Best Neil White And Ian Woods Podcasts (2025)

1
The Addington, Surrey, England 42:46

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6h ago42:46

42:46

"Ch-ch-changes.." sang David Bowie, and we know many golf club members are deeply suspicious of any dramatic alterations to their beloved course. But the vast changes at The Addington this decade have been widely praised. The Addington was once the premier club in London, but the march of time had seen the course become overgrown. Now, the city sky…

1
Kennemer, North Holland, Netherlands 35:08

5d ago35:08

35:08

If you feel weary after your 18 holes at Kennemer, spare a thought for Ryder Cup stars Jose-Marie Olazabal and Ronan Rafferty, who endured a record-breaking NINE hole play-off here to decide the Dutch Open in 1989. Ronan joins us on the podcast to describe in hilarious detail that endurance test where he and Jose played on and on and on in a storm.…

1
Kilspindie, East Lothian, Scotland 32:44

11d ago32:44

32:44

Golfers visiting East Lothian are spoilt for choice, but many choose to include Kilspindie in their itinerary. These tight, traditional links offer spectacular views, and the relatively short course is popular with those who favour accuracy over distance. https://www.kilspindiegolfclub.co.uk/ https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/kilspindie Do you ag…

1
Royal Hague, South Holland, Netherlands 37:06

17d ago37:06

37:06

Ony five courses in Continental Europe make it into the best in the World list according to Top100golfcourses.com - but Royal Hague is one of them. Awarded its "Royal" tag on its centenary in 1993, the Dutch King and Queen frequently play there along with other members of the Royal family. Designed by Colt and Allison, its huge dunes make it a toug…

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Musselburgh Old Links and Royal Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland 32:10

20d ago32:10

32:10

Unusually, we've combined two golf clubs into one episode - but they do have something in common. Musselburgh Old Links was one of the original venues for The Open Championship, but the limitations of its nine-hole layout led to its replacement by Muirfield, and golfers migrated to other courses with more land. One of those clubs was Royal Musselbu…

1
De Texelse, North Holland, Netherlands 36:27

1M ago36:27

36:27

The first of a quartet of Dutch course reviews coming up in the next few weeks as the Netherlands becomes the 15th country to be visited by the Golf Pilgrim. De Texelse is a tranquil resort on an island just off the coast of Holland, and the venue for a recent European Nations Cup for journalists. Suffice to say, the British team was some way short…

1
Lanark, Lanarkshire, Scotland 33:50

1M ago33:50

33:50

We are delving into the history books in this episode…because recent research indicates that Lanark is the oldest inland golf course in the world. They've been playing here since 1851, with Old Tom Morris and James Braid lending their expertise to its design. Its location means it may be an excellent option on your way to or from a Scottish golfing…

1
Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, England 38:45

1M ago38:45

38:45

Stoke Park was the setting for one of the most famous moments in golf, albeit a fictional match. Its proximity to Pinewood film studios meant it was the perfect spot to film James Bond's match against Auric Goldfinger in the 007 movie released in 1964. Now in the hands of a real-life billionaire, Stoke Park has quite a story of its own. The club cl…

1
Powfoot, Dumfrieshire, Scotand 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

Powfoot may be some distance from Scotland's most famous links, but that can have advantages. Visitors will discover a much lower greenfee than better known courses. And its location, a dozen or so miles from the M6 and the English border makes it very easy to get to for golfers heading north or south. And we hear from upcoming star Chloe Tarbard w…

1
Enniscrone, County Sligo, Ireland 36:22

2M ago36:22

36:22

Back to the west coast of Ireland and another links course on the Wild Atlantic Way. Enniscrone is rated highly enough to feature in the top 100 in GB & Ireland, having been extended from 9 to 18 holes by Eddie Hackett in the 1970s. The course is situated among towering dunes, and even if you don’t encounter many birdies or eagles during your round…

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Loch Lomond, Dumbartonshire, Scotland 28:54

2M ago28:54

28:54

The great American golfer Tom Weiskopf won the Open at Troon and was runner-up at the Masters at Augusta four times. But when he designed this exclusive course on the banks of Loch Lomond, he considered it his lasting memorial to golf. Loch Lomond's website gives a clue to the membership, claiming it's only "90 minutes from London, two hours from P…

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Carne, County Mayo, Ireland 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

When golf writer Tom Coyne travelled around Ireland playing all its great links courses, everyone was keen to know which one he enjoyed the most. Carne was not the favourite that most would have expected. But its rawness and remoteness stole his heart, and he helped publicise its charms worldwide, which helped save the club when it almost went out …

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St Andrews Old Course, Fife, Scotland 1:07:56

2M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

Reasons to listen to this extra-special, bumper edition episode from St Andrews... We offer practical advice on how to secure a tee time on the Old Course and how to play if you're a mid-to-high handicapper. Sky Sports Golf host Nick Dougherty tells us how he won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship here in 2007. It's our 100th episode! It's the H…

1
Hunstanton, Norfolk, England 35:25

2M ago35:25

35:25

Have you ever had a hole-in-one, three days running, on the same hole? In a competition? No, we didn't think so. That's why the 16th at Hunstanton Golf Club has a plaque honouring Bob Taylor. He tells us about his extraordinary feat at the Norfolk course in 1974, and we learn what makes "Sunny Hunny" on England's east coast so special. https://www.…

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County Sligo, Sligo, Ireland 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

The Golf Pilgrim teams up with two of the internet’s most popular golf video creators at one of Ireland’s most popular courses! County Sligo, also known as Rosses Point, is set amid the stunning scenery which inspired the Nobel Prize-winning poet WB Yeats. How will these modern-day wordsmiths describe the challenge posed by these 18 holes? https://…

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Bro Hof Slott, Stockholm, Sweden 34:58

3M ago34:58

34:58

England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Spain, France and Italy have all hosted the Ryder Cup. And yet Sweden - which has provided ten players in the European Team - is still waiting. We think the Stadium Course at Bro Hof Slott near Stockholm would be an excellent venue. With a castle for a clubhouse, it's built for matchplay drama and can accommodate …

1
Narin & Portnoo, Donegal, Ireland 37:53

3M ago37:53

37:53

There are some links courses where golfers will never see the sea, and then there are some that hug the coastline so tightly that the beach is a tempting diversion. At Narin & Portnoo, they tell the story of a German couple who thought they had got lost but emerged several hours late to say they had decided to have a picnic on the beach. Needless t…

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Ullna, Stockholm, Sweden 28:33

3M ago28:33

28:33

There's never been a sportsman like Sven Tumba. After playing Ice hockey at the Winter Olympics and football in the European Cup, he turned his attention to golf, became a professional, and represented Sweden in the World Cup. Oh, and he was also Sweden's best waterskier. He's credited with popularising golf in Sweden, and designed the course at Ul…

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Lough Erne (Faldo), County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland 38:24

3M ago38:24

38:24

Must golfers come to Ireland for a Links experience, but Lough Erne offers something different. Designed by 6-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo, and opened in 2009, it's been named in the top ten parkland courses in GB & Ireland. Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington celebrated its opening by playing a challenge match…find out how Rory made his mark w…

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Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland 39:35

3M ago39:35

39:35

Sky Sports golf commentator Ewen Murray has worked and played at the world's most famous courses. But ask him his favourite….and he'll tell you to go to a links course in East Lothian, which more illustrious neighbours surround. Ewen became a member of Dunbar when he was a promising junior golfer, commuting by bus and train from his home in Edinbur…

1
Österåker (Öster by Stenson), Stockholm, Sweden 33:20

4M ago33:20

33:20

After a cameo appearance in our Royal Troon episode, Henrik Stenson is back to discuss the Swedish course that bears his name. The former Open champion has teamed up with architect Christian Lundin to revamp the two 18-hole courses at this property near Stockholm. The East course reopened in 2019 and is already in Europe's Top 100, while the West c…

1
Renaissance Club, East Lothian, Scotland 37:16

4M ago37:16

37:16

Fancy a round at the exclusive course which hosts the Scottish Open? Renaissance is a private members' club for the wealthy. But when the Golf Pilgrim played with Jerry Sarvadi, he suggested anyone who wants a game should give him a call or send him an email! You're likely to be vetted…the club suggests its "One Time Experience" deal is for potenti…

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Åland (Castle), Åland Islands, Finland 35:50

4M ago35:50

35:50

A hundred years ago, the Åland Islands were the subject of an international dispute that had to be settled by the League of Nations. Are they Finnish or Swedish? Well, for the last century, the answer is a bit of both. The archipelago is part of Finland, but everyone speaks Swedish. And although the golf courses are relatively modern, the site is h…

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Royal Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

An all-star edition in which we visit one of the world's best-known courses and talk to two famous figures who know it well. Royal Troon is a regular host of The Open Championship, and in 2016, Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson played some spectacular golf as they vied to become Champion Golfer of the Year. Henrik won, shooting a record 20 under pa…

1
Kytäjä, Uusimaa, Finland 36:48

4M ago36:48

36:48

A tale of two courses…one which has mysteriously slipped out of Europe's Top 100 list, while its once lesser-ranked twin has overtaken it. At one point Kytäjä’s South-East course was rated as high as 65th in the continental list and was Number One in Finland. But this stylish resort sited between a forest and a gorgeous lake is definitely worth a v…

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Western Gailes, Ayrshire, Scotland 38:25

4M ago38:25

38:25

Western Gailes, on a narrow strip of land between the Ayrshire coast and a railway line is a tough test for any golfer. That's why it's been used as an Open qualifying venue and recently staged the Scottish women's amateur championship. The closing holes in particular will leave you breathless, even when the wind isn't whipping off the sea. Its clu…

1
Linna, Kanta-Häme, Finland 36:17

5M ago36:17

36:17

Finland is often rated as the happiest nation in the world. Is it because of its high standard of living? Is it the beauty of the landscape, or because Finns spend so much time in saunas? Or could it be because they have some beautiful golf courses like Linna which feature in continental Europe's Top 100? One of the holes on this course was designe…

1
Camberley Heath, Surrey, England 35:26

5M ago35:26

35:26

There are so many highly rated courses in this part of England, that Camberley Heath probably doesn't get the attention it deserves, even though it's in England's Top 100. But this Harry Colt heathland gem should be on your must-play list, and not just because it's a good deal cheaper to play than many of its illustrious Surrey neighbours. Towering…

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Pärnu Bay, Estonia 31:22

5M ago31:22

31:22

We're publishing our review of Estonia's top course on a famous day in the country's golf history. It's Day One of The Open championship at Royal Portrush, and, for the first time, an Estonian golfer will be among those taking part! Richard Teder, an amateur, qualified in stunning fashion a few weeks earlier - and by coincidence, he did so while Ne…

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Seaton Carew, County Durham, England 35:13

5M ago35:13

35:13

When a young Scottish surgeon moved across the border to north-east England in the early 1870s, he was shocked o discover that there was nowhere for him to play his favourite sport. And so The Durham and Yorkshire Golf Club was born, later renamed Seaton Carew. For the next century, heavy industry dominated the landscape, but in the midst of it all…

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Northamptonshire County, Northants, England 30:40

5M ago30:40

30:40

Breaking News alert! The Golf Pilgrim takes on the BBC…as Neil goes head-to-head with BBC TV news presenter Christian Fraser in a matchplay knockout contest. Neutral territory somewhere in central England was required, so Northamptonshire County was chosen. With a Harry Colt and James Braid pedigree, this is a venue that is sure to test the best. h…

1
El Paraiso, Andalucia, Spain 33:32

5M ago33:32

33:32

The grass may be green and as well-manicured as any we’ve seen this year, but it certainly doesn’t grow under the feet of the management at El Paraiso between Marbella and Estepona on the Costa Del Sol. This is a club that's on the move, and don’t be surprised to see it enhance its position in Spain’s top 100. https://elparaisogolf.com/ Do you agre…

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Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, Andalucia, Spain 29:12

6M ago29:12

29:12

An exclusive, private club in one of Spain’s most upmarket resorts - but a small number of visitors are allowed to play at Las Brisas, especially in summer. So you can follow in the footsteps of Sean Connery, who used to be a member, and top footballers, who still are. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones and updated by Kyle Phillips - who tells u…

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Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland 48:09

6M ago48:09

48:09

Opened in 2000, Kingsbarns has quickly established itself as a course on a par with some of the greatest links courses in Scotland. Every year, it jointly hosts the Alfred Dunhill Pro-Am event alongside The Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie. It's now a must-play destination for thousands of visitng golfers, so you might find the pace of play …

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Dumbarnie Links, Fife, Scotland 40:09

6M ago40:09

40:09

Only five years old, but Dumbarnie Links blends seamlessly into the Fife coastline and has already made it into the top 50 courses in GB & Ireland. It's a pay-and-play course so visitors are treated as members for the day, with outstanding service from the moment you arrive. Dumbarnie was designed by Clive Clark, and we're delighted to have the for…

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Lundin, Fife, Scotland 29:23

6M ago29:23

29:23

If the bunkers don't get you at Lundin, the burns surely will. Lundin is in the St Andrews belt and its views, history and quirky holes make it a worthy destination for those wanting more Fife golf during their pilgrimage to the Old Course. But good course management is essential for a good score. www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/lundin www.lundingolfcl…

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The Golf House, Elie, Fife, Scotland 28:17

6M ago28:17

28:17

What should make you more nervous on the 1st tee at Elie? A blind tee shot in front of a busy clubhouse terrace, or the fact that a periscope from a decommissioned Royal Navy Submarine is used to see if the fairway ahead is clear? The Golf House, Elie is celebrating its 150th anniversary but golf on this site goes back much further. It combines its…

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Kilmarnock Barassie, Ayrshire, Scotland 31:42

6M ago31:42

31:42

Golfer's tip. Don't set your Sat Nav for Kilmarnock! Golfers from the inland town moved their club eight miles to Barassie Beach on the Ayrshire coast a century ago, but retained its name. Neil takes on a member in a matchplay contest. Could he defend a five shot lead with so many bunkers lying in wait? www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/kilmarnock-barass…

1
Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, England 38:36

7M ago38:36

38:36

Sutton Coldfield, just a few miles from the centre of Birmingham has soared up the rankings after a concerted attempt to go back to its roots. It was designed by Dr Alister Mackenzie, but had gradually lost its heathland feel because trees had grown and the fairways had narrowed. The course manager and the club pro explain the changes that have bee…

1
Trump International, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 38:16

7M ago38:16

38:16

Do you care who owns the golf course you’re playing? Probably not. But you can’t ignore Donald Trump now he’s back in the White House, and you can’t ignore his name on the courses he owns. So if you don’t like the man, can you still enjoy playing Trump International in Aberdeen? There’s no doubt it’s a great course - it’s in the World’s Top 100. Bu…

1
Murcar Links, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 36:31

7M ago36:31

36:31

With its near neighbours in Aberdeen both ranked in the top 100 courses in the world, it would be easy to overlook Murcar Links. But built on the same stretch of land as Royal Aberdeen, this challenging links course is developing a growing reputation. Tommy Fleetwood won an amateur championship here when he was a teenager and still ranks it among h…

1
Royal Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 35:50

7M ago35:50

35:50

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club traces its roots back to 1780, though the club moved to its present course at Balgownie a century after that. It's staged the Walker Cup and the Scottish Open and is ranked 63rd in Top 100 Golf Courses World List, while National Club Golfer rate it the 38th best course in Great Britain and Ireland. www.thegolfpilgrim.com/po…

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Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 42:44

7M ago42:44

42:44

Cruden Bay styles itself as "unique and unforgettable", and both those qualities put it firmly in the World's Top 100 courses. An extraordinary layout with imaginitive use of the natural contours, and stunning views, mean lots of people love it. But the quirkiness and and frequent blind shots isn't to everyone's taste. Ian and Neil regretted not us…

1
Nairn, Highlands, Scotland 34:58

7M ago34:58

34:58

Having hosted the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup and the R&A's Amateur Championship, Nairn Golf Club is used to hosting top amateur golfers from around the world. So how would Neil and Ian, often described by playing partners as a couple of complete amatuers, cope with the challenge? On a beautiful day, and with the first seven holes running alongside …

1
Nairn Dunbar, Highlands, Scotland 25:47

8M ago25:47

25:47

We begin our latest Scottish road trip with a double dose of Nairns….and we're not talking about the famous biscuits. First up is Nairn Dunbar which has been striving to emerge from the shadow of its more famous neighbour, and is ranked among Scotland's Top 100 courses. https://www.thegolfpilgrim.com/post/nairn-dunbar https://nairndunbar.com/ Do yo…

1
Royal St David's, Gwynedd, Wales 36:33

8M ago36:33

36:33

For centuries, Harlech Castle has seen off those who came to conquer it. Royal St David's, overlooked by the 13th Century Castle, has a similar reputation. The club described the course as the toughest Par 69 in the world, and one of the most picturesque. Would the latest Englishman to tackle the challenge use cunning tactics, or just rely on brava…

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Aberdovey, Gwynedd, Wales 35:57

8M ago35:57

35:57

The Golf Pilgrim celebrates its first anniversary by making a long overdue visit to Wales. Aberdovey lies in the heart of Eryri National Park, or Snowdonia to give it its English name. We hear how the club was founded by a soldier whose first course consisted of nine flowerpots, embedded in Aberdovey Common. It's come a long way since then - and yo…

1
Moortown, West Yorkshire, England 34:49

8M ago34:49

34:49

While everyone's talking about The Masters, we're talking (again) about the master architect behind August National. Moortown's neighbours at Alwoodley have first claims on Alister MacKenzie's designs - but there's no dispute that he honed his craft in Leeds. And not content with having a link to The Masters, Moortown can also boast that it was the…

1
Le Touquet (La Mer), Hauts-de-France, France 31:41

8M ago31:41

31:41

If a golf course is named The Sea, you might expect to see the sea from the links. You’ll hear the waves crashing, and the bouncy fairways will certainly indicate you’re on a coastal course, but the English Channel (or La Manche) remains just out of sight. But don’t let that put you off visiting another great value-for-money venue. Le Touquet has t…

1
Hardelot Les Pins, Hauts-de-France, France 34:23

8M ago34:23

34:23

It's Hardelot than you think….especially off the white tees. The second of our northern France trilogy, and another bargain compared to the equivalent, and similar in feel courses in southern England. Les Pins are the pine trees which line the course, but many have been removed in recent years to restore it to its original design. www.hardelotgolfc…