
Fergus Bisset
Fergus is Golf Monthly's resident expert on the history of the game and has written extensively on that subject. He has also worked with Golf Monthly to produce a podcast series. Called 18 Majors: The Golf History Show it offers new and in-depth perspectives on some of the most important moments in golf's long history. You can find all the details about it here.
He is a golf obsessive and 1-handicapper. Growing up in the North East of Scotland, golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history. He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism. Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin , also of Golf Monthly.
Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin, from where he saved par. Who says there's no golfing god?
Latest articles by Fergus Bisset
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How Slow Is Too Slow For A Round Of Golf... And How Fast Is Too Fast?
Pace of play is one of the most discussed issues in golf, but what timing should we be aiming for? What is too slow? And can a round be played too quickly?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Far Would Arnold Palmer Have Driven The Golf Ball With Modern Equipment?
The King was known for his powerful ball striking and driving prowess. In his prime, how far would he have struck it if he’d been handed modern-day kit?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Is There A Height Limit For The Flagstick In Golf?
There are some regulations when it comes to the flagstick in golf. But is height included amongst them? Can the flagstick be too tall?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What Should Members Do When Their Golf Club Isn’t Doing Anything?
If your club is stagnating but your fees continue to rise, what can you do as a member to rectify the situation? What is the best course of action?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can You Show Another Golfer What Club You've Just Hit (If You Don't Say Anything)?
If you give your playing partner a sneaky peak of the club you’ve just hit, are you ok under The Rules, or are you in line to face a penalty?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Do We Solve The Issues Caused By Single Golfers?
Fergus Bisset enjoys a solitary round but accepts that, in certain circumstances, some can be frustrated by golfers playing on their own
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Is It Mandatory To Tee Up Your Ball When You’re Between The Markers?
When you’re in the teeing area, do you need to peg it up or can you just drop a ball on the ground? Can you change the surface of the teeing area?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What Is A SubAir System On A Golf Course?
What actually is a SubAir system and how does it help keep greens consistently good?
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Should Regular Golfers Use Long Irons Or Hybrids? The Answer Is More Complicated That You Might Think... Here Are The Arguments For Both Sides
We asked two golfers with different views and over 60 years combined experience for their thoughts
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can Amateur Golfers Be Penalised For Slow Play?
Slow play is one of the most irritating things in golf, but can a regular golfer receive a penalty for playing slowly? It isn’t straightforward.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Far Can Bryson DeChambeau Hit The Ball With Hickory Shafts?
He’s one of the longest hitters in the professional game, but how far can Bryson hit it with hickory-shafted clubs? We’ve seen him try them out before…
By Fergus Bisset Published
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18 Majors: The Golf History Show - Every Single Episode
18 Majors: The Golf History Show is the podcast presented by Neil Tappin and Fergus Bisset that connects you with the greatest, and often most misunderstood, stories from the history of the game
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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I’m Level 3 Rules Qualified And These 5 Rules Cause The Most Confusion
Fergus Bisset singles out some Rules scenarios that he thinks are particularly difficult to get right. Doing so might just save you a shot or two.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Six Golf Rules That Are The Most Difficult To Police
We look at six Rules that are difficult police and require players to display the integrity golf is famous for. Have you encountered issues with any of them?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Match Play Vs Stroke Play: How The Rules And Penalties Differ
There are some important differences to note in The Rules when it comes to match play vs stroke play formats. There are some things you can do in one that you can’t in the other.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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'It's Cheating. We All Need To Challenge Behaviour That Lacks Integrity' – Why I'm Thrilled About The R&A's New Campaign To Stamp Out Handicap Manipulation
Feedback on the World Handicap System suggests players are manipulating handicaps, but The R&A and the associations of GB&I are addressing the problem
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Most Golfers Are Guilty Of These Recurring Faults (And I'd Know, I've Played 3,000 Rounds)
I've played far too much golf in my life. Here are some of the mistakes I've seen amateur golfers making that, if fixed, could save them shots
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What Are The Best Clubhouses In The UK And Ireland?
Fergus Bisset takes a tour around some of the best clubhouses in our Top 100 courses in association with Peter Millar. Perfect for a relaxing post-game beverage or two
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Looking For Value? Our Expert's 5 Tips To Save Money On Top 100 Green Fees
With a little research, there are ways to play the Top 100 courses without breaking the bank. Fergus Bisset explains...
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Building The Ultimate Callaway Golf Bag: Our Favourite Clubs From The Brand’s History
We select the best and most legendary gear that Callaway has ever produced, from driver right through to putter...
By Fergus Bisset Published
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The 5 Rules I’ve Struggled With Most In My 40 Years As A Golfer
There are some Rules that are easy to accidentally break and there are others that are difficult to accept. Here are five of them.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Muirfield Golf Course: Review, Tee Times and Key Information
Muirfield is a near-perfect links, delivering superb variety and a firm but fair test. It's ranked 4th in our Top 100 UK&I course rankings in association with Peter Millar.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club: Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info
Royal Lytham, ranked 16th in our Top 100 UK&I course rankings in association with Peter Millar, is a thinking man's links, a strong test of strategy.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Carnoustie Golf Links Championship Course: Review, Tee Times and Key Info
Carnoustie delivers a complete test of golf and is ranked 8th in our Top 100 UK&I course rankings in association with Peter Millar.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated