All episodes of The Duffer’s Literary Companion

Episodes

Stephen and Jim welcome English writer Richard Pennell to the pod to discuss his book Grass Routes.

Published 05/03/24

Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens by James Finegan

Stephen and Jim discuss the seminal 1996 Scottish golf travel book, Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens by Philadelphia native Jim Finegan. In the Down The Rabbit Hole segment, the guys name their own current favorite top 10 Scottish courses.

Published 04/04/24

Golf Between Two Wars by Bernard Darwin

Stephen and Jim discuss the classic 1944 book Golf Between Two Wars by the legendary Bernard Darwin. In addition to Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen, a deep discussion ensues on such unforgettable characters as Cyril Tolley, Cecil Leitch, Glenna Collett, Tommy Armour, Alexa Stirling, and Joyce Wethered. Darwin's writings and equipment and architecture are all still remarkably relevant after 80 years.

Published 03/01/24

The Finest Man I Ever Met

A mini episode for Stephen, with a reading from Sam McKinlay's wonderful Scottish Golf and Golfers. Sam was the golf writer for the Glasgow Herald from 1956-1980.

Published 02/22/24

My Usual Game with David Owen

Stephen and Jim discuss the 1995 book, My Usual Game. They are joined by the author, David Owen. David has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1991.

Published 02/02/24

Thirty Years of Championship Golf by Gene Sarazen

Stephen and Jim discuss the classic 1950 memoir, Thirty Years of Championship Golf by Gene Sarazen with Herbert Warren Wind

Published 01/05/24

Angus MacVicar and Golf in My Gallowses

Stephen and Jim discuss the prolific Scottish author Angus MacVicar, specifically his 1984 book Golf in My Gallowses.

Published 12/01/23

To The Linksland with Michael Bamberger

Stephen and Jim discuss the classic 1992 book To The Linksland by Michael Bamberger - featuring characters like the great Scottish pro John Stark of Crieff and Peter Teravainen. Michael joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on Scotland, golf writing and his legendary career.

Published 10/05/23

Golf Dreams by John Updike

Stephen & Jim discuss the great collection of golf writing from 1996 by John Updike.

Published 09/01/23

Hell’s Golfer - Golf and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Stephen and Jim discuss the seminal 1994 book Hell's Golfer by Tom Morton. They are joined by the author from his home in the Shetland islands of Scotland.

Published 08/03/23

The American Triumvirate

Stephen and Jim discuss the origins of American golf writing, with a focus on three towering figures: Dan Jenkins, Charles Price and Herbert Warren Wind

Published 07/07/23

The Descendants of Darwin

Stephen and Jim discuss the UK writers who are the main spiritual descendants of Bernard Darwin: Pat Ward-Thomas, Henry Longhurst, S.L. McKinlay and Peter Dobereiner

Published 06/02/23

The Origins of Golf Writing

Stephen and Jim explore the origins of golf writing, with a focus on the works of Horace Hutchinson and Bernard Darwin.

Published 05/04/23