Join us in this lively opening episode as host Dan Davies talks to comedian, actor, author and screenwriter Simon Farnaby (Paddington, Wonka, Horrible Histories, Ghosts, The Detectorists) about his remarkable journey through golf. From childhood beginnings to memorable experiences on some of the world's most famous courses, Simon shares hilarious stories of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, dreaming of greatness, and the infamous Maurice Flitcroft, aka The Phantom of the Open. He also talks about meeting and playing a few holes with Tiger Woods, as well as the game’s emotional highs and lows, and the special bond that golf fosters between fathers and sons.
Simon's memorable trip to Turnberry and the “gateway drug” moment of falling in love with golf
Bad temper on the golf course and trying too hard to impress your Dad
The significance of club competitions, handicaps, and the joy of personal progress
The importance of his Dad in his golfing journey
The legendary Maurice Flitcroft, aka The Phantom of the Open: his story, attempts to play in The Open, the book and film
A memorable encounter with Tiger Woods — from a rare photo opportunity to the chance to play a few holes
The importance of playing for enjoyment, the impact of family, and the lifelong bonds golf fosters
Insights into Simon’s recent golf activities alongside a hectic career in film and television
Phantom of the Open - Book
Phantom of the Open - Movie
Maurice Flitcroft's autobiography (unpublished manuscript)
Scott Murray - The Guardian
Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy
RNGC - Britain’s toughest backyard golf course
Connect with Simon Farnaby:
00:00 Introduction to Simon Farnaby, this week's guest
01:58 The visor debate in golf
03:35 Wonka 2 and Timothy Chalamet
04:15 Turnberry and his start in golf
08:00 Junior golf and national prizes
10:32 Disaster in the Leech Cup at Darlington GC
13:36 Bad temper on the golf course
21:59 Realising you're obsessed with golf
24:39 Simon's relationship with his Dad
31:28 Cherished memories and golf trips
33:58 Taking his Dad to the Masters at Augusta National
36:55 The role of golf in his relationship with his Dad
39:30 Maurice Flitcroft: The Phantom of the Open
48:45 Mark Rylance learning golf
50:03 Hugh Grant and the best golfing actors
51:14 Simon's happiest times on the golf course
54:21 Meeting Tiger Woods and playing a few holes
A candid, humorous, and heartfelt chat about golf, family, and chasing dreams against the backdrop of this ridiculous, confounding game.
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