20. Gordon Smart: The Game That Brought Me Back

Broadcaster, journalist and lifelong golf fanatic Gordon Smart joins Dan Davies for one of the most entertaining and revealing conversations yet on This Golfing Life.

From hosting Jon Rahm and Tom Grennan at The Open to following Scotland at the World Cup, Gordon shares remarkable stories from a life spent at the heart of sport, music, broadcasting and Fleet Street. But beneath the laughter lies a deeply personal story of resilience.

Gordon reflects on growing up in the golfing heartland of Fife, learning the game with his grandfather, the magical pull of St Andrews, and why golf remains unlike any other sport. He also opens up about the devastating period that saw him lose his voice, his radio career and much of the life he'd built during the pandemic — and how walking the fairways of Kinross Golf Club became the therapy that helped him rebuild.

Along the way, there are tales of Sean Connery and Michael Caine's legendary clubhouse nights, Alan Hansen's house at Royal Birkdale, playing The Old Course in reverse, Fleet Street excess, Scotland's unforgettable World Cup adventure, and why golf is ultimately about far more than the scorecard.

This is a conversation about friendship, identity, resilience and why the game we love has an extraordinary ability to heal.

In this episode

Hosting Jon Rahm and Tom Grennan during Open Championship week

Why Tom Grennan fell in love with golf

The magic of The Open at Royal Birkdale, Portrush and St Andrews

Growing up between Gleneagles and St Andrews

Childhood golf in Fife and the influence of family

Hidden gem Scottish golf courses