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What's really going on inside a golfer's mind under pressure? And how much of what we tell ourselves on the course is actually making things worse?

In this episode of the Linked By Golf golf podcast, I sit down with John Mathers — sports psychologist and expert in the mental game of golf — to explore why so many golfers struggle mentally on the course, and what you can do to play better golf by fixing how you think.

John has spent 30 years working with elite performers across golf, tennis, snooker and motorsport. In this golf psychology conversation, he breaks down why it happens — and what you can actually do about it at any handicap level.

Whether you're a scratch golfer or a 20 handicapper, if you've ever wondered why your best golf disappears when it matters most — this golf podcast episode is essential listening.

“Enjoy the highs — but learn from the lows. So that your next high will happen sooner, and perhaps last longer than the last one.” — John Mathers

Follow Linked By Golf for more golf podcast episodes connecting the game through people, stories, and insight.

Follow along on Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024What actually makes a golf club feel right? And how much of what golfers believe about equipment is… wrong?

In this episode of Linked By Golf, I sit down with Joe Miller, European Product Manager at Srixon, inside their European custom build facility to go deep into the history, science, and craftsmanship behind modern golf clubs.

From the earliest wooden clubs in Scotland to today’s precision-built equipment, Joe breaks down what’s really changed—and what surprisingly hasn’t.

We also get a rare behind-the-scenes look at how custom clubs are built, why “standard spec” doesn’t exist, and what everyday golfers can learn from how tour players actually think about their equipment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your clubs are holding you back—or what actually matters when getting fitted—this is essential listening.

“There is no standard. It’s like asking for a standard pair of trousers.”

Follow Linked By Golf for more conversations connecting the game through people, stories, and insight.

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@Linkedbygolf2024

What does it feel like to lead The Masters Tournament… as an amateur?

In this episode, two-time Amateur Champion Gary Wolstenholme shares his unforgettable experience at Augusta National Golf Club — including the moment he found himself playing alongside Arnold Palmer… and leading the tournament.

This is a story about pressure, instinct, and performing on golf’s biggest stage.

First tee. Augusta National.

10,000 people watching.Arnold Palmer by your side.

You’ve just put a brand-new driver in the bag…

A few holes later —

you’re leading The Masters.

Augusta doesn’t just test your golf.It tests your ability to stay present when everything feels bigger than the moment.

Gary Wolstenholme MastersLeading The Masters amateurAugusta National experienceArnold Palmer Masters stories

Instagram for the show: @linkedbygolf2024

This week on Linked by Golf, Ross is joined by PGA Professional Kenny Monaghan — Head Pro at Stirling Golf Club and co-owner (with wife Amy) of Strathclyde Park Family Golf Centre. Kenny returns to the pod to share exciting developments at both facilities, from major tournament hosting to rapid growth at one of Scotland’s busiest driving ranges.

Kenny and Amy purchased the facility in October 2024 — and the transformation has been rapid:

From hosting major tournaments to reinventing a community golf facility, Kenny’s story highlights how the modern golf industry is evolving — blending tradition with innovation to grow the game for everyone.

A brilliant insight into what it really takes to build thriving golf environments in 2026.

Follow on Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024

In this exclusive on-location episode of Linked by Golf, we step behind the scenes at Srixon Europe’s headquarters in Ash Vale — one of the most advanced custom golf club build facilities in the UK.

Ross tours the workshop with Product Manager Joe Miller to discover exactly how a set of clubs goes from retailer order to precision-built performance equipment — trusted by tour professionals and everyday golfers alike.

From shafts and heads to swing weight, loft, lie, and quality control, this conversation reveals the science, craftsmanship, and surprising details that determine how your clubs actually perform on the course.

How custom golf clubs are built step-by-step

Why custom fitting isn’t just for elite players

The biggest equipment mistakes amateur golfers make

Why wedges are often the most mismatched clubs in the bag

How grip changes can completely alter club performance

The role of loft, centre of gravity, and shaft selection

Typical lead times for custom-built clubs

How manufacturers ensure tour-level quality control

Joe walks us through the entire journey of a custom order:

Order submission from retailer Specification review and build planning Component picking — heads, shafts, grips Precision cutting and assembly Swing-weighting and measurement Final quality control checks

Every club is built to tight tolerances, with multiple verification stages to ensure the finished product matches the player’s exact requirements.

“Small changes — length, lie, grip weight — can completely change how a club feels and performs.”

Contrary to popular belief, custom fitting isn’t only for tour pros.

Joe explains how body type, swing speed, injuries, age, and playing style all influence the ideal club setup — and why buying off-the-rack equipment can leave performance on the table.

A standout insight: many golfers carefully fit drivers but neglect the scoring clubs they use most.

This episode also explores how golfers actually choose equipment — and why looks often matter more than performance.

The surprising importance of aesthetics

Why golfers buy wedges that don’t match their irons

The psychology behind club selection

How modern iron lofts have changed the game

If you’re ordering custom clubs, Srixon aims to deliver within about five days when stock is available — though supply chains and component availability can affect timelines.

Considering most golfers keep clubs for years, a short wait can deliver long-term performance gains.

Joe also discusses:

Forged vs hollow irons

High-launch designs and modern loft trends

Combo iron sets used by tour players

Graphite shafts for injury relief and vibration reduction

Counterweighting and swing dynamics

Joe Miller is Product Manager at Srixon Europe, responsible for technical specifications, product knowledge, and supporting marketing and retail teams across the region. He has worked with the brand for nearly two decades and brings deep insight into both equipment design and real-world performance.

This episode was recorded inside Srixon Europe’s custom fitting and build headquarters in Ash Vale, offering rare access to the environment where performance equipment is assembled for golfers across Europe.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Inside the Custom Build Process

Why Custom Fitting Matters (For Every Golfer)

Equipment Myths & Eye-Opening Insights

Lead Times & What to Expect

Technology, Materials & Performance

About the Guest

Recorded On LocationSrixon players include

Shane Lowry, Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, Sepp Straka, Ryan Fox, Keegan Bradley, Ben Griffin & JJ Spaun

Scottie Scheffler uses the Srixon U85 4i

Follow the pod: @linkedbygolf2024

In this episode of Linked by Golf, Ross is joined by Alex Cooper, founder of the Elite Amateur Golf Group (EAGG), to talk about building one of the UK’s fastest-growing competitive leagues for elite amateur golfers.

Alex shares his journey from growing up playing golf near Edinburgh to launching the league in 2017, after recognising a lack of competitive opportunities for scratch and elite amateur players. What started with 15 clubs has now grown to 80 clubs competing in a structured league format across southern England.

They discuss the five-man team format, how the competition creates opportunities for young elite golfers, and the importance of meaningful team golf outside of traditional county competitions.

The episode also dives into the EAGG finals in La Cala, Spain, the growing community around the league, and the now-famous pink jackets awarded to the champions.

Alex’s early golf journey in Scotland

Why the Elite Amateur Golf League was created

Growing the league to 80 clubs

Opportunities for scratch golfers and elite amateurs

Bringing juniors into elite team golf

The EAGG finals week in Spain

Future plans to expand the league across the UK

Learn more: eagg.co.uk Instagram: @eliteamateurgolf

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Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024

In this episode, Ross is joined by personal trainer Colin Dickson to talk about the growing role of fitness in golf and how golfers can improve performance through strength, mobility and better preparation.

Colin shares his journey from working in IT to becoming a personal trainer, why he now works with golfers, and how he’s helping junior players build strength and clubhead speed through winter training programmes.

They also discuss practical ways golfers can improve their fitness, avoid injury and add distance without needing a full gym setup.

Why fitness is becoming essential in modern golf

The most common physical weaknesses in golfers

How strength training can increase clubhead speed

Simple mobility exercises to do before a round

Why hydration and nutrition matter during a 4-hour round

The most underrated exercise for golfers

How junior golfers are gaining a competitive edge through fitness

Most golfers struggle with tight hips and poor spinal mobility, often caused by sitting for long periods. Improving mobility helps golfers rotate better and reduce lower back strain.

Colin focuses on compound movements like deadlifts, squats, lunges, pull-ups and presses to build full-body strength that translates into more power in the golf swing.

Golf-specific exercises such as cable rotations, band work and medicine ball drills help develop core strength and improve swing efficiency.

Junior golfers working with Colin have already gained 6–8 mph in clubhead speed through structured winter training — potentially adding 20+ yards of distance.

Many golfers go straight from the car to the first tee.

Colin recommends spending 5–10 minutes warming up with simple mobility and band exercises to activate the hips, spine and shoulders before playing.

Golf rounds can last four hours or more, so fuelling properly matters.

Colin recommends focusing on:

Protein and carbohydrates before a round

Hydration the day before and during play

Light snacks like fruit, protein bars or shakes during the round

Avoid heavy, high-fat foods between rounds which can leave you feeling sluggish.

If Colin had to choose one exercise for golfers it would be the trap bar deadlift, which builds strength through the legs, glutes and core — key areas for generating power in the golf swing.

Follow Colin for golf fitness tips, workouts and nutrition advice:

Instagram: @colindicksonpt

Guest: Craig Watson

In this episode of Linked By Golf, Ross chats with Craig Watson — one of Scotland’s most accomplished amateur golfers — about a career that spans winning The Amateur Championship, playing in The Masters and The Open, and representing and captaining Great Britain & Ireland in the Walker Cup.

Craig reflects on his victory at The Amateur Championship in 1997, a win that opened doors to Augusta National and Royal Birkdale. He shares what it was like walking the fairways at The Masters Tournament and competing in The Open Championship — experiences few amateurs ever get to live.

The conversation also dives deep into his long association with the Walker Cup — first as a player representing Great Britain & Ireland, and later as captain. Craig explains the unique pressure and pride that comes with amateur team golf, the responsibility of leadership, and what it takes to prepare players for elite international competition.

From growing up in Scottish golf to competing on the biggest stages in the world, Craig offers insight into longevity in the amateur game, balancing elite sport with life beyond competition, and what the modern amateur landscape looks like compared to his era.

Topics covered in this episode:• Winning The Amateur Championship in 1997• Earning a place at The Masters and The Open• The Augusta National experience as an amateur• Competing at Royal Birkdale• Representing Great Britain & Ireland in the Walker Cup• Captaining the Walker Cup side• The evolution of elite amateur golf• The pride of Scottish golf tradition• Leadership, preparation, and team culture• Life beyond tournament golf

Follow the podcast:@linkedbygolf2024

Guest: Scott Knowles

In this episode of Linked By Golf, Ross chats with Scott Knowles — Junior Ryder Cup Vice Captain and Manager of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation — about elite junior golf, team culture, and building pathways into the game.

Scott shares what it’s really like behind the scenes at the Junior Ryder Cup, from seeing world-class junior talent up close to helping select and support Team Europe players competing at Bethpage and Marco Simone. He explains the challenge of building a team, not just selecting the best individuals, and the unforgettable experiences young golfers get when they step into the Ryder Cup environment.

The conversation also explores Scott’s own playing journey — from never winning as a junior to becoming Scottish Golfer of the Year — and the lessons learned from competing alongside some of Scotland’s strongest amateur golfers of the era.

A major focus of the episode is the work of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation, where Scott helps introduce young players to golf through creative competition formats, coaching programmes, and events designed to build confidence, skills, and long-term love for the game. The foundation’s philosophy is simple: grow participation first, and performance will follow.

Topics covered in this episode:• Inside the Junior Ryder Cup experience• Selecting Team Europe players and building team chemistry• The standard of elite junior golf today• Scott’s amateur career and Scottish team experiences• Balancing golf, work, and family life• The cost of junior golf development• The Stephen Gallacher Foundation pathway model• Flag events and junior competition formats• Long-term player development vs early performance• Creating opportunities for young golfers

Stephen Gallacher Foundationhttps://stephengallacherfoundation.com

Follow the podcast:@linkedbygolf2024

Guest: Coleman RollinsInstagram: @colemangolfs

In this episode of Linked By Golf, Ross chats with Coleman Rollins, a software engineer and golfer documenting his journey building a DIY open-source golf launch monitor from scratch.

Coleman shares how curiosity about expensive commercial launch monitors turned into a hands-on engineering project combining radar technology, Raspberry Pi computing, and open-source software — all documented publicly on Instagram so others can learn alongside him.

The conversation covers everything from caddying in Minnesota to testing radar data in a garage in Seattle, plus what it takes to turn raw motion data into meaningful golf metrics like clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin.

At its core, the project is about making golf technology more accessible and showing that innovation in golf doesn’t always have to come from big companies.

Coleman’s tagline says it best:“I built a launch monitor at home so you can too.”

Growing up in Minnesota golf culture

Moving from curiosity to building a launch monitor

Radar vs camera launch monitor technology

Using a Raspberry Pi as the “brain” of the system

Trial-and-error testing at the driving range

Building a custom enclosure for the device

Making the project open source

The role of community learning in golf technology

What comes next: simulator integration and data analysis tools

Puetz Golf

Gerry Gubash — Radar engineering guidance

Peter Michels — Enclosure design and fabrication

OpenFlight GitHub Repository

Open-source project:https://github.com/jewbetcha/openflight

Follow Coleman’s build journey:Instagram — @colemangolfs

Follow the podcast:@linkedbygolf2024

In this episodePeople and projects supporting Coleman’s journeyLinks