Episode 66: ODG Shorts - AB Babington Part 3 - Harry Shapland Colt at Royal Portrush
In this episode Sir Anthony details the modernisation of the Royal Portrush Links under the combined efforts of HS Colt, JSF Morrison, Franks Harris, ABB & Hugh McNeill.
Many thanks for tuning in.
Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound
A Single Dance - Jon Bjork
--------
31:49
Episode 65: ODG Shorts - A.B. Babington Part 2 - Early Days at Portrush
In this episode of the continuing series, we learn about Sir Anthony's early golfing days on the North Coast of Portrush. He also covers the consequential matters of extended tenure, security and opportunity that access to additional golfing grounds to the east of the town afforded the wider membership.
The thorny history of Sabbatarianism also raises its head through a golfing lense as he teases out how this matter was resisted, debated and resolved over the course of the mid 1920's.
Many thanks for tuning in.
Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound
A Single Dance - Jon Bjork
Over the course of the next number of short episodes we wilI take a look at another character that influenced the early development and growth of golf in Ireland.
Anthony Babington was a native of Co. Derry, educated at Glenalmond in Perthshire and Trinity College Dublin.
Babington was introduced to golf at Lisfannon in Donegal and Royal Portrush. He was a scratch player of some repute, competing extensively in the elite national amateur championships of the day. However, it was in the administration of the game that he really excelled, influencing golf at Trinity College, Dollymount, Portrush, Belfast and beyond.
Through the medium of his recently uncovered memoirs and historical writings I'm pleased to introduce you to the long golfing life of A.B. Babington and the positive influence that he brought to bear throughout the island of Ireland.
I hope you enjoy his recollections!
Many thanks for tuning in.
For more information on the history of Ireland please click here (https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuVh/) for a link to The Empire podcast referenced in this epiosde. Please see episodes 236 - 246 which relate to same.
Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound
A Single Dance - Jon Bjork
--------
14:35
Episode 63: Chris Breen - Superintendent at Rosapenna Golf Resort
Chris Breen has been the Superintendent at Rosapenna Golf Resort since 2019. A recent trip to Downings enabled us to sit down for a chat that we've been meaning to have for the past 12 months or so.
We take a look at how he's ended up back home in Donegal overseeing the 63 hole, 1200 acre property.
The importance of getting "your homework right" from a course setup perspective.
How an easterly wind is less than optimal for growing grass early in the season.
Why he's not praying for rain.... just yet.
Grass paths and golfer expectations.
The many changes that have occurred at the resort over the past 6 years and much more.
Many thanks to Chris for his time, we hope you enjoy the listen.
Episode music supplied under license from Epidemic Sound
Shoreline Serenade - Dye O.1.1 Special Guest: Chris Breen.
--------
1:27:34
Episode 62: ODG Shorts - Thomas Gilroy - an evangelist of golf
Thomas Gilroy contributed greatly to the growth of the game of golf in Ireland over the period from 1885 to 1895.
During his time in Ireland he was recognised as the best player in the country, holding a handicap between scratch and +6.
Gilroy was a founding member at Dollymount, Portrush, Mornington & Baltray.
A serial winner and course record setter, he spread the gospel a gift from Scotland.
I hope you enjoy his story!
Many thanks for tuning in.
Episode music supplied under licence from Epidemic Sound
Sweet Embrace (Instrumental Version) - Go For Howell
We're on a golfing quest of sorts, looking to increase our golfing I.Q.'s in the process.
Our aim is to speak to expert guests at the intersection of golf design and construction, green keeping and history…...to name but a few topics.
This podcast is not about us, it's about the guests, what they know and how that can influence the sustainable future of the game of golf that we all cherish.
Suspend what you know about the game of golf for a moment and join us on this journey, we promise great guests, different takes and a few laughs along the way.
Many thanks for considering us for a listen!
Netherlands