as Your Golf Coach

25:07 Impact Stickers: Finding Your Strike Pattern

36:56 Scottish Golf Weekend: 3 Courses for £100

41:48 Wrap Up

In this podcast episode, Colin and Ross explore the vibrant and accessible world of open golf competitions in Scotland and around the UK. They highlight the financial benefits of participating in these events, allowing passionate golfers to play renowned courses at a fraction of the typical green fees. Key competitions and websites like happygolf.co.uk are discussed, along with personal anecdotes about the enriching experience of playing diverse courses and meeting new players. The conversation also touches on the benefits of playing in less-than-ideal weather and the joy of impromptu, peaceful rounds in the Scottish rain. Overall, it's a love letter to opportunistic golf enthusiasts.