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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What Provides More Golfing Excitement: A Drivable Par 4 Or A Reachable Par 5?
The drivable par 4 is golf’s one-off chance for glory, but does it trump a reachable par 5? Two of our writers disagree...
By Jeremy Ellwood Published
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It Only Took 19 Play-Off Holes... The Amazing Story of Hale Irwin's Record-Breaking 1990 US Open Win
Hale Irwin came through a play-off to become the oldest ever US Open winner in an unlikely and highly memorable contest at Medinah
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Does Jacket And Tie Still Have A Place In Golf?
Is jacket and tie an inconvenient remnant of a bygone era or something that absolutely should still exist in golf?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Should Clubs Organise More Competitive Golf Through The Winter? Two Of Our Writers Have Contrasting Opinions...
Should more competitive golf be scheduled during the colder months, or is the current balance just about right?
By Jeremy Ellwood Published
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Look Out! These 12 Players Could Take The Golf World By Storm In 2024...
Fergus Bisset reveals his list of 12 players who could make a significant impact in the professional game this year
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Woods Vs Mickelson – The Numbers Behind One Of Golf’s Great Rivalries
We take a look at the careers of two legends from the last 35 years of golf and compare some of the numbers behind their success.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Slope Rating in Golf: What Is It And How Is It Calculated?
Slope Rating is a fundamental element of the World Handicap System. Here we consider what it is and how it is calculated
By Fergus Bisset Published
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7 Reasons Why Golf Is Good For Your Mental Health
Golf can be therapeutic while providing a sense of achievement and reducing stress and anxiety. We look at seven reasons golf is good for your mental health...
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Do Professional Golfers Have Handicaps And What's The Lowest Amateur Handicap Ever?
Do professional golfers ever keep a handicap? Are they required to? And what's been the lowest ever handicap in the amateur game?
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Is This The Best Single Season In The History Of Professional Golf?
Byron Nelson enjoyed phenomenal golfing success in a relatively brief career. Between 1935 and 1946 he won 50 tournaments including 18 in a single season
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Why Universal Golf Ball Rollback Is Like Using A Wrecking Ball To Crush An Ant
The universal rollback of the ball is an extreme solution to a niche problem within golf, and it’s not good news for amateurs.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Can Golf Be More Sustainable?
Golf has a responsibility to the environment and the communities in which its played. How can the sport progress further towards a sustainable future?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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No – Building Houses On Britain’s Golf Courses Does Not Make Sense
A recent Guardian article suggested more of London’s golf courses could be used for housing. Fergus Bisset believes we need to look at the other side of the argument.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Ben Hogan Vs Bobby Jones – Who Had The Better Career?
One was the greatest swinger of a golf club, the other the greatest amateur and both of them achieved an enormous amount through their careers…
By Fergus Bisset Published
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World Handicap System: R&A Chief Calls For More General Play Score Submissions
R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers discusses the World Handicap System as The R&A and USGA outline changes for 2024
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Five Moments That Changed The Course Of Golfing History
From Old Tom to Tiger, Fergus Bisset takes a look at some pivotal moments in our game that changed the course of golfing history.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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'It's A Wonderful Golf Course' - R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers On Portmarnock's Open Aspirations
R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers discusses the potential inclusion of Portmarnock on The Open's rota of host venues
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How To Become A PGA Professional
PGA professionals play a key role in growing the game, have multiple career options and can play competitively
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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What’s The Difference Between A Tour Pro And A PGA Pro?
Modern golf professionals make their living in a variety of ways
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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What Are Handicap Allowances In Singles Golf?
How many shots will you give or receive in singles/individual golf events under the World Handicap System?
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How To Organize A Golf Bag
We dissect how to organize a golf bag so you have fewer distractions when out on the course.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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In Praise Of Golfing In Winter
Fergus Bisset on why he enjoys playing golf through the winter months
By Fergus Bisset Published
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25 Reasons To Love Winter Golf
Fergus Bisset provides a persuasive list of reasons why you should be playing more golf now the weather has turned
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Jasper Stubbs Of Australia Wins Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
Jasper Stubbs won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in a playoff at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and will play in the 2024 Masters Tournament and The Open Championship at Royal Troon.
By Fergus Bisset Published