Stephen Proctor
@SProctorGolf
Author of “Matchless,” Monarch of the Green" and "The Long Golden Afternoon,” and co-host of The Duffer’s Literary Companion.
The historian in me can’t help hoping that one of the Englishmen atop the leaderboard can channel his inner Henry Cotton over weekend and end that nation’s long drought in the Open. 🏴
As we anticipate The Open at Portrush, I remind you that exactly a century ago, on this very same links, the incomparable Joyce Wethered won her second of four British Ladies’ Championships, romping home by 7&6 in the final. #Matchless
Shane is a magnificent host — and this was a delightful conversation. Listen in!
I recently convened with @SProctorGolf to chat about his new book Matchless - The Rise of Women’s Golf - Joyce Wethered & Glenna Collet the 2 of the main protagonists in this story…assisted by a motley support crew. Please enjoy, link to episode in 1st reply below⛳️
Breaking news: My third work of narrative golf history — Matchless — is now available for pre-order. It’s available everywhere on Amazon, but I prefer you order in the U.S. from Barnes and Noble online or in the U.K. from bookshop.org, as I am a big fan of bookstores.
Even if this Open turns out to be no contest — as it now appears — it will be fun to see if Scheffler can surpass Woods’ 8-shot margin of victory — or even the 12 and 13 shot victories of Old and Young Tom.
My ideal day: Listening to Open Radio and checking out improvements underway at my muni— bunker renovations, tee box expansions and clearing away underbrush from some lovely trees — all done with guidance from my friend @BradleySKlein, for which I am eternally grateful.
As you watch The Open unfold this week, ask yourself this question. How can a major championship contested over courses such as Valhalla or Quail Hollow expect to command the same respect as one played over a world-class links like Royal Portrush?
Back to my favorite pastime — rummaging through wartime issues of Golf Illustrated in preparation for writing an article for @thelinksdiary — when what should I stumble across but a full page print of one of my heroes, John Henry Taylor, golf’s Indispensable Man!
What can I say. I like old clubs and the old ways. 🤷🏻
It’s Open Championship week. In the latest episode of TDLC 🎙️- A Game of Golf by Francis Ouimet - @SProctorGolf laments the passing of the days when even the defending champion had to qualify to be in the Open field.
And a well deserved winner Travis was! This a terrific episode about one of golf’s greatest figures. Enjoy !
Ep 27 of TDLC - A Game of Golf by Francis Ouimet - is out now. This month’s Darwin Award™️ winner went to a eloquent listener from Indiana. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…
Rum Pointe, a Pete and P.B. Dye gem in Ocean City, MD, was in absolutely mint condition on a truly gorgeous summer day! Proud to have broken 90 with 7 ancient weapons. 👌
Rich is a treasure. Every month he tops himself yet again. Thank you, my friend. 🙏
“So you see how in golf one thing leads to another.” Notes from the June 6th podcast. @SProctorGolf @JimHHartsell