In this episode of Linked by Golf, Ross chats with seasoned Scotland international and current national team captain Matt Clark, a player with 10 consecutive appearances in the Home Internationals.

From humble beginnings smashing windows with footballs to representing his country at the highest amateur level, Matt’s story is a brilliant example of what passion, grit, and community can do for a young golfer.

Matt reflects on discovering golf at age 14 thanks to a helpful neighbour and a ban from backyard football. He shares how local courses and strong junior programs shaped his early development, leading to a rapid rise from a 22 handicap to scratch within three years.

Now one of the most respected figures in Scottish amateur golf, Matt talks about what it meant to share a record with Craig Watson and how he's looked up to legends like Charlie Green.

He also recounts the experience of competing alongside and against future stars of the game—players like Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, and Tyrrell Hatton—during the Home Internationals and elite amateur events. These matchups provided not just great stories, but deep insights into what makes top-tier players different—and how close that level really is.

As Scotland captain, Matt’s focus has turned to mentorship, helping the next generation of players navigate the same path he once walked.

This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, laughs, and a strong sense of the values that make amateur golf—and team golf—so special.

• Linked By Golf
  Twitter/Instagram: @linkedbygolf2024
  Website: linkedbygolf.uk

• Matt Clark
  Instagram: @matthewclark71181
  Scottish Golf Team Captain

  
  

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In this episode, Ross sits down with rising golf talent Tom Spreadborough, who has just secured his full card for the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

Tom shares the story of his journey from picking up a club at age 12 at Farnham Golf Club to competing at county level, joining the England regional squad, and ultimately turning professional.

We dive into:

• Tom’s early days in golf and coaching under Luke at Farnham

• His progression through the junior ranks and standout amateur wins

• Training at the Golf College under respected coach Dennis Pugh

• Transitioning to pro life and the path to qualifying for the Sunshine Tour

• What’s next for him on the international stage

If you're a young golfer, fan of the sport, or just love hearing how persistence and passion fuel success—this one's for you.

📲 Follow Tom Spreadborough:

• Instagram: @tomspreadboroughgolf

🏌️‍♂️ More on the Sunshine Tour:
Find out more about events, standings, and Tom’s upcoming schedule at www.sunshinetour.com

This episode is brought to you with support from Lomond Golf Tours — experts in creating unforgettable Scottish golf experiences.

⛳ lomondgolftours.com

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In this special 15-minute episode, we sit down with Neil Hampton, General Manager of the legendary Royal Dornoch Golf Club, to unpack the visionary growth formula that’s reshaping one of Scotland’s most historic clubs. Under Neil’s steady and forward-thinking leadership, Dornoch is thriving—not just preserving tradition, but innovating for a bold future in global golf.

We discuss:

• The long-term strategy behind Royal Dornoch’s success

• How Neil balances heritage with innovation

• Why Dornoch is becoming a global benchmark for club excellence

• The community, member, and visitor-focused approach that’s fueling growth

  
  

Plus, in a light-hearted aside, we nod to the now-infamous FOXY thread on X (formerly Twitter), sparked by the No Laying Up podcast, and those oversized FOXY hats that stirred up a storm. We chuckle, but also zoom out—because the real story at Royal Dornoch is far more meaningful than social media squabbles. This episode goes deeper than the threads and trending memes—this is about real leadership, real legacy, and a real plan for the future of golf.

#RoyalDornoch #GolfLeadership #FOXYhat #NoLayingUp #GolfClubGrowth #ScottishGolf #GolfPodcast #TrendingGolf