5 of the Best Island Greens in Golf
By Tony Dear It’s Players Championship week at TPC Sawgrass which means we get to examine the legitimacy of Pete and Alice Dye’s ever-controversial island green at the 17th. Thirty-nine years after it opened, and 37 years after the little demon tormented PGA Tour pros for the first time, we’re still debating whether or not […]
LINKS Golf Podcast Ep. 14 – What it’s Like to Live in St. Andrews—George Peper Interview
In this episode Ian and Graylyn interview LINKS Editor George Peper about his experience living full time in St. Andrews, Scotland. George shares stories from his time in the town and compares thoughts with Graylyn, who lived in St. Andrews for four years as a student. George also offers tips for those planning their own […]
A Local’s Perfect Long Weekend in Pinehurst, N.C.
When I made my first trip to Pinehurst, N.C. for the 2014 U.S. Open, a whole new realm was opened to me in the world of golf. At the same time, I was kicking myself for not making it down sooner—I had lived just an hour away for most of my life. Since 2014, I […]
LINKS Golf Podcast Ep. 13 – 75+ UK Golf Trips w/ Secession Golf Club’s Mike Harmon
In this episode, Ian sits down with Secession Golf Club’s legendary head professional Mike Harmon. They discuss the “Old Pro’s” 30+ year tenure at Secession, his extensive golf travels to the UK and the rest of the world, his affinity for links golf, and the few courses he has yet to play. You can subscribe […]
Tiger Woods and Payne’s Valley at Big Cedar Lodge
By Erik Matuszewski During one of his recent visits to the Ozarks in Missouri, Tiger Woods brought his son Charlie along to help with the construction of the Big Cat’s first public course in the U.S.: Payne’s Valley at Big Cedar Lodge. The team from Woods’s TGR Design was leveling some of the severe terrain […]
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur and Champion’s Retreat
By Adam Schupak When former Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne was asked his thoughts on the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur to be played ahead of the Masters in April, he made the boldest of predictions. “I think it will be the most-watched women’s golf event in history,” he said. With apologies to Babe […]
I Was There: 1984 Open Championship
I will never forget the last time I had the good fortune to meet the great Severiano Ballesteros. Back in the fall of 2007, I was standing on the first tee of the Old Course at St. Andrews, waiting to start a round, when he arrived unannounced to do some filming and somewhat to my […]
PeperCare: Affordable Course Act
When I’m appointed Czar of Golf, my first order of business will be to address the game’s three big weaknesses—its glacial pace, extortionate expense, and damnable difficulty—and I will do so with my signature decree: the Affordable Course Act. The ACA will at last bring high-quality golf to the millions of U.S. citizens who currently […]
Characters: Golf Telecast Spotter Greg Parker
Greg Parker has walked more final rounds in the final group at PGA Tour events than Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Ernie Els combined. You may have noticed Parker in the background on your TV screen with his shock of blond hair, shades, and a look more suited to surfing. Who is this golf-junkie mainstay […]
Top 10 Courses: Arizona
1. Estancia, ScottsdaleTom Fazio’s 1995 Scottsdale debut remains the Arizona gold standard. Generous fairways and greens and relatively few forced carries make for a less penal assignment than at most desert courses and this ultra-exclusive layout is always in top condition. 2. Forest Highlands (Canyon), Flagstaff Set in the mountains at 7,000 feet, this is […]