Golf is more than a game — it’s a way to navigate life’s highs and lows.

John Johnston, lifelong schoolteacher and talented amateur, shares his journey through competition, triumph, and personal challenges. After the passing of his brother, John found a way to honour him on the course, eventually winning his home club championship with his brother’s clubs. Years later, he continued to defy expectations, qualifying for the Senior Open and shooting a remarkable 61 scratch at age 68.

In this episode, John opens up about:

• Using golf as a way to process grief and honour loved ones

• Balancing a career in teaching with elite amateur competition

• How persistence and love for the game create extraordinary moments

• Lessons for every golfer about resilience, reflection, and joy in the sport

This conversation is a celebration of the human side of golf — how it connects us, shapes us, and inspires us at every stage of life.

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In this episode of Linked By Golf, host Ross McGuire chats with Aaron Stewart, the creative mind behind ASSL Golf on YouTube and TikTok.

Aaron reveals how a lockdown boredom experiment turned into one of the most entertaining golf channels online — proving that golf content can be hilarious, relatable, and far from traditional.

Aaron shares the full story of starting ASSL Golf with friend Scott Lorimar, from chipping ping-pong balls into pans during COVID to filming laugh-filled rounds on Scottish fairways. He opens up about the challenges of shooting golf videos, the trial-and-error of content creation, and how they built a loyal golf audience without sticking to the standard “instructional” format.

We cover:

• How to start a golf YouTube channel (even with no experience)

• The early days of golf TikTok and why the timing mattered

• Why Lossiemouth’s Moray Golf Club is one of Scotland’s hidden gems

• The role of humour in growing a golf audience

• Behind-the-scenes struggles of filming golf trick shots

• Building a golf brand that stays authentic and fun

  
  

Whether you’re a golfer looking for entertainment, a fan of golf YouTubers, or curious about creating sports content, this episode is packed with insights and laughs from one of Scotland’s most creative golf personalities.

Follow Linked By Golf

• 🎙 Linked By Golf on all major podcast platforms

• 📸 Instagram: ⁠@linkedbygolf2024

Follow Aaron & ASSL Golf

• 📺 YouTube: ASSL Golf

• 🎵 TikTok: @asslgolf

• 📸 Instagram: @asslgolf

In this episode of Linked By Golf, we head to the Ayrshire coast to explore one of Scotland’s great courses — Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club.

Our guest is David Addison, General Manager of the club and a passionate steward of its history and future.

David walks us through Barassie’s deep roots in Scottish golf, its transformation into a championship venue, and the incredible amateur talent it has produced over the years — including multiple Walker Cup players.

We also touch on what makes Barassie such a special golfing experience today, from its testing links layout to its vibrant club culture.

Whether you’re a student of golf history or just love hearing about courses with soul, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

👤 Guest:
David Addison
General Manager, Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club

📍 Topics Covered:

• The founding and evolution of Kilmarnock Barassie

• Barassie’s role in Scottish amateur golf

• Stories behind its Walker Cup alumni

• What sets the course apart today

• The future of the club and its role in modern golf

  
  

🛍️ Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by TRUE Linkswear UK.
Check out the latest range at truelinkswear.uk and support the brands that support the pod.

In this episode of Linked By Golf, host Ross McGuire is joined by Chris Bell, the Director of Membership at The National KC, a world-class golf course designed by the legendary Tom Watson.

Before stepping into the world of golf, Chris represented Scotland in badminton—a testament to his competitive spirit and athleticism. He shares how he eventually made the switch to golf after discovering an old Dunlop 9-iron in his dad’s shed, and how that moment sparked a lifelong journey that’s led him to one of the most exciting roles in American golf today.

Ross and Chris dive into what makes The National KC so unique, the importance of creating community within a golf club, and the unforgettable day Chris met and played with Tom Watson himself.

• Chris’s journey to becoming Director of Membership at The National KC
• Behind the scenes of a Tom Watson-designed course
• What makes The National a standout experience for golfers
• A personal encounter with Tom Watson—stories and snapshots

Check out Chris’s top post—a proud photo with Tom Watson.

• Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024

• Host: Ross McGuire

In this week’s episode of Linked By Golf, Ross McGuire is joined by Fraser McLaughlan, a former golf fanatic turned Dubai-based personal trainer.

Fraser opens up about his unexpected career pivot, what golf taught him about discipline and focus, and how swapping the course for the gym has reshaped his life.

They dive into Fraser’s early passion for golf, the transition out of the sport, and how he’s found new purpose in helping others transform their bodies and mindsets — all while still carrying the spirit of the game with him.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Fraser’s journey from junior golf to fitness

• The surprising story behind leaving the sport

• Mental discipline: on the course vs. in the gym

• How Dubai became home — and a launchpad for a new career

• Reflections on identity, growth, and staying linked to golf

Connect with Us:

🔗 Follow the podcast on Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024
💪 Follow Fraser on Instagram: @fm_physiques

Big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode:
👟 TRUE Linkswear
🧢 Crun Golf
⛳ Lomond Golf Tours

Linked by Golf brings you a timely and revealing conversation with Oliver Wilson — Ryder Cup player, European Tour winner, and one of golf’s most thoughtful voices.

Ross McGuire sits down with Oli to explore the real grind of professional golf and the deeper mindset behind performance at the highest level:

🔹 An unforgettable Augusta National bunker story
🔹 Life on the Challenge Tour — and why it’s not all sunshine and leaderboard glory
🔹 Reflections on the Open's unique test and how the right spark can change everything plus we discuss Ollie's role with Radio 5 Live alongside Iain Carter
🔹 Honest talk about motivation, burnout, and what keeps the dream alive

This episode drops right as the world tunes in to Royal Portrush — where Xander Schauffele defends his 2024 title, and stars like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Bob MacIntyre look to etch their name into history.

Whether you're a links golf junkie or following The Open from home, this episode offers a unique lens into the life and mind of a top-tier player still chasing his next big moment.

🔗 Links & Mentions:

• The Open Championship 2025 – Official Site

• Oliver Wilson – Ryder Cup Profile

• Sponsored by Lomond Golf Tours & Crun Golf

  With special thanks to TRUELinkswear.uk and Oli Wilson

📲 Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe to Linked by Golf on your favourite podcast app

• Leave a review if you enjoyed the chat

• Share this with anyone tuning into The Open

In this episode, Ross sits down with Zander Culverwell—PGA professional and former winner of the Scottish Amateur and Lothians Amateur Championships—as he prepares for the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open.

They dive into:

• Life inside Renaissance and preparing a venue for a world-class field

• What it takes to compete at the elite amateur and professional levels

• Zander’s coaching philosophy and mentoring the next generation

• The evolving landscape of competitive golf in Scotland

  
  

🔗 Follow Zander Culverwell
Instagram: @zanderculverwell
Twitter/X: @zanderculverwell

📍 Learn more about the Genesis Scottish Open
Instagram: @genesis_scottish_open

🎯 Supported by
🌍 Lomond Golf Tours – Bespoke golf travel in Scotland, www.lomondgolftours.com
⛳ Crun Golf – Performance golf apparel designed for the modern player - www.crunsports.com

💬 Enjoyed the episode?
Please share, rate, and review—it really helps spread the word!

📲 Stay connected with Linked by Golf for more stories from the people shaping the game.

Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024

In this episode of Linked By Golf, Ross McGuire is joined by David Inglis, one of the most respected NCAA golf coaches, to explore what it really takes to develop elite collegiate golfers.

David shares his journey from Scotland into top-level college coaching and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how NCAA programmes recruit, develop, and prepare players for life beyond university golf.

🏌️‍♂️ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What NCAA golf coaches actually look for in recruits

• How elite programmes build strong team culture

• Developing players on and off the course

• Preparing athletes for professional golf and life after college

• Lessons from working with world-class amateur and professional talent

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring college golfers, parents, coaches, and anyone interested in the pathway to elite golf performance.

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🔗 Stay connected with Linked By Golf

• 📸 Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024

• ⭐ Subscribe, follow, and leave a review to support the podcast

Welcome back to Linked by Golf.

In this solo episode, I reflect on my personal journey through the game—both on and off the course. From managing emotions and expectations to making lifelong connections through golf, this is a look behind the mic at what fuels the passion behind the podcast.

I share stories about:

• Learning to handle emotion while playing

• Some unforgettable experiences, including Royal Dornoch and Wentworth

• Why podcasting, just like golf, has opened doors I never expected

If you’ve ever had a round that taught you more than the scoreboard showed—or you’ve made a golf memory that’ll last a lifetime—you’ll feel right at home with this one.

• Mental approach and emotional control on the course

• Personal growth through the game

• The community and stories built through Linked by Golf

• Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024

• Twitter / X: @linkedbygolf24

• Email: [email protected]

• Support the show by sharing it with friends, tagging us online, or leaving a review wherever you listen.

  
  

🎧 Don’t forget to check out our past episodes — over 40 stories from golfers across all levels of the game. Thanks for listening and supporting the journey.

In this episode of Linked by Golf, Ross McGuire sits down with seasoned amateur golfer Kenny Gallacher—a competitor who knows what it takes to go the distance, both mentally and physically.

From grinding through five-round weeks to qualifying for the Senior British Open, Kenny shares his insights on managing energy, preparing for high-stakes tournaments, and keeping perspective in the game he loves.

We dive into:

• Kenny's journey to the Senior British Open

• The physical and mental demands of elite amateur golf

• Why energy conservation is just as important as swing mechanics

• What younger players can learn from veteran competitors

• Balancing passion, patience, and performance

This is an episode packed with wisdom, laughs, and a real behind-the-scenes look at life on the amateur circuit.

Follow Kenny's journey through the amateur ranks and beyond.

• Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024

• Twitter/X: @linkedbygolf

• YouTube: Linked by Golf

👉 Don’t forget to follow, review and share the show—it helps us keep bringing you more stories from the game we all love.