Sure, Augusta Chronicle golf writer Scott Michaux has The Masters and Augusta National on his mind right now (and pretty much year-round), but he’s had more than his share of opportunities to travel the world to experience the best in golf over the years, as you’re about to find out in this Emergency 9 episode of the “Talking GolfGetaways” podcast (presented by 2UNDR.com — use promo code GNN20 for 20% off your next purchase).
LISTEN to the show on audioBoom!
Scott begins by going straight to the Home of Golf, listing St. Andrews during Open Championship week and iconic North Berwick (“the perfect amount of quirk and history”) as his Favorite Destination and Course, Anywhere in the World. He then throws in another category by adding Bandon Dunes Resort as his go-to Buddy Trip Destination (and, of course, we couldn’t argue with that selection).
For someone who has journeyed far and wide both covering and playing the game, Scott still has a few hotspots on his Bucket List — Northern Ireland (with an itinerary already in the works), Cypress Point and the Cabot Links-Cabot Cliffs duo all made the cut. And there’s no shortage of Best Places He’s Ever Stayed either, as Scott again breaks it down to his own categories. Coolest? The Waterville House in Ireland. Most Hospitable? A rustic room at Australia’s Victoria Golf Club, where they flew a U.S. flag over the course in honor of his visit. Nicest? His villa overlooking the first fairway at faraway Barnbougle Dunes on the island of Tasmania.
You’ll understand why a mouth-watering Irish Stew, accompanied by Guinness, in the presence of the European Club’s owner Pat Ruddy was the Best Thing He’s Ever Eaten on a Golf Trip, as well as hearing him describe why the totality of a golf experience is what he looks for to make a getaway truly memorable.
Scott then delves into his game a bit, telling us why a good rainsuit, a lightweight carry bag and his True Linkswear shoes are of utmost importance — and gives a great explanation of why “the flattest swing on Earth” gets his (now) 15 handicap binge-game around just fine, especially from tees in the 6,200- to 6,400-yard range, which is his target length for having as much fun as possible.
Scott finishes up with more great answers to his Emergency 9 golf-travel quiz. A list of Most Interesting People He’s Ever Played Golf With features SiriusXM’s John Maginnes, European and PGA Tour standout Alex Noren and former NFL star Randy Cross, but is capped off by his favorite — former Phil Mickelson caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay, who joined Scott following Phil’s third Masters victory. Historic Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, South Carolina, opened in 1892 and worked on by Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, Tom Doak and Rees Jones over time, is his One Course He Wishes Everyone Knew About. And, finally, you’ll hear a truly unique answer for Scott’s Coolest, Weirdest, Craziest Thing on a Golf Course — a “that really happened” story from the par-5 6th hole at famed Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Thanks for listening to Episode 99 of the “Talking GolfGetaways” podcast — another fun and fascinating discussion with Scott Michaux, one of golf’s most talented and insightful journalists. Enjoy the connection.
