This Golfing Life

In this inspiring episode of This Golfing Life, Dan Davies sits down with Kipp Popert, the world’s top-ranked golfer with a disability. Kipp shares his extraordinary journey from growing up with cerebral palsy to becoming a global leader in adaptive golf, and the personal philosophy that drives him to pursue excellence both on and off the course.

Listeners will hear about Kipp’s life-changing experiences, including 12 surgeries, the early challenges of spastic diplegia, and how his love for sports and relentless determination shaped his career. He reflects candidly on growing up with a disability, the inspiration he draws from other adaptive athletes, and the vision behind his own initiative: the Kipp Popert World Invitational, designed to create opportunities for elite disabled golfers.

Highlights

Overcoming Challenges: Kipp discusses the 12 surgeries he’s had since childhood to manage cerebral palsy, and the resilience developed through those experiences.

Golf as Purpose: How golf has been a guiding force in his life, providing focus, passion, and a platform to inspire others.

Elite Disabled Golf: Insights into the G4D Tour and the US Adaptive Open, showcasing athletes like Chris Biggins and Max Togasala who redefine what’s possible in adaptive golf.

Meeting Legends: Stories from his encounters with golfing icons like Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Stewart Cink, and Paul Lawrie, and how these experiences shaped his approach to the game.

Creating Opportunities: The conception of the Kipp Popert World Invitational, raising £140,000 to support disabled golfers and children, including international competitors and local community initiatives.

Vision Beyond Limits: Kipp shares his ultimate goal – to compete in able-bodied major championships—and his philosophy of “press on” in life, inspired by family and personal mentors.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a masterclass in determination, adaptability, and the power of sport to change lives. Kipp’s story is not only about golf – it’s about resilience, opportunity, and the belief that challenges don’t define you; your response does.

Whether you’re a golfer, sports enthusiast, or someone looking for motivation, this conversation will leave you inspired by the extraordinary achievements possible when talent meets tenacity.

Connect & Follow

Kipp Popert: Instagram

KP World Invitational: Instagram

Sounder Golf: Sounder.com

Dan Davies on Instagram: @RNGC2021

Chapters

00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Kipp Popert

01:47 Kipp's life with cerebral palsy

09:42 Understanding Disabilities in Golf Competitions

11:50 The Journey of Leading Disabled Golfers and Their Achievements

14:10 Caddying Experience and Learning from Others

15:25 The Business of Disabled Golf and Sponsorships

17:18 The Role of Family and Personal Philosophy

22:35 The Need for Recognition and Support in Disabled Golf

24:17 Comparing Disabled Golf to Other Sports

26:18 Determination and Personal Growth in Golf

30:10 Key Milestones and Achievements in Kipp's Golf Career

37:18 Shaping the Game: Techniques and Learning

38:12 Lessons from Lee Trevino: Mastering Pressure and Performance

43:44 The G4D Tour: Opportunities and Challenges for Disabled Golfers

44:59 The Kipp Popert World Invitational, Sponsorship and Support

46:51 Creating Opportunities for Disabled Golfers

52:10 Aiming for Able-Bodied Major Championships

57:39 The Personal Impact of Golf

01:05:24 Building a Legacy Through Golf

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This week on This Golfing Life, Dan Davies is joined by one of golf’s most extraordinary trick shot artists, Jeremy Dale. From caddying at the iconic 1984 Open at St Andrews to performing jaw-dropping switch-hitting trick shots around the globe, Jeremy shares his lifelong passion for golf, shot-making, and the art of entertaining.

Jeremy reveals how he became one of the very few golfers to shoot under par both left-handed and right-handed, and how his fascination with shot-making started as a young boy. He recounts trick shot encounters with legends like Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, and Padraig Harrington, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from his coaching, performing, and globetrotting career.

Listeners will also hear Jeremy’s insights on:

The psychology of golf and trusting your technique under pressure.

How left- and right-handed swings mirror each other and why mastering both enhances your game.

The evolution of golf course design and the resurgence of natural, British-style links courses.

The distinction between live trick-shot entertainment and social media trick-shot culture.

The importance of mentoring, youth golf, and fostering a love for the game.

Chapters:

00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Jeremy Dale

01:29 The start of Jeremy's love affair with golf

03:25 The Joy of Shot Making

04:35 Attending the 1976 Open at Royal Birkdale

05:45 Influences and Inspirations: Nicklaus, Weiskopf, Seve

08:55 Tony Jacklin and the Ryder Cup

11:20 Caddying at the Open: A Life-Changing Experience

17:28 The brilliance of Seve Ballesteros

19:19 The Evolution of Golf Course Architecture

24:24 Becoming a Golf Pro: Early days in Europe

27:18 First trick shot shows

28:55 Teaching himself to play left-handed

33:23 Trick shots and technique

35:42 Developing his repertoire of Trick Shots

40:08 Trick Shots in Social Media

45:26 Hitting trick shots with Golf Legends

49:05 Recovering from Difficult Situations on the Course

53:20 The Psychology of Golf Performance

56:47 Jeremy's Happy Places in Golf

01:01:56 A Busy Year Ahead for Jeremy Dale

Highlights:

Jeremy’s first round of golf and attending the 1976 Open at Birkdale.

Caddying for John Garner in the 1984 Open at St Andrews and sharing a car ride with Gary Player.

Performing live trick shots, including switch-hitting left- and right-handed, the Swiss ball, and high-tee Happy Gilmore shots.

His views on European golf legends, Ryder Cup history, and course architecture.

The story behind his nine career holes-in-one, both left- and right-handed.

Life as a touring golf performer across 43 countries and his YouTube initiatives for coaching and trick shots.

Connect with Jeremy Dale:

Website: jeremydale.com

YouTube: Jeremy Dale’s Golfing Curriculum & Jeremy Dale Trick Shots

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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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Danielle Thwaites, formerly Danielle Masters, was a rising star on the Ladies European Tour, a Curtis Cup player, and a prodigious talent in English golf — until injury and life took her away from the game. In this episode of This Golfing Life, Danielle shares her incredible journey: from picking up her first club as an 11-year-old in Maidstone, Kent, to competing internationally, facing career-halting injuries, and navigating the highs and lows of motherhood — including raising her son Stanley, who was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome.

Now back in love with the game, Danielle talks about her return to golf, her determination to qualify for the AIG Women’s British Open, and how her passion for the sport and life has been shaped by resilience, family, and a relentless drive to enjoy every moment.

Join host Dan Davies as he uncovers Danielle’s stories from life on tour, the adversity she’s faced, and her inspiring comeback to the game she loves. You can follow Danielle’s journey on Instagram at @danielle.golfer and on You Tube at DanielleGolf.

Listen and follow to hear:

How Danielle became an England international in just two years

Life on the Ladies European Tour and the Curtis Cup experience

Overcoming career-ending injury and stepping away from golf for a decade

Raising a child with Williams syndrome and navigating family challenges

Her journey back to competitive golf and dreams of the AIG Women’s British Open

20% discount at Sounder: Listen to this episode to get a 20% discount code off your next basket at SounderGolf.com 

Follow Dan Davies and find out more about RNGC, Britain’s toughest test of extreme short golf, at @RNGC2021

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Danielle Thwaites

02:00 20 years ago: Who was Danielle Masters?

03:26 Meeting Jon, her future husband, aged 16

04:51 Danielle's start in golf and meteoric rise

10:05 Playing for England and unfortunate wardrobe choices

13:05 Highlights of Danielle's amateur career

16:58 Michelle Wie aged 13

19:54 Turning pro and playing on tour

26:55 Saving a life, getting injured, walking away from golf

33:47 Retraining, starting a business, marriage and motherhood

38:00 Bringing up a child with Williams syndrome

50:24 Turning 40 and turning back to golf

53:58 PING & reconnecting with her golf family

58:26 The new goal: Playing in the AIG Women's British Open

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In this in-depth interview, legendary golf photographer David Cannon shares his extraordinary journey through the world of sports photography, focusing on golf's most iconic moments, legendary players like Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and the art of capturing history in a split second. Discover the stories behind his most famous shots, including images of Seve and Carl Lewis in the summer of 1984, as well as his insights into the game, the influence of Tiger Woods, and how his passion has shaped a career spanning over four decades.

Key Topics

Guest: David Cannon

Host: Dan Davies

Chapters

00:00 Introducing David Cannon and his early years in golf

04:13 Nick Faldo delivers an epiphany

07:10 The journey into sports photography

09:06 The transition from football to golf photography

12:33 The competitive nature of sports photography

15:42 How golf photography has changed

18:46 The importance of preparation and strategy

21:32 The gear and essentials for golf photography

24:37 The art of patience and David's favourite shot

27:42 memorable missed opportunities - Adam Scott and Justin Rose

30:36 The art of getting the definitive picture

34:06 The impact of Seve Ballesteros

35:14 Reflections on a career in golf photography

37:37 Seve, Carl Lewis and the summer of 84

41:03 The rise of Tiger Woods

45:47 The best light in golf

48:33 Reflections on a life in golf

Resources

Seve, His Life Through the Lens - edited by David Cannon

David Cannon's Official Website

David Cannon library on Getty Images

Sounder Golf

The Sacred Acre: RNGC's official newsletter

RNGC on Instagram

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This special Masters week episode celebrates the extraordinary golfing life of Seve Ballesteros, one of the most charismatic and talented players in golf history. Join us as distinguished guests Robert Green, David Cannon and Mike Clayton share their personal encounters, insights, and iconic moments that define Seve's enduring legacy.

Main Topics

Seve's innovative playing style and creative shot-making

Key moments from his career including Open wins and Masters triumphs

Seve's impact on European golf and the Ryder Cup revolution

Personal stories from photographers, journalists, and competitors

The enduring charisma and personality that made Seve a beloved figure worldwide

In this episode:

The significance of Seve's 1976 Open run at Royal Birkdale and his rise to international fame

Details behind his most famous wins, including the 1979 Open, the 1980 Masters and 1984 Open

The story of his near-miss at the 1986 Masters and the emotional impact

Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his close relationships with journalists and photographers

His memorable final appearances at The Open and how he was loved globally

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to this week's guests

02:44 David Cannon on playing with a young Seve in 1976

08:00 Car Park Champion: Seve wins his first major, the 1979 Open at Lytham

11:57 Seve: An elite driver of the ball

13:25 Why Seve loved Augusta National

14:26 Seve’s uncle Ramon Sota and his Masters appearances

15:16 Seve's background and start in golf

17:02 Seve finds life tough in the US

18:11 1980: Seve wins the Masters

19:43 Tuning up in Australia in 1983

20:42 Seve wins the 1983 Masters

23:13 Seve miracles at the 1983 Ryder Cup

27:33 Seve's greatest moment: the 1984 Open at St Andrews

31:53 Seve's heartbreak at the 1986 Masters

40:32 1987: a year of lows and highs

44:21 Getting to know Seve  – personal insights

48:27 1988: Seve's fifth and final major win

51:23 A memorable trip to visit Seve at home

56:20 Seve's miracle shot at Crans in 1993

59:39 Summing up Seve

01:01:41 Seve's Open farewell: 2006 at Royal Liverpool

Resources & Links:

Sounder Golf

Dan Davies on Seve

Seve Ballesteros Official Foundation

Golf Digest - Seve's Iconic Shots

1980 Masters - Classic Footage

1986 Masters Final Round Highlights

1988 Open: Seve's fifth major (Official Film)

RNGC on Instagram

RNGC: Sacred Acre newsletter (Dan Davies)

Connect with the Guests:

Robert Green - Twitter

Mike Clayton - Website | Twitter

David Cannon - Instagram | Website 

Celebrating Seve's spirit, talent, and enduring inspiration for golfers around the world.

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This episode features a deep dive with Mike Clayton, tour pro, golf course architect, writer, thinker, proud son of Melbourne, and to many, a latter day patron saint of the game. In a wide-ranging conversation, Mike tells Dan about his latest project, the spectacular modern links at 7 Mile Beach in Tasmania. We learn more about Mike's start in the game, the rich golf scene in the Melbourne sand belt, course architecture, the mental challenges of golf, the historical figure he’s most like to have a conversation with, and his views on modern equipment and the sport's governing bodies. Opinionated, deeply knowledgable and unafraid to tell it it like it is, Mike Clayton has led a golfing life worth living.

Key Topics

Golf in the Melbourne sand belt

Golf course architecture and design

Mental and psychological aspects of golf

Technology vs Tradition 

Influence of legendary figures like Alistair MacKenzie and Peter Thomson

How we get more beginners into the game

Guest: Mike Clayton

Host: Dan Davies

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Mike Clayton, this week's guest

01:19 Update on 7 Mile Beach in Tasmania

03:40 Inside the mind of a golf course architect

04:56 Why England has the greatest variety of courses

05:51 Mike's start in golf

06:54 The sweet elixir of the sweet spot

08:21 Melbourne: Golf Mecca

10:01 Embracing Golf's Inherent Unfairness

12:58 Mind Games and the Power of "Don't"

15:30 Locating and getting into 'The Zone'

20:48 Mike's Favourite Courses on Tour

25:16 Influence of Alistair MacKenzie

28:41 Imagining Conversations with Golf Legends

30:10 The Legacy of Peter Thomson

35:39 Influential Figures in Golf History

36:55 Mike Clayton's Perspective on Golf

38:49 Fantasy Golf Tour: A Dream Itinerary

41:10 The Essence of Great Clubhouses

45:04 How to make golf accessible and change perceptions

49:07 The Elements of a Great Golf Club

53:36 Happiest Times in Golf

56:28 End

Quick links

Sounder Golf

Mike Clayton's writing and projects

Mike Clayton on X/Twitter

Mike Clayton in Instagram

7 Mile Beach

Clayton. Devries & Pont

RNGC

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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.

In this episode:

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

Links

Sounder Golf

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:

Twitter

Instagram

Time stamps

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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Welcome to This Golfing Life, a new podcast from Sounder. Each week host Dan Davies invites a guest to share the intimate details of their love affair with this ridiculous but unbeatable game. Join him for conversations with actors, writers, artists, musicians, tour pros, course designers, historians, elite amateurs and more... some of the are household names, some are barely known beyond their own household. But all of them are united by a hopeless and helpless infatuation with golf.

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