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

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 t

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 go

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.Visit us:https://ww

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

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 massa

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 Sc

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

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.Visit us:https://www.thesecretofstandrews.com/

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. Visit us:https://ww