Dougray Scott — actor, golfer and proud son of Fife — joins host Dan Davies to unpack the connection between golf and spirituality. In this episode, Dougray talks about his childhood and playing golf with his Dad; his experiences playing iconic courses such as Cypress Point, Riviera, the Old Course, Machrihanish and Dunaverty; The Mini Masters, his long-running charity golf tournament; golf-related encounters with Bill Clinton and Arnold Palmer; his reflections on the game’s values; and how, ultimately, golf saved him from himself.

Main Topics

Dougray Scott’s latest film and TV projects

His is journey from childhood in Fife 

The influence of Scottish golf culture and his love of courses like Machrihanish, Dunaverty and Muirfield

How golf has served as a spiritual and emotional refuge

The significance of golf’s values — honesty, integrity, and mindfulness — in everyday life

Memorable golf encounters with Bill Clinton and Arnold Palmer

The history of The Mini Masters, Dougray’s charity golf tournament that supports Leukaemia research

Perspectives on golf course design, and the changes to the New Course at Sunningdale

Chapters:

00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Dougray Scott

01:39 Growing up in Glenrothes and the influence of golf

01:39 Dougray's recent projects

06:21 Growing up in Fife

07:50 Life lessons from golf and family values

09:55 The joy of golf in New Zealand

11:50 Lessons from his father

14:16 Childhood rounds at Machrihanish and Dunaverty

17:29 A lesson from Bob Torrance

20:00 Gil Hanse and the changes to Sunningdale New

23:11 Playing in the Dunhill Links and watching Tiger

25:29 Ben Hogan's swing and stylish elegance

27:10 Playing the the three George Thomas courses in LA

30:00 Dougray's favourite courses in the world

32:49 The birth of the Mini Masters charity tournament

39:47 Return of Mini Masters at Sunningdale Heath

40:46 Golf as a metaphor for life

42:51 Bill Clinton invites Dougray to play with Tiger

45:50 Meeting Arnold Palmer

46:45 What Dougray would ask Ben Hogan

49:11 Dougray's happiest times in golf

Resources & Links:

The Mini Masters website

Leukaemia UK

Sounder Golf

RNGC - Britain's Premier Backyard Golf Course

The Sacred Acre newsletter - Dan Davies on golf

Machrihanish Golf Club

Enjoy this insightful conversation with Dougray Scott, blending golf, life lessons and stories that remind us all of the game's deeper value beyond the score. This podcast is brought to you by Sounder. Listen to get a 20% off discount code on your next purchase at www.soundergolf.com.

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