We count down the top five Scotsmen who shaped the legacy of American golf—from course design and instruction to bringing the game itself to U.S. soil. Discover how their vision and influence still define the game today.
In this special Mother's Day episode of The Secret of St. Andrews , we honor Agnes “Nancy” Morris—the wife of Old Tom Morris and mother of Young Tom Morris—whose quiet strength and devotion helped shape one of golf’s most legendary families. Her legacy is a testament to the profound impact of motherhood on the game and its history.
Before Augusta, before Pebble Beach—there was a cow pasture in Yonkers. This is the true story of how two Scotsmen brought golf to America and sparked a cultural tradition that still defines the country club experience today.
In this episode, we explore how a moment of defeat at St. Andrews shaped Bobby Jones’ destiny—and ultimately led to the creation of Augusta National. Through his partnership with architect Alister MacKenzie, Jones reimagined golf course design by blending strategic brilliance and natural beauty, drawing deep inspiration from the Old Course.
On a moonless night in 1864, legendary golfer Old Tom Morris and three companions embarked on a midnight round at Prestwick Golf Club, playing entirely by instinct and lantern light. This remarkable match, now part of golf folklore, was a testament to both their skill and Morris’s enduring passion for the game—even in total darkness. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
In 1849, four of golf’s greatest players faced off in a historic three-leg showdown that would cement Scotland’s place as the game's true homeland. The Invincibles of St. Andrews and the mighty Dunn twins of Musselburgh battled for pride, prestige, and the largest purse in golf history—resulting in a rivalry that shaped the sport forever. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
How did a single golf match in 1681 shape Scotland’s claim as the birthplace of the game? In this bonus episode, we explore the origins of the motto Far and Sure , from its legendary match at Leith Links to its lasting impact on golf’s history. Discover how three simple words came to define the game’s spirit of precision, perseverance, and national pride. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofst...
In this bonus episode, we journey back to 1681 and the first recorded international golf match at Leith Links. Discover how the Scots defended their honor against English boasts, how a shoemaker changed history, and how a teenage caddy left a lasting legacy. Golf’s origins come alive in this story of pride, tradition, and triumph. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
Did you know that the iconic clubhouse behind the Old Course's first tee originally belonged to a different club? In this episode of The Secret of St. Andrews , we uncover the history of the Union Club, its ties to archery, and how it eventually merged with the R&A to become the legendary Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
Ever wonder how the scoring system in golf's greatest championships came to be? In this episode of The Secret of St. Andrews , we delve into the fascinating chaos of the R&A's original method for determining a champion—where players waited for clerks to scrutinize "jottings" before a winner was revealed. Join us as we uncover how this convoluted system led to the stroke play scoring we know today. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , o...
Three remarkable figures—John Rattray, Hugh Mercer, and David Wemyss—are at the heart of this episode of The Secret of St. Andrews . From their shared experience at the Battle of Culloden to their fascinating journeys across Scotland, France, and the American colonies, this story reveals their enduring patriotism, secret intelligence efforts, and lasting impact on history. Discover how their bonds, forged in rebellion, shaped Scotland’s future and influenced the American Revolution. Follow us on...
In this episode, we explore George Fullerton Carnegie’s Golfiana and its 1833 poem, The First Hole at St. Andrews on a Crowded Day . Dive into the colorful characters, vivid imagery, and timeless love for golf that Carnegie captures in this ode to the home of the sport. It’s a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and the enduring charm of St. Andrews. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstan...
Explore the unique wagering traditions of Scotland's early golfing societies, where bets on the course weren't just for profit but promoted unity among members. Discover how the rituals of Freemasonry influenced these clubs, weaving social harmony and spirited wagering into the fabric of 18th-century golf. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
Ben Franklin and his Scottish allies face off against the inflammatory rhetoric of John Wilkes, whose anti-Scottish and revolutionary propaganda threatens both British and colonial stability. As Franklin seeks diplomacy, Wilkes’ radical influence on American colonists only intensifies the growing call for independence. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
In this special episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between Scotland’s golfing history and its love for claret wine. We explore how this French Bordeaux became a symbol of Scottish nationalism, with roots tracing back to the Old Alliance of 1295. From golf wagers settled with smuggled bottles to the iconic claret jug awarded at the Open Championship, this episode uncorks the intriguing blend of history, wine, and the sport of kings. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/...
In this special edition of the Secret of St. Andrew's podcast, we uncover a fascinating golf match from 1738 featuring two remarkable women—one known only as "Charming Sally"—who made history on the Bruntsfield Links. Discover how these women, along with Maggie Johnston and Mary, Queen of Scots, left their mark on the game of golf and the enduring legacy of Scottish women in the sport. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered ca...
In this episode, we delve into the story of the 1681 match between Scotland and England that solidified golf’s status as a Scottish sport. Discover how the Duke of York and his partner John Paterson defended Scotland's honor on the green, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
In this episode, we share the story of Daft Willie Gunn, a beloved yet eccentric caddy from the 19th century whose memory still hangs in the halls of the Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh. Join us as we uncover his wit, quirks, and the mystery surrounding his final walk home. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
In this special episode of the Secret of St. Andrew's Podcast, we dive into the fascinating history of 18th and 19th-century golfing wagers in Edinburgh. From launching golf balls over St. Giles' Steeple to playing across Arthur's Seat, discover the daring bets that shaped Scotland’s oldest golf traditions. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
In this special edition of the Secret of St. Andrews podcast, we explore a forgotten chapter of golf history when a simple rules dispute nearly disbanded the oldest golf club in the world. Tune in as we uncover the 1807 controversy that split the Royal Burgess into two factions, and the mysterious destruction of 21 pages from the club's records. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.co...
In this episode, we delve into Benjamin Franklin's covert diplomatic efforts with his Scottish allies during the 1760s. As they navigate trade tensions, debt negotiations, and the advancement of education and technology, Franklin’s secret deals with Scottish tobacco lords set the stage for future colonial ambitions. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/...
In this episode, we uncover how 18th-century Edinburgh's exclusive golf clubs became unlikely hubs for clandestine intelligence. Discover how influential figures like John Rattray and Ben Franklin formed secretive alliances on the fairways, laying the groundwork for a covert network that played a crucial role in shaping the Revolutionary War... Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com...
In this episode, we dive into the secretive side of Scottish golf. It’s 1759, and Ben Franklin is forging alliances in St. Andrews. But the real intrigue lies in Edinburgh, the true birthplace of golf. Discover how the city's exclusive golf clubs, steeped in secrecy and founded by Freemasons, played a critical role in clandestine intelligence gathering. Learn why these early golfers were more than just sportsmen—they were spies, using their positions to shape the future of nations. Follow us on ...
In this episode of The Secret of St. Andrews, we dive into the pivotal role the Scots played in securing France's support during America's fight for independence. Discover how a former Jacobite rebel turned French military leader used his deep ties with the Scots to assist Ben Franklin in his diplomatic efforts. Tune in to uncover the secrets that connected the green fields of St. Andrews to the birth of a nation. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk wi...
In Episode 15, Part 2 of "The Secret of St. Andrews," discover how a covert network of golfers used their sport to relay sensitive military intelligence across the Atlantic. As Ben Franklin receives critical updates on Pennsylvania's military activities, learn about the intricate system that allowed Scottish patriots like Hugh Mercer and John Rattray to secretly share information, evading British surveillance. This clandestine communication, facilitated by the camaraderie of the golf course, pla...
Discover how Ben Franklin forged an unexpected alliance with Scotland, thanks to the covert efforts of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Unveil the secret transatlantic communication network that linked Scotland to the American colonies, a channel that played a pivotal role in Franklin's diplomatic mission. Join us as we explore the hidden history behind Franklin's honorary doctorate and the clandestine operations that shaped his Scottish connection...
In this episode of The Secret of St. Andrews, we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Benjamin Franklin to this historic town. Learn how a group of dedicated individuals orchestrated Franklin's honorary doctorate, forever linking him with St. Andrews. Tune in to uncover the bold strategy that revitalized a declining town and set the stage for a surprising diplomatic success. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: http...
In this episode of "The Secret of St. Andrews," we delve into the historic visit of Benjamin Franklin to St. Andrews in 1759. Franklin's honorary Doctor of Laws degree and the freedom of the borough were significant achievements for the town and university, setting the stage for secret diplomatic efforts. Discover how this visit, orchestrated by influential members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, opened covert channels between American and Scottish patriots, forging a bond that would persist...
Welcome to this special US Open edition of The Secret of St Andrew's Podcast. Since the first US Open in 1895, 10 Scotsmen have won the championship 14 times, with the last win by Tommy Armour in 1927. These Scottish champions were deeply rooted in the golf tradition, often starting as caddies and club makers before becoming renowned golfers and teachers in America. This year's championship is at Pinehurst No. 2, designed by Scotsman Donald Ross, a testament to the enduring legacy of Scottish in...
In this Bonus episode of The Secret of Saint Andrews Podcast, we take a look inside Scotland's first golfing societies! Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretofstandrews1759 Talk with Hamish , our AI-powered caddie: https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/
