The Secret of St. Andrews

It's the week of the Open Championship, the fourth and final major of the 2022 golf season, and Jack Nicklaus has just been honored with the freedom of the Borough of St. Andrews. He is now 82 years of age and the third American to be granted honorary citizenship at the home of golf. The other two Americans were Bobby Jones in 1958 and Ben Franklin in 1759. As the story unfolds, it hints at a deeper, mysterious connection between the honored American golfers and a secret that has been passed down through generations. THIS is where our journey begins toward the Secret of St. Andrews! 

Throughout the "Secret of St. Andrew's" podcast, listeners will embark on a journey through 18th-century Scotland, exploring the intertwining of a bloody civil war, the Scottish Enlightenment, the emergence of private golf clubs, and the parallel events leading up to the Revolutionary War in America. Each episode builds up to the mystery surrounding St. Andrews, revealing secrets that have been closely guarded through oral history, including a significant revelation shared with golf legend Bobby Jones. Through academic research, interviews, and detective work, the podcast aims to connect historical dots, shedding light on the resilience and bravery of Scottish and American patriots, and drawing parallels to contemporary challenges in politics and the world of golf.

Welcome to a special Masters edition of the Secret of St. Andrew's podcast, where we delve into the hidden connections between the Augusta National Golf Club and the old course in St. Andrew's. Join us as we explore the secrets of Augusta's wide fairways, undulating greens, and the influence of Bobby Jones, a man beloved on both sides of the Atlantic. Discover how this legendary golfer's passion for St. Andrew's shaped one of the most iconic golf courses in the world!

In Episode 1, "The British Deep State," explore the turbulent political landscape of Scotland during the formation of its first private golf clubs. Uncover the deep-seated injustices and aristocratic dominance that shaped the British political system, setting the stage for a gripping tale of power, rebellion, and the quest for fairness on and off the golf course.

In Episode 2, "The Rise of the Jacobites," delve into the profound influence of Scottish Jacobite rebels on the early private golf clubs of Scotland. Discover their fervent opposition to the Hanoverian government and their quest to restore the Stuart monarchy, fueled by a complex mix of religious, cultural, and political motives. Uncover the international dimensions of the Jacobite cause, particularly its ties with French supporters, and the dramatic consequences of their failed uprisings on Scottish history and the game of golf.

In Episode 3, "The Glencoe Massacre," journey to the Scottish Highlands for a harrowing tale of treachery and bloodshed that left an indelible mark on history. Discover the chilling story of the McDonalds of Glencoe, whose tragic fate at the hands of government soldiers in 1692 ignited the Jacobite cause and fueled a fierce spirit of rebellion. Uncover the dark legacy of this massacre and its profound impact on the struggles for loyalty, justice, and the Scottish heart.

In Episode 4, "The Battle of Culloden," witness a pivotal moment in British history as golfers and warriors collide on the battlefield. Discover the fates of key figures like John Rattray, Hugh Mercer, and David Weems, whose lives intertwined with the tumultuous Jacobite rising of 1745. Explore the cultural catastrophe that ensued, the brutal reprisals, and the lasting impact on Scotland's landscape and identity, all set against the haunting backdrop of the song "Loch Lomond."

In Episode 5, uncover a pivotal time in Scotland's history. As private golf clubs emerged, so did harsh reprisals from the British government, aiming to quash Jacobite rebellions. Explore the impact on key figures like David Weems of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, forced into exile. Amidst this turmoil, the clubs thrived during the Scottish Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and cultural renaissance. Discover how these clubs became hubs for enlightenment ideals, providing a space for Scotland's elite to exchange ideas. 

Episode 6, "The Tobacco Lords," explores Scotland's tobacco trade rise and its impact on golfing societies, especially in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The American Revolution disrupted trade, complicating debt collection. The episode hints at insights into Saint Andrews' secrets through understanding golfing communities' role in the trade.

Episode 7, "Ben Franklin, the Diplomat," delves into Franklin's pre-Saint Andrews mission in London in 1757. Faced with mounting colonial debts from the French and Indian War, Franklin navigates complex economic and political landscapes to advocate for equitable taxation, particularly targeting the privileged tax status of the Penn family's Pennsylvania estates. 

In Episode 8, "Mercer and Washington," we delve into the formative relationship between George Washington and Hugh Mercer during the French and Indian War. Scottish-born Mercer, a seasoned soldier and doctor, mentors the ambitious young Washington, sharing vital military insights. Together, they navigate the challenges of the battlefield, with Mercer's influence echoing the growing role of Scottish expertise in shaping early America.

In this episode, we journey through the historic town of Saint Andrews, once the ecclesiastical heart of Scotland, now better known as the home of golf. We delve into its transformation from a major pilgrimage site, housing the relics of Saint Andrew, to its decline following the Protestant Reformation and the sacking of its once-glorious cathedral. Join us as we explore how this town, despite its decaying grandeur, played a pivotal role in the origins of golf and the formation of Scotland's first private golf clubs.

In this special edition, we celebrate the PGA Championship by honoring Scottish golfers who shaped the sport. We highlight Tommy Armour, winner of the 1930 PGA Championship, and his influence on the game. We also explore the contributions of Jack "Pop" Hoens, Stuart Maiden, Donald Ross, and William Stormont Dow, whose legacy in American golf remains significant. Join us as we uncover these remarkable stories and their lasting impact on the world of golf.

In this episode, we explore the rise of private golf clubs in 18th-century Scotland during a tumultuous time in British history. We trace the origins of these societies, from the Royal Burgess Golfing Society and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, to the formation of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. These early clubs, influenced by Freemasonry, navigated political tensions and fostered a sense of unity and tradition among their elite members. Join us as we uncover how these societies shaped the world of golf and left a lasting legacy on Scottish and American history.