Going OB

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.

In this episode of Going OB, Craig sits down with Philipp from PF7 Performance. Based in LA, Philipp has been redefining how players think about strength, movement, and mindset in golf. We get into: 🏋️ How PF7 started and what inspired Philipp’s unique training approach 🧠 The link between physical performance, mental focus, and consistency on the course ⛳️ What most golfers get wrong about “golf fitness” 🚀 How modern players — from club golfers to pros — can train smarter, not harder It’s an episode packed with insight, energy, and practical takeaways for anyone serious about improving their game and their body.

This week on Going OB, Oliver and Martin catch up to hear all about their latest adventures on and off the course. From recent disability golf events to the highlights that stood out most, they share stories that capture the spirit of the game and the community driving it forward. They also chat about their brand-new podcast, Fore Everyone — a disability golf show launching on the Going OB Network. Hosted by Oliver and Martin, it’s all about showcasing the players, the journeys, and the passion that proves golf truly is for everyone. Tune in for great stories, a look at what’s next in disability golf, and the inside scoop on Fore Everyone.

In this re-released episode, Craig sits down with Rikki from @foreheadsgolf to talk about men’s mental health and the role golf can play in opening up those important conversations. Originally recorded during Movember, it’s a timely reminder to check in on your mates, ask how they’re really doing, and be there to listen. ForeHeads Golf are all about getting guys together on the course and breaking down the old “man up” mindset — because it’s always better to speak up. They’ve got plans to take their message on the road soon, but for now their mission is simple: golf, friendship, and honest conversations. If you need help or support, please reach out to your local mental health charities. 👉 Connect with Rikki on Instagram: @foreheadsgolf

In this episode of GoingOB, Craig sits down with Richard Temple, co-founder of Minimal Golf Europe, to talk about his journey from golf enthusiast to brand leader. Richard shares his personal story, how he connected with business partner Menno Pelk, and the vision behind bringing Minimal Golf’s clean, functional, and design-led bags to Europe. We dive into his love for the game, what makes Minimal stand out in a crowded golf market, and how he sees the future of golf culture evolving. Whether you’re a gear junkie, a design lover, or just curious about the people shaping the game, this one’s packed with insight, laughs, and a whole lot of golf passion.

In this episode of Going OB, Oliver sits down with fellow EDGA standout Martin Shields – both proudly ranked Scotland’s Number One in their respective EDGA categories. Martin, who calls Glencruiten Golf Club home, shares his journey through the game, from local fairways to international competitions. The pair talk about what it takes to compete at the top level of disability golf, the challenges they’ve faced, and the motivation that drives them. This is more than just a golf chat – it’s a powerful, personal conversation between two athletes at the top of their game, representing Scotland with pride and passion.

We're back! Season 3 of GoingOB kicks off with a fresh focus and a renewed energy, oh and new mics.... In this return episode Craig talks about what went wrong last season and what to expect this season - more real conversations, more unheard stories from the world of golf, and a return to what made this show special in the first place: interview and insights from the people who live the game. We're ditching the filler and getting back to what matters. NO FLUFF, just QUALITY episodes worth your time. Hit play and get ready - GoingOB is back

In this final episode of season 2 of GoingOB Oliver recaps his time at the Ping Scottish Golfers with a Disability Open which took place at Rowallan Castle between the 7th and 9th of May 2025. Oliver put in a great performance and has made some great friends who we will look to feature on future shows. This is is the final episode of Season 2 of GoingOB and we want to thank all our guests, listeners and friends who have made the show what it is. We are taking a short break to recharge the batteries and come back with a bang in Season 3 with more great insight into golf thats a little bit OB. Cheers Guys. Craig

In this episode of GoingOB I made a call to the best putter I know so I can pick his brains. DMac joins me this week to talk putting, holes in one, solo golf and so much more. GoingOB is for everyone so hit us up on the socials to be featured on the show.

Rory finally won the grand slam and got to slip on that famous green jacket. He made heavy work of it but he got it over the line. This episode is a quick thoughts from the mind of Craig. He also keeps you up to date on all things GoingOB and recaps his first medal at his new track.

In this weeks episode the team chat about masters dinners, who will go well at Augusta and Stanleys new bike. It is also Danielles last podcast with GoingOB as she branches out on her own with Birdies n' Banter, a YouTube based golf show highlighting stars of the game and the people who helped them make it. Danielle will be missed as she brought a lot to the show with her energy and enthusiasm but she cant get rid of that easily and will pop back in for a chat every now and again. Go check out Danielles YouTube page to keep with all her work.