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The Firm & Fast Golf Podcast

The Firm & Fast Golf Podcast

Written by: Shane Derby
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We're on a golfing quest of sorts, looking to increase our golfing I.Q.'s in the process. Our aim is to speak to expert guests at the intersection of golf design and construction, green keeping and history…...to name but a few topics. This podcast is not about us, it's about the guests, what they know and how that can influence the sustainable future of the game of golf that we all cherish. Suspend what you know about the game of golf for a moment and join us on this journey, we promise great guests, different takes and a few laughs along the way. Many thanks for considering us for a listen!© 2026 Shane Derby Art Economics Golf Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Episode 79: ODG Series #8 - Discovering Donald Ross with Bradley S. Klein
    May 6 2026

    Bradley Klein joins us today to take a look at the life and times of one of Dornoch's favourite sons.... none other than Donald Ross.

    Over the course of our conversation we explore young Donald's early days in the Scottish Highlands and in the East Neuk of Fife under the guidance of OTM. His appointment as keeper of the green and professional at Dornoch GC and the chance visit of a well connected Harvard Professor to Dornoch in late 1898 which led to life altering opportunities in Boston and later throughout the USA.

    We take a look at some early projects, the Ross influence in North Carolina, a Colt collaboration at Old Elm, Seminole & the host of this years PGA Championship Aronimink in Philadelphia.

    We assess the importance of key associates, explore his design tendancies and how the formation of the Donald Ross Society has facilitated and assisted with restoring many Ross courses to their former glories.

    Many thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the chat!

    Episode music - Nectar by Dye O
    Supplied under license from Epidemic Sound

    Special Guest: Bradley Klein.

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Episode 78: Winter works at Strandhill, Carne & More with Ally McIntosh
    Apr 23 2026

    Ally McIntosh joins us for another adventure down the rabbit hole of golf course architecture.

    Over the course of this past winter Ally and his design partner James Coughlan have been busy overseeing the implementation of their Strandhill masterplan. They also commenced phase one of significant improvements to Carne Golf Links.

    Ally runs us through the specifics of the work at both sited and explains how they utilise specific site specific solutions to fit the needs of these cery different coastal sites.

    We also pay tribute to Pat Ruddy, look at some new course developments in the southeast of Ireland, compare and contrast the Top100golfcourses and Irish Golfer Magazine rankings, try to disect Ally's suspicion of 'fun' golf and explore possible upcoming course works at Portmarnock Golf Club.

    Thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy our chat.

    Episode music - Nectar by Dye O
    Supplied under license from Epidemic Sound

    Special Guest: Ally McIntosh.

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Episode 77: England's Golf Coast with Joe McDonnell of McDonnell & Cooper
    Apr 4 2026

    Joe McDonnell from McDonnell Cooper joins us to discuss the recent improvements to the 7th hole at Formby Golf Club which has recently reopened for member play. Please click on the link for an instagram video where Joe & Sam give us a sneak peak of the fruits of their labour. You can also check out this link where they detail the issues that the club asked McDonnell & Cooper to address.

    Joe also walks us through some of the holes that have been lost to coastal erosion, please click on this link to a video that has been lovingly created by our friends at the Cookie Jar with input from Sam & Joe.

    Finally Joe takes us on a magical mystery tour of some of the bright lights of Englands Golf Coast which stretches from The Wirral in the South to the Fylde Coast.

    It's always great to catch up with Joe, we hope you enjoy our chat.

    Episode music - Nectar by Dye O
    Supplied under license from Epidemic Sound

    Special Guest: Joe McDonnell.

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    1 hr and 28 mins
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