
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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Best Golf Hip Flasks 2025
A selection of our favorite hip flasks for golfers, so that you can enjoy a small tipple on the fairways.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Do You Always Have To Play The Golf Ball As It Lies… Or Are There Exceptions?
Do you have to accept the lie of your golf ball no matter where it comes to rest on the course? Or are there instances when you can improve your situation?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Is This The Busiest Man In Golf?
In 2025, Dumbarnie Links’ General Manager David Scott is captain of The PGA of GB&I and has been named honorary professional for the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can You Adjust A Golf Club During A Round?
Many modern golf clubs come with adjustable lofts and weight positions. Off the course, you can tinker with these, but can you do it during a round?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What’s The Most Rage-Inducing Thing In Golf? No, It’s Not Slow Play...
Fergus Bisset counts down the five things in golf that cause him to feel most angry. We’re not saying Fergus has a short fuse on the golf course, but…
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Golf Club Membership Is In Decline. So What Does The Future Hold?
Is time running out for the traditional structure of members’ golf clubs in the UK? Do clubs need to adapt in order to survive?
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Are Golfers Allowed To Switch Clubs After Nine Holes?
Tennis players can change their racket midway through a match, football players can select new boots at half time. Can golfers change their clubs after nine holes?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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5 Things Amateur Golfers SHOULDN'T Copy From Professionals
There’s plenty to learn from watching the pros but amateurs shouldn’t try and copy everything they do.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Often Should You Upgrade Your Golf Clubs?
Keeping your equipment up to date could help you maximize performance, but how often should you change your clubs?
By Michael Weston Last updated
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I'd Change These 3 Equipment-Specific Golf Rules If I Were In Charge...
Here, I've look at three equipment-specific rules that I feel are a little harsh or limiting. Could they be changed? Should they be changed?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Is There A Limit To How Small A Golf Green Can Be?
There are some small greens out there, but is there a minimum size for a putting surface on a golf course? Is there a Rule on green size?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Being Held Up On The Golf Course: Say Something Or Grin And Bear It?
It's something that irritates us all, but what should you do if things are moving at a glacial pace and you start to get frustrated?
By Jeremy Ellwood Published
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Is There A Limit To How Long You Can Stop In A Halfway Hut?
Can you stop mid-round for a bite to eat and a drink? If so, how long for? Is there a penalty for hanging around for too long, and what is it?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Royal Portrush Course Guide: Head Pro Gary McNeill Shares The Inside Track On The 2025 Open Championship Venue
Gary McNeill, head professional at Royal Portrush, tells us all about the Dunluce links – including four pivotal holes that could shape the tournament
By Fergus Bisset Published
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5 Modern Links Courses That Could Be Great Open Venues
We take a look at five modern links courses that would be interesting and possibly excellent host venues for The Open
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Everything You Need To Know About Golf's World Handicap System
We explain all the key details of the World Handicap System, which came into effect in 2020 and replaced the old CONGU system
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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I’m A Golf Historian And These 5 Records Blow My Mind
Fergus Bisset selects the five records and achievements from the history of the game that impress him the most...
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Spending Too Much On Golf Club Membership? We Pick 5 Of The Best-Value Options
Golf club memberships can be expensive, but, as in any marketplace, there is good value to be had. Here we look at some cost-effective membership options...
By Fergus Bisset Published
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The Five Most Controversial Rules in Golf
Golf’s Rules can sometimes seem harsh but occasionally on course you feel particularly hard done by when it comes to a Ruling. These are the most controversial Rules in Golf.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Is It Ever Acceptable To Swear On The Golf Course?
Golf is frustrating and the temptation to scream profanities to the heavens can sometimes be overwhelming. But is it ever okay?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can You Use Mud Or Sawdust To Make A Tee For Your Golf Ball?
When you’re teeing up your golf ball, do you have to use a tee peg, or can you use other natural materials that might be handy? Can you use mud or sawdust?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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I’ve Played Far Too Much Golf… But These 5 Things Will Never Get Old
Fergus Bisset has been playing golf for 40 years, and there have been quite a few low points. But these are the things that keep him coming back.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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We Built The Ultimate TaylorMade Golf Bag Filled With Our Favourite Clubs... Are There Any You Would Swap?
We picked our favourite TaylorMade clubs and built the ultimate set. See if you agree with our choices, from driver right through to putter, and let us know...
By Fergus Bisset Published
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I Was Playing Golf Recently And A Bird Picked Up My Ball… What Should I Have Done?
What do The Rules advise if a bird steals your golf ball? Is it just bad luck, or is there something you can do? What if a bird moves your golf ball?
By Fergus Bisset Published