Why Golf

IMG Audio

Why Golf brings you the latest thought-provoking perspectives and discussion, from influential and experienced characters, within and around the golf industry.

Fuelled by insights from the brand new thisiswhygolf.com platform, we explore and challenge opinions on the hot topics within the sport.

Why Golf is presented by Skyscanner.

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22 episodes
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Avg 42 min
English

Episodes 22

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September 14 · 45 min
Solheim Cup LIVE SHOW: Suzann Pettersen, Carly Telford, DJ Monki & Gian van Veen
Di Stewart is at the 2026 Solheim Cup! Recorded live at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, she’s joined by Solheim Cup legend Suzann Pettersen, England goalkeeper Carly Telford, footballer and DJ Lucy Monkman and darts star Gian van Veen. The guests compare the pressure of golf, football and darts, from the noise of a football stadium to the silence over a golf ball and the intensity of a packed darts arena. Suzann recalls the drama of her 2019 Solheim Cup-winning putt, and recreates it for our live audience, while Carly explores the pursuit of perfection and Gian explains how he uses crowd pressure as fuel. Lucy and Carly also talk about Club Maia, and how they’re building a more welcoming women’s golf community, plus the connection between music, sport and performance. Plus, how are the guests feeling about playing the Solheim Cup course ahead of the All-Star Challenge?
September 7 · 44 min
Haley Joel Osment on Happy Gilmore 2, a lifelong love of golf, and why the sport can never be conquered!
Oscar-nominated actor Haley Joel Osment joins Di Stewart on Why Golf to talk about his lifelong relationship with the game — from learning to play with his dad in Los Angeles to finding a lifeline in golf during the pandemic. Haley reflects on the surprising similarities between acting and golf, including preparation, rhythm, instinct and learning to leave a bad shot behind. He also explains why golf can be such a powerful test of patience, concentration and self-belief. Plus, Haley takes us behind the scenes of Happy Gilmore 2, revealing what it was like to play Billy Jenkins alongside Adam Sandler, film golf swings on a spinning rig and watch Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau embrace the comedy on set. He also shares the story of his lowest-ever round at Payne’s Valley, his favourite courses around the world, the golfer he would most like to play in a film, and why golf is a game you can never completely conquer. Find more Why Golf content on Instagram & TikTok at @thisiswhygolf The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
August 24 · 46 min
Ladies European Tour CEO Tom Phillips reflects on his first 100 days in office and the anticipation leading up to the 2026 Solheim Cup
Di Stewart sits down with new Ladies European Tour CEO Tom Phillips for an early look after his first few months in the role. Tom takes us through his journey in the game - from the Faldo Series and the Hong Kong Golf Association to the DP World Tour and now the front line of women’s professional golf. Di and Tom also spoke about the build‑up to the 2026 Solheim Cup, chatting about how this year’s event has the potential to ignite new fans and reshape long‑term engagement with the sport. Look out for more Why Golf content on Instagram at @thisiswhygolf. The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
August 11 · 53 min
From LET Rookie of the Year to Golf Broadcaster: Amy Boulden’s inspiring story
From Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year to professional golfer, and now one of the most recognisable new voices in golf broadcasting, Amy Boulden joins Di Stewart to reflect on her evolving relationship with the game! Amy opens up about the mental and financial pressures that eventually led her to step away from professional golf, why she misses competing but not the struggle, and the support her family gave her when things got tough. She also looks back on winning the Swiss Open after lockdown, the importance of her team-mates and support network, and the full-circle experience of working inside the ropes at the biggest events in golf. Now broadcasting across the Legends Tour, the Men’s Open and the women’s game, Amy explains how she is learning to trust her instincts as a presenter and commentator — and why live on-course commentary feels so natural to her as a former player. Plus, Amy shares why amateur golfers should watch more women’s golf, and analyses the European Solheim Cup team after the selections were confirmed last week! Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, just search for @thisiswhygolf. The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
July 27 · 44 min
Nelly Korda’s birthday wish, a breakout year for Lottie Woad and Solheim Cup rivalries make their return | ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open special
Why do Nelly Korda and Charley Hull love the Solheim Cup so much? How is Georgia Hall finding returning to golf after the birth of her son? Why does Lauren Coughlin consider herself a ‘late bloomer’ on tour? This episode of Why Golf answers all those questions and more as we head to the ISPS Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links! Gabbie Partington is chatting to World Number One Nelly Korda, one of the most exciting golfers on the globe Lottie Woad, Solheim Cup rivals Maja Stark and Lauren Coughlin and many more. Find out how the elite players in the game are approaching the end of the season, including an opportunity to claim two of the big remaining trophies of the year - the AIG Women’s Open and the Solheim Cup. Plus, Gabbie delves into what the progression route is like for those looking to turn professional, with recently turned pro Hannah Darling, and someone looking to do just that in the next few weeks, Kiara Romero. The Why Golf podcast is brought to you by Skyscanner. 00:00 - Introduction 01:34 - Kiara Romero 07:55 - Hannah Darling 13:10 - Lottie Woad 15:32 - Charley Hull 17:05 - Nelly Korda 21:50 - Georgia Hall 28:26 - Chiara Tamburlini 32:47 - Gemma Dryburgh 34:08 - Maja Stark 39:09 - Lauren Coughlin
July 21 · 2 min
Women's Scottish Open Special - Coming soon!
A brand new episode of the Why Golf podcast is on the way soon - recorded at the Women's Scottish Open 2026! Gabbie Partington is in for Di Stewart, and will be speaking to, amongst others, the World Number 5 and defending champion Lottie Woad! Here's a sneak preview ahead of the full episode dropping on Monday 27th July. Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer 📲 https://www.thisiswhygolf.com The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
July 6 · 39 min
England cricketer Sophie Ecclestone on World Cup dreams, mental health and becoming obsessed with golf!
One of the world's leading cricketers, England spinner Sophie Ecclestone, joins us on the Why Golf podcast to talk about her passion for a game that’s quite different to the one she competes in professionally! Fresh from being named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year, Sophie reflects on her remarkable rise in the game, England's hopes of lifting a World Cup on home soil, and what it's like playing in front of packed crowds around the world. She also opens up about a difficult period away from the cricket pitch, why golf became her "safe space" during that time, and the friendship she found through the sport when she needed it most. Plus, Sophie reveals how she first caught the golf bug during the covid pandemic, why she feels more nervous standing on the first tee than bowling for England, and why she thinks golf might actually be harder than cricket! 00:00 Introduction06:00 Playing for England, The Hundred, IPL & More08:23 England's T20 World Cup and Home Crowd Advantage10:27 Life on Tour and Travelling the World11:22 Why Business Class Has Made Sophie a Snob!12:25 Cricket Role Models and Inspiring the Next Generation13:25 How Sophie Fell in Love with Golf During Covid15:02 Why Sophie Has Banished Her Driver17:21 Why Golf Is the Hardest Sport She's Ever Played20:58 Why So Many Athletes Become Obsessed with Golf21:53 Golf as a Safe Space22:34 Mental Health, Recovery and the Friend Golf Gave Her25:55 Why Golf Creates More Pressure Than Playing for England26:58 First Tee Nerves and Watching the Solheim Cup28:55 What Cricket and Golf Can Learn From Each Other29:37 Team Culture, Friendship and Winning30:14 The Best Golf Courses Sophie Has Played Worldwide32:37 If Sophie Could Play Golf Anywhere Tomorrow...33:05 Dream Fourball: Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson & More35:24 Sophie's Dream Golf Superpower36:46 Solheim Cup Predictions37:29 Sophie's Why Golf?
June 22 · 55 min
Dr Bob Rotella: The Psychology of Winning | Rory McIlroy, Confidence & Pressure
Whether you’re a golfer or simply interested in the psychology of high performance, this conversation reveals why the mind might be the most important club in the bag. In this episode of Why Golf, Di Stewart sits down with legendary sports psychologist Dr Bob Rotella — the man behind more than 70 major championship victories and trusted by the likes of Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and many more. Together, they explore the mental side of elite performance — from confidence and fear to handling pressure on the biggest stage. Bob shares powerful insights and stories from inside the game, including the mindset that helped shape major champions, and why learning to “forget” may be one of the most important skills in golf. What really separates the best golfers in the world? Dr Bob Rotella has some of the answers. Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer 📲 https://www.thisiswhygolf.com The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner. 0:00 Introduction 1:54 How Golf Has Changed Over Time 3:49 The Rise of Sports Psychology in Golf 5:04 Confidence, Pressure & Winning Mindsets 7:57 Padraig Harrington: Learning to Believe 9:10 Why Winning Doesn’t Always Build Confidence 10:17 Fear, Mistakes & Letting Go 11:39 Playing Outside the “Zone” 12:24 Mindlessness vs Mindfulness Explained 13:40 Dealing with Setbacks (and “Scar Tissue”) 15:00 Dreams vs Goals: Creating Your Own Reality 19:17 Competition, Mindset & Learning from Others 22:19 Why Loving the Game Matters Most 24:03 Visualisation & “Instant Amnesia” 27:30 Training Your Mind Under Pressure 28:56 Handling Expectations & External Pressure 30:12 Dealing with Failure & Building Resilience 32:32 Working with Rory McIlroy 33:26 Letting Go of Bad Shots 35:19 Reframing Mistakes at the Highest Level 37:48 Rory McIlroy: The Bounceback Masters Mentality 42:10 Mental Skills Across Different Sports 44:18 Leadership & Team Dynamics (Ryder Cup) 45:47 Match Play vs Stroke Play Mindset 49:09 Differences in Men’s & Women’s Golf 52:11 Bob Rotella's: Why Golf
June 8 · 44 min
Promising rookie golfer to Solheim Cup contender - Inside Mimi Rhodes' meteoric rise!
Why Golf is back! For the first episode of the new series, Di Stewart is catching up with a woman who is hoping to make the Team Europe roster for this autumn's Solheim Cup - Mimi Rhodes. She details the whirlwind journey she’s been on since turning pro, and the reality of life on tour when she’s travelling the globe. Mimi also reveals that she almost chose tennis over golf, and the joy she finds in playing golf with different generations of her family - something she highlights you can’t do in any other sport. Plus, with this year’s Solheim Cup on the horizon, Mimi reveals the burning desire she has to be selected, as the all important rankings get closer to being finalised, and European captain Anna Nordqvist makes her crucial captain’s picks. Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer 📲 https://www.thisiswhygolf.com The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner. 00:00 - Introduction 03:10 - Mimi’s reflects on her whirlwind couple of years since turning professional 06:54 - Justin & Kate Rose’s support for women’s golf 09:15 - What it was like to be part of the Curtis Cup win 12:33 - Growing up and playing golf across the world 16:32 - The beauty of golf to play with different generations 17:45 - Dealing with pressure & tour life 26:27 - Does she consider herself a ‘Solheim Cup contender’? 35:24 - Mimi assesses her 2026 so far 38:13 - Mimi’s role models 39:11 - Mimi is now a Skyscanner ambassador! 40:06 - Rapid fire questions41:39 - This or That?42:21 - What is Mimi’s Why Golf?43:20 - How important would it be to make the Solheim Cup team?43:54 - See you next time!
Oct 14, 2025 · 47 min
Tisha Alyn on becoming a TikTok sensation, setting up a clothing brand and TGL’s next steps!
For the final episode of series 3, Di is joined by one of the busiest people in golf – content creator and golf personality Tisha Alyn! Tisha explains what it was like giving up her pro career to turn her attention to social media full time, and the massive success she’s had since then. From producing several viral videos to setting up her own clothing brand, investing in Los Angeles Golf Club and TGL and hosting her own podcast, Tisha tells Di she’s never afraid of a new challenge. Plus, find out what she makes of how the diversity of golf has improved in recent years, and why she’s expecting the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands to be bigger than ever! Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer 📲 https://www.thisiswhygolf.com The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Sep 30, 2025 · 48 min
Ryder Cup ambitions and winning around the world with Matt Wallace
DP World & PGA Tour winner Matt Wallace joins Di Stewart on the latest episode of Why Golf! Matt explains what it was like to narrowly miss out on Ryder Cup selection again in 2025 and his ambition to play in 2027 at Adare Manor. He also talks about what it was like to burst onto the professional golf scene with several wins in his first few seasons, and the methods he uses to bounce back from adversity on the golf course. Plus, Matt reveals his close friendship with Justin Rose, someone he calls a mentor, and how important his parents were in his sporting journey. Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer 📲 https://www.thisiswhygolf.com The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Sep 16, 2025 · 43 min
Ryder Cup preview with European winner Shane Lowry and stars from the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am!
Di Stewart is at the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am for the latest episode of Why Golf, ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup next week in New York! European player and former winner, Shane Lowry, joins the show for a chat with Gabbie Partington about his hopes for the tournament, the current vibes in the European team's camp, and his plan for dealing with the inevitable hostile atmosphere at Bethpage. Di also speaks to some of the celebrities involved in the Pro-Am event, including former England football captain Steph Houghton, influencer Peter Finch, TV presenters Dan Walker & Natalie Pinkham, former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas and professional golfer Dan Brown. Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer 📲 https://www.thisiswhygolf.com The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Aug 12, 2025 · 36 min
Former Lion Anthony Watson on post-retirement life! Plus, what can rugby learn from golf?
Just hours after flying back from this year’s Lions Tour in Australia, former England international and Lion himself Anthony Watson joins Di Stewart for a chat on Why Golf! They discuss success for Andy Farrell’s side Down Under, and Anthony gives an insight into what it was like not being involved in this year’s tour. After thinking he’d never take up golf, Anthony also describes how he’s now become ‘addicted’ to the sport, that it’s taught him patience on a whole new level, and analyses why so many athletes from other sports take up golf in retirement. Plus, what can rugby learn from golf to ensure the sport’s success in future years? Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer 📲 https://www.thisiswhygolf.com The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Jul 22, 2025 · 1 hr
Rick Shiels on becoming the world’s biggest golf YouTuber & joining LIV Golf as a global ambassador!
This week, we’ve flown to Southern Spain and Real Club Valderrama to meet the biggest golf YouTuber on the planet – Rick Shiels! He tells guest host Gabbie Partington how he first got into golf in Manchester, before his career trajectory changed dramatically when he set up a YouTube channel – initially to encourage golfers to book lessons with him! Rick also gives an honest assessment of his decision to become a LIV ambassador, despite initial reservations about the tour, and shares what it was like having backlash from his followers after the news was announced. Then we look ahead to the future – could shorter format competitions of only 12 holes a round become the norm? And what is being done to encourage golfers who have taken up the sport, but not reached an elite level, to continue? Rick’s become one of the most influential voices in the modern game – find out how in this episode! Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube here. To find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer, head to thisiswhygolf.com. Submit your messages to the team here! The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Jul 11, 2025 · 36 min
Pregnancy as a professional athlete and returning from injury with Annabel Dimmock
This week on Why Golf, Di Stewart is catching up with 2-time tour winner and Mum-to-be Annabel Dimmock! They meet each other at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club, where Annabel reveals how anxious she was to tell her sponsors about her pregnancy and some of the hurtful comments she received from social media users after revealing she was expecting. She also explains how hard it was like returning from surgery to remove a bone in her hand and highlights just how far women’s golf fashion has come in the last few years! Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube here. To find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer, head to thisiswhygolf.com. Submit your messages to the team here! The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Jun 23, 2025 · 44 min
Charity, philanthropy & ground-breaking golf tournaments with Kate Rose!
Di is back and is joined by Kate Rose for the latest episode of Why Golf! After meeting her now husband, major winner Justin Rose, back in the early 2000s, Kate has gone on to establish the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation, to support disadvantaged young people around the world, and set up the hugely successful Rose Ladies Golf Series during the COVID pandemic. She shares her experiences of how golf and charity are so intertwined, what it was like watching Justin in a dramatic Masters play-off earlier this year and why she would encourage all women to get involved in the sport! Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube here. To find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer, head to thisiswhygolf.com. Submit your messages to the team here! The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Jun 10, 2025 · 44 min
Solheim Cup takeover in the Netherlands! With guest host Henni Zuël, Catriona Matthew and Anne van Dam
Why Golf is back for series 3 and we’re starting off with a bang at the host venue for the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands – Bernardus Golf! Guest host Henni Zuel chats to someone who’s won the competition as both a player and captain, Catriona Matthew, about her memories of past editions, including a very dramatic win in 2019. She also explains why it’s so valuable to brands to get involved with women’s golf. Plus, Henni speaks to the new PING Junior Team Europe Solheim Cup captain Anne van Dam about what it means to her to have such a big golf event in the Netherlands, and about the kind of captain she wants to be. We also speak to Skyscanner’s Andre Le Masurier about why his company made the ground-breaking decision to invest in women’s golf as their first entry into sports sponsorship. Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube here. To find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer, head to thisiswhygolf.com. Submit your messages to the team here! The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Oct 28, 2024 · 48 min
Olympic silver medallist and Ryder Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood
For the final episode of the series, we’re chatting to Olympic silver medallist and Ryder Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood! He tells Di about his experience in Paris on his way to making the Olympic podium and what it was like securing the Ryder Cup for Europe in Rome in 2023. Tommy also describes how special it was meeting his golfing idol Ernie Els when he was just eight, the path he took to becoming a professional golfer and the pride he has in his golf academies in both the UK and Dubai. Plus what does he make of Michael McIntyre’s accusation that Tommy is to blame for the comedian’s glute injury?! Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube here. To find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer, head to thisiswhygolf.com. Submit your messages to the team here! The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Oct 17, 2024 · 29 min
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – Part 2 with Brooks Koepka, Louis Oosthuizen and Peter Jones
In the second of a special 2-part episode from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, we visit two of the most iconic golf courses in the UK - St Andrews and Kingsbarns! There Di speaks to 5-time major winner Brooks Koepka about the friendly rivalry with his brother and also 2010 Open winner Louis Oosthuizen about what drew him to playing on the LIV tour. Fellow South African Branden Grace also shares his thoughts about the future of golf and star of Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank Peter Jones hears our pitch for a new golf invention. Will he agree to invest?! Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube here. To find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer, head to thisiswhygolf.com. Submit your messages to the team here! The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.
Oct 14, 2024 · 38 min
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – Part 1 with Jamie Redknapp, Ruud Gullit and Pablo Larrazabal
Come and walk the iconic Old Course at St Andrews as we return to the home of golf for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship! Di catches up with former footballers Jamie Redknapp and Ruud Gullit on how important golf is to their lives and just how exciting it is to take part in the tournament as amateurs. She also speaks to 2013 winner David Howell and Dan Brown, who reflects on his remarkable T10 finish at this year’s Open Championship. Pablo Larrazabal also reveals which lucky charm he always carries in his golf bag. Find more Why Golf content on Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube here. To find out more about everything the Why Golf platform has to offer, head to thisiswhygolf.com. Submit your messages to the team here! The Why Golf podcast is presented by Skyscanner.

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