Going OB

In this episode of Going OB, I am joined by the lads behind Pitching & Whining—bringing the kind of golf content every amateur can relate to… the good, the bad, and the complete meltdowns. What starts as a serious debate over the greatest biscuit quickly spirals into stories from their own golf journeys, how their friendship shaped the content you see today, and why their honest, no-filter approach has struck a chord with so many golfers. We get into their plans for the future, what they actually want to build with Pitching & Whining, and the reality of trying to balance golf, life, and content without losing your head. And the very good reason Jason can’t caddy for Jon at the EDGA event 👀 Expect laughs, chaos, and plenty of moments that’ll feel all too familiar if you’ve ever stood over a shot questioning everything. 🔗 Follow Pitching & Whining 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchingandwhininggolf ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pitchingandwhininggolf ⛳ Why You Should Listen If you love golf but don’t take it too seriously—and enjoy the stories, friendships, and frustrations that come with it—this one’s for you.

This week on the Going OB Podcast, I sit down with Ferdinand, one of the founders of WOOW Golf — a brand focused on making golf more accessible, exciting, and properly designed for young players. Most junior golf equipment feels like plastic toys or cut-down adult clubs… but WOOW Golf is trying to change that by creating premium, lightweight golf equipment built specifically for kids and toddlers, helping families introduce the game earlier and with more fun. We talk about: ⛳ Why junior golf equipment has been overlooked for so long ⛳ The challenge of designing “real” golf clubs for kids ⛳ How getting children into golf earlier can change the future of the sport ⛳ Building a golf startup from scratch ⛳ Ferdinand’s own golf journey and vision for the brand If you care about growing the game, junior golf, or the future of golf business, this is a brilliant conversation. Check out WOOW Golf here: www.woowgolf.com @woowgolf on instagram Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Going OB for more stories from across the world of golf.

In this powerful and inspiring episode, I sits down with Graham Tones, Chair of Caddie School for Soldiers, to explore how golf is transforming the lives of injured and struggling veterans. Graham shares the origin story of the organisation, the impact it’s had since launching in 2019, and how its structured caddie training programme helps veterans rediscover purpose, confidence, and connection. From emotional stories of personal transformation to behind-the-scenes insight into life as a caddie, this episode highlights the true power of golf as an “open-air therapy space.” We also dive into: What makes a great caddie The unique player-caddie relationship Life lessons from the course And a passionate debate on Rory McIlroy’s caddie situation 👀 If you love golf, meaningful stories, and honest conversation—this is one to listen to. 👉 Learn more or support the mission: caddieschoolforsoldiers.com

Well… I’ll say it. Rory McIlroy wins at Augusta and I’ve been completely off about Harry Diamond. Quick take on The Masters, Rory’s performance, and why I might need to rethink everything I’ve said before. Golf has a way of humbling you… even off the course.

This week on Going OB, I’m joined by Niall, CGO of Skratchr — a new app aiming to solve one of golf’s biggest problems: 👉 Finding people to actually play with. After moving to the UK and struggling to break into the “cliquey” side of golf, Niall set out to build a platform that makes the game more social, more accessible, and ultimately… more fun. We dive into the story behind Skratchr, the challenges of building a golf startup from scratch, and whether this kind of platform can genuinely help grow the game. Along the way, we also get into: * Why golf clubs can feel closed off * The reality of trying to improve as an amateur * What goes into building a golf business from the ground up * Course management, handicaps, and mindset * And why golf is (and should be) about people first If you’ve ever struggled to find a game, felt like an outsider at a golf club, or just love hearing about new ideas shaping the game — this one’s for you. 📲 Follow Skratchr: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skratchrgolf TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinskratchr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@skratchr 📲 Follow Going OB: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goingobpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@goingobtv TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goingobpod

Season 4 of Going OB was meant to be about improving at golf… but it’s turned into something much bigger than that. In this recap episode, I look back on the stories, conversations, and moments that have shaped the season so far — from chasing scratch and breaking down putting, to powerful personal journeys and honest conversations that go far beyond the game. Featuring insights and reflections from guests across the season so far, this episode pulls together the real theme of Going OB: It’s not about perfect golf. It’s about people, progress, and the stories we all share through the game. If you’ve been following the journey so far — thank you. If you’re new here, this is the perfect place to start. 🎧 Follow the podcast and join the journey. --- 📲 Follow Going OB: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goingobpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@goingobtv TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goingobpod 📩 Enquiries & collaborations: Mail@goingob.co.uk

In this episode, I sits down with Jamie — the man behind Diary of a High Handicapper — to talk about one of the most relatable journeys in golf content today. Starting the game at 33, Jamie didn’t just fall in love with golf… he documented the entire journey. What began as a lockdown project quickly turned into a thriving YouTube channel with thousands of subscribers — all built on honesty, struggle, and real improvement. The conversation dives into: What it’s really like starting golf later in life The reality of trying to improve as a high handicapper The highs (viral videos) and lows (when no one watches) of YouTube golf Why being relatable beats being perfect How short game and course management can transform your scores If you’ve ever felt stuck in your golf game or wondered whether starting a channel is worth it — this episode is for you. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & setting the scene 04:00 – Jamie’s late start in golf (age 33) and early obsession 05:30 – Starting the YouTube channel during lockdown 07:00 – The video that changed everything (3rd upload goes viral) 12:00 – Why relatable golf content wins 15:30 – Having a plan 18:30 – Short game gains & eliminating “bad misses” 27:30 – YouTube golf: instruction vs entertainment 32:30 – Goals for the year: breaking 20 handicap 34:45 – Subscriber series & building a golf community 36:45 – Final thoughts & advice for high handicappers 📲 Follow Jamie – Diary of a High Handicapper: Instagram: @diaryofahighhandicapper YouTube: Diary of a High Handicapper

In this episode I welcome back former Ladies European Tour professional, and former host, Danielle Thwaites for a big announcement. Danielle has officially begun her comeback journey to try and qualify for the AIG Women’s British Open. After time away from professional golf, the fire has been reignited — and she’s now preparing to compete in high-level amateur events with the goal of progressing through pre-qualifying, Monday qualifying, and ultimately reaching the final stage. We talk about the inspiration behind the comeback, the sacrifices required to compete again, and what it really takes to chase a dream tournament like the Women’s Open. Danielle also shares how she’ll be documenting the journey on YouTube, the challenges of balancing life and practice, and why she feels she still has unfinished business in the game. If you love comeback stories, elite golf insights, and the reality behind competitive golf — this episode is for you. 00:00 – Danielle returns to GoingOB 02:10 - Life lately 10:58 – Why Danielle decided to make a comeback 15:39 – The road to qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open 24:50 – Training, practice and preparation 26:43 – Documenting the journey on YouTube Shorts 33:34 – Final thoughts & what’s next Follow Danielle Thwaites and her comeback journey: YouTube / Shorts: Danielle.golfer

In this episode of Going OB, I sit down with golf photographer David Lawrence from Foremost Golf to explore the world of golf through a different lens. We talk about what makes a course truly photogenic, the challenges of capturing Scotland’s landscapes, and how photography can shape the way golfers experience and remember the game. From early morning light to iconic closing holes, David shares what goes into creating images that tell the story of a course — not just what it looks like, but how it feels to play it. If you love golf architecture, course design, or just seeing the game from a fresh perspective, this is one you won’t want to miss. David can be contacted using the details below: Email: Foremostgolfphotography.com Instagram: @foremostgolfphotography

In this episode of the Going OB Golf Podcast, I am joined by Mike Laritz, a competitive amateur golfer from Michigan who’s proving that scratch golf isn’t just for full-time players. Mike shares how he balanced work, family life, and competitive golf to take his handicap from a mid-single figure down to scratch — and why simulator golf played a huge role in that journey. We dive into the growth of indoor golf in the US, the rise of simulator leagues, and whether this style of practice could change the way everyday golfers improve their game. We also talk about the Grass League concept, amateur competition, golf content creation, and what it really takes to get better when you don’t have unlimited time to play. If you’ve ever wondered: Can simulator golf actually make you better? How do amateurs get to scratch? What’s the best way to practice when you work full time? Is indoor golf the future of the game? — this episode answers all of those questions. As always, Going OB is about real conversations, real golfers, and the parts of the game you don’t usually hear about. 00:00 – Intro & who is Mike Laritz 01:56 – Winter golf & the rise of simulator practice 03:29 – 24/7 golf simulators and indoor training trends 08:32 – Mike’s golf story: from junior golf to competition 11:45 – The journey to scratch while working full time 18:53 – Simulator matches, content creation & YouTube 24:50 – Grass League and amateur competition formats 33:14 – Goals, competitive ambitions & future plans Follow Mike Laritz Instagram: @migolfer93 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@migolfer93 TikTok: @migolfer93

In this episode of the Going OB Golf Podcast, Craig sits down with Callum, founder of Pin Perfect Golf in Paisley, to explore the rise of simulator golf and why indoor facilities are becoming a huge part of the modern game. Callum shares his own journey into golf — from growing up playing a small nine-hole course on the West Coast of Scotland, to falling back in love with the game later in life as a high-handicap golfer. That personal experience helped shape Pin Perfect into a space designed not just for elite players, but for everyday golfers who want to improve, practise smarter, or simply enjoy the game year-round. The conversation dives into the benefits of TrackMan technology, why simulators offer better feedback than traditional driving ranges, and how indoor golf is helping players understand why things go wrong in their swing — not just that they’ve gone wrong. Craig and Callum also discuss: Why winter golf in Scotland is so challenging The balance between serious practice and social golf How Pin Perfect was built from scratch (and nearly didn’t happen) The growing popularity of simulator golf with younger players Why indoor golf is growing faster than the outdoor game Whether you’re a high-handicapper, a data geek, or someone struggling to stay sharp through the winter months, this episode offers a fascinating look at where golf is heading next. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:25 – Welcome & introduction 01:15 – Callum’s background and early golf experiences 03:30 – Discovering Simulators and Falling back in love with golf as an adult 05:00 – Why simulators give better feedback than the range 10:00 – Nearly pulling the plug on the business 13:30 – Building the facility and opening day 15:00 – Practice golfers vs social golfers 19:00 – Lessons, TrackMan data & improving smarter 21:30 – Indoor golf growth and younger players 23:30 – Future plans for Pin Perfect Golf 27:20 – Where to find Pin Perfect & final thoughts 🎙️ Host: Craig – Going OB Golf Podcast 👤 Guest: Callum Nicol – Founder, Pin Perfect Golf (Paisley) Website: pinperfectgolf.co.uk Instagram / TikTok: @pin_perfect_golf

In this powerful and honest episode of GoingOB, Craig sits down with PGA Professional Michael to hear the story behind how a golf club quite literally saved his life. From growing up around the game in Scotland to building a successful career as a club professional, Michael shares what life is really like behind the scenes in golf. He opens up about the pressures of running a business, long working hours, burnout, and how his mental health reached breaking point. Michael speaks candidly about anxiety, depression, stepping away from the game, and the difficult process of rebuilding himself — both personally and professionally. With the support of family, friends, and the golf community, he found his way back through a role at Nairn Golf Club, rediscovering his passion and purpose. This episode also explores: 🏌️ Life as a PGA professional 🧠 Mental health in sport 💼 The reality of running a pro shop ❤️ Why talking saves lives 🎯 Creativity, half-sets, and loving the game again If you’re struggling, feeling burnt out, or carrying more than people realise — this conversation is for you. 👤 About Our Guest: Michael Michael is a PGA Golf Professional with over 20 years of experience in the golf industry. He has worked across Scotland in senior club roles, including as Head Professional at Elgin Golf Club, and now manages retail and operations at Nairn Golf Club. Alongside his professional work, Michael is a passionate mental health advocate. He organises charity events, mentors young professionals, and uses his own experiences to help others who may be struggling in silence. 📬 Contact & Follow Michael 🔗 LinkedIn: Michael McAllan ✍️ Blog: A Golf Club Saved My Life. https://mcallangolf.wordpress.com 🏌️ Nairn Golf Club: https://www.nairngolfclub.co.uk YouTube: @michaelmcallangolfcom Instagram: michaelmcallangolf 🎙️ About Going OB Going OB is a golf podcast exploring the real stories behind the game — from tour life and club golf to business, mental health, and personal journeys. Hosted by Craig, the show brings honest conversations, great guests, and a deeper look at what golf really means to people. 📌 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 04:10 Michael’s golf journey 10:30 Turning professional 17:20 Life as a PGA Pro 25:00 Burnout, pressure and mental health struggles 30:00 Stepping away from golf 33:00 Rebuilding at Nairn 37:00 Charity and advocacy 39:00 Golf and wellbeing 43:00 Creativity and half sets 61:00 Final reflections and why Jeff is wrong about Bohemian Rhapsody ⚠️ Support & Resources I f you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. UK Support: 📞 Samaritans: 116 123 🌐 https://www.samaritans.org 🌐 Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk Reaching out is a sign of strength. 👍 Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode: ✅ Like ✅ Subscribe ✅ Share with someone who needs to hear this ✅ Leave a comment — I read them all It really helps the Podcast grow.

In this episode of Going OB, Craig steps slightly outside the usual golf chat to have an important, open and honest conversation about testicular cancer awareness with Kieran from the Oddballs Foundation, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to raising awareness of testicular cancer. What starts as a personal story about finding something unusual during a self-check quickly becomes a powerful discussion about why men still struggle to talk about their health — and how simple habits can genuinely save lives. Kieran explains the charity’s core message of Check. Detect. Act., why early detection is critical, and how the Oddballs Foundation uses bold branding, education, and community outreach to normalise conversations around men’s health. The episode also explores why environments like the golf course — where people spend hours together — can be the perfect place for meaningful conversations, breaking down stigma, and encouraging men to look after themselves. This is an essential listen for anyone who plays golf, knows someone who does, or simply wants to be better informed about their health. Please check the show notes for links to the Oddballs Foundation’s official self-checking guides and support resources. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Key & Relevant Moments) 00:42 – Introduction & why this conversation matters Craig introduces the episode and explains why testicular cancer awareness is relevant to the Going OB audience. 01:10 – Personal experience & the reality of finding something unusual Craig shares his own story and why it prompted him to reach out to the Oddballs Foundation. 02:38 – What is the Oddballs Foundation and WHY early detection saves lives. Kieran explains the charity’s mission, key facts about testicular cancer, age groups most affected, and why checking matters. 04:33 – Breaking stigma, talking about men’s health, The first conversation is often the hardest — and why it’s also the most important. Why the golf course is a surprisingly powerful place for open discussion. 07:00 – The origins of Oddballs & the underwear brand How the Oddballs business led to the creation of the foundation. 09:09 – University Ambassador Programme explained How the foundation educates schools, universities, workplaces and communities. 12:56 – How to check yourself properly Where to find official guides and what men should actually be looking for. 14:46 – How to support the Oddballs Foundation Donations, fundraising, merchandise and where the money goes. 16:09 – Golf chat & lighter moments Keaton’s golfing background and the crossover between sport and wellbeing. 18:49 – Final message: Check. Detect. Act. The three words the foundation wants everyone to remember. 👤 Guest Information Guest: Kieran Kelly Organisation: The Oddballs Foundation Role: Managing Director & Advocate for Testicular Cancer Awareness About the Oddballs Foundation The Oddballs Foundation is the UK’s leading testicular cancer awareness charity, focused on education, early detection, and breaking down stigma around men’s health. The foundation delivers talks across schools, universities, workplaces and communities, empowering men to take responsibility for their health. 🌐 Website: https://www.theoddballsfoundation.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oddballsfdn 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oddballsfoundation 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oddballsfdn 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oddballsfoundation 🩺 Self-Check Guide: Available via the foundation’s website — step-by-step instructions on how and when to check yourself. 🎧 About the Host Host: Craig Podcast: Going OB Golf Podcast 🎙️ Listen & subscribe: https://linktr.ee/goingobpod 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goingobpod

In this episode of Going OB, Craig is joined by Heidi Cannon — a world champion with a background that doesn’t follow the traditional golf pathway. Heidi shares how she first found the game, what drew her in, and how golf became part of her life alongside a demanding fitness modelling career. We talk openly about discipline, confidence, and the realities of building a personal brand in the public eye, as well as her journey working with brands like Golf Gods and Killer Golf. This is a conversation about doing things differently, balancing ambition across multiple worlds, and carving out space in golf without trying to fit a mould. @Heidi_Cannon_

In this episode of GoingOB, I’m joined by Alyson McKechin, a highly respected PGA professional, coach, and one of the most inspiring figures in Scottish golf. Alyson’s journey took her from winning the Scottish Women’s Amateur Championship to competing at elite levels, and now to leading golf coaching and community engagement at Golf It! Glasgow — a revolutionary R&A-backed facility focused on making golf more inclusive and accessible for everyone. We dive into Alyson’s early love for the game, her transition from competitive player to coach, and how she’s championing golf as a sport for all ages and abilities. From her work with junior programmes and community engagement to international experiences like coaching at the Costa Rica Blind Golf Open, Alyson’s story is a testament to the power of golf to change lives and bring people together.

What if the difference between a good round and a great round comes down to one skill most golfers obsess over — putting? In this episode of Going OB, Craig sits down with Rob Smyth, founder of The Putting Edge, to unpack the truth about putting improvement, training that actually works, and whether everyday golfers can gain a real edge on the greens. Rob brings deep insights from years of helping players at all levels refine their stroke, read greens with confidence, and remove fear from their short game. We talk about: How training tools like The Putting Edge can accelerate improvement What separates great putters from the rest The psychology of the short game and how confidence translates into performance Whether you’re stuck on your current handicap or just feel like you should be holing more putts, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and real-world coaching you can apply during your next practice session. Learn more about The Putting Edge: https://www.puttingedgegolf.com

What happens when golf stops being just a hobby and starts becoming a life reset? In this episode of Going OB, Craig is joined by Joel Smith, the creator behind the YouTube channel Golf Life Crisis, to talk about one of the boldest challenges in amateur golf content — stepping away from a full-time job to dedicate a year to chasing scratch while documenting every high, low, and doubt along the way. This isn’t a swing-tips episode or a highlight reel. Joel opens up about redundancy, motivation, burnout, injury, and the realities of trying to genuinely improve at golf — physically, mentally, and emotionally — while building a content channel from the ground up. From practice structure and coaching, to data, simulators, YouTube pressure, and the fear of losing the joy of the game, this is a wide-ranging conversation about why we chase improvement, not just how. If you’ve ever felt stuck at a handicap plateau, overwhelmed by golf advice, or questioned why you care so much about getting better — this one will hit home. 👤 Guest Information Joel Smith Creator of Golf Life Crisis 📺 YouTube: Golf Life Crisis 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @golflifecrisis 💬 DMs open on Instagram Craig Purves Host of Going OB 🎙️ Podcast: Going OB 📸 Instagram: @goingobgolf ▶️ YouTube: GoingOBTV

Welcome to Season 4 of GoingOB. In this short intro episode, I set out what’s changing, what’s coming, and why this season feels different. GoingOB has always been about stories from across the game, but Season 4 brings a clearer structure, more consistency, and a renewed focus on improvement, honesty and community. I outline the new episode release schedule, where you can find GoingOB across audio platforms, YouTube and social media, and what listeners can expect from the season ahead. I also introduce a brand-new series for 2026 — Breaking My Best — where I’ll be using real performance data to track my own golf journey, challenge personal benchmarks, and share the process openly. No filters, no shortcuts — just the work. Finally, this episode is an open invitation. I’m actively looking for: * Guests with stories from across the golf world * Sponsors and partners who want to be part of an authentic, trust-led golf podcast as it grows If you love golf, care about improvement, or believe every golfer has a story worth telling — Season 4 is for you. Thanks for being here. Let’s get into it.

Going OB is going offline for a few weeks — but for a good reason. I’m taking this time to rework the look and feel of the show, lock in new guests, and build something bigger for the new year. This quick update explains what’s coming, why the reset matters, and how Going OB is levelling up for 2026. I’ll be supporting the launch of the Fore Everyone podcast on the GoingOB Network behind the scenes. Oliver and Martin have some great guests and ideas so go give them a listen. The comeback starts in January. Let’s do this.

This week on Going OB, Craig sits down with Travis, the creator behind the golf brand 18 Holes of Misery. What started as a tongue-in-cheek take on the frustrations of the game has become one of golf’s most relatable and entertaining online communities. Travis shares how 18 Holes of Misery began, what inspires his content, and how he balances humour, honesty, and the occasional meltdown on the course. Expect stories about bad shots, great people, and the joy (and pain) that keeps us all coming back for more. Whether you’re a weekend hacker or a golf meme connoisseur, this episode dives deep into why misery really does love company on the fairways. ⛳️ Subscribe to Going OB for more stories from the people shaping golf’s new generation. Check Travis out at 18 Holes of Misery across all the social channels. His content does not disappoint.