The Links Golf Club Podcast

Building LinksDAO Episode 2: John Caven and Bert Mackay

In this very special episode of the Links Golf Club Podcast, we go deep on what makes a great golf club — not just the course, but the culture, operations, and people behind it.
We’re joined by two general managers from opposite sides of the Atlantic:• John Caven, GM of St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto — one of the top-rated clubs in North America• Bert MacKay, GM of Spey Bay Golf Club in Scotland — a historic coastal links now being reimagined by a global community
We explore what GMs really do, how clubs shape member experience behind the scenes, and the big (and small) things that separate good clubs from great ones. It’s a revealing look at the philosophies, contrasts, and surprising common ground between North American and Scottish golf culture.
This is Episode 2 of Building LinksDAO — our new series about the hidden ingredients behind great golf clubs.
🧢 Learn more:• Spey Bay Member Drops → https://proshop.links.golf• Spey Bay Golf Club → https://speybaygolfclub.com• St. George’s G&CC → https://stgeorgesgolfandcountryclub.com
🔗 Follow the guests:• Bert → https://www.instagram.com/bertmackay1• John → https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncaven
⏱️ Episode Guide:00:00 Intro & Cold Open05:32 Meet John & Bert11:27 What a GM Actually Does19:21 Behind-the-Scenes Decisions28:24 U.S. vs Scotland Club Culture44:05 Back Nine Rapid Fire57:21 Closing Thoughts

Episode 22: Scottie, Sweetens, and the Shattered Trophy

Scottie wins, Georgia Tech squeaks-by, and a Links member gets an ace at Sweetens. This week on The Links Golf Club Podcast, we break down the PGA Championship — from Scheffler’s dominance (with a backup driver!) to Rahm and Rory’s rough weeks. We also preview the U.S. Open odds, recap our betting picks (ouch), and share stories from Lookout Mountain, Sweetens Cove, and preview the Spey Bay Member-Guest this weekend.
🧢 Club Announcements• Hillcrest Initiations: https://clubhouse.links.golf/hillcrest• Tree Farm, Lake Merced, and Arbor Links events: https://www.linksdao.io/events
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode• PGA Leaderboard: https://datagolf.com/historical-tournament-stats?event_id=33&year=2025• DataGolf Live Blog: https://datagolf.com/live-blog/pga-championship-2025• Scottie Breaks the Trophy: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-14727165/Scottie-Scheffler-comical-mishap-PGA-Championship-trophy.html• NCAA Men’s Golf Championship Info: https://www.ncaa.com/news/golf-men/article/2025-05-15/2025-ncaa-di-mens-golf-championship-qualifiers-schedule-dates

Episode 21: PGA Championship Betting Preview with @Tourpicks

This week we’re joined by a very special guest: Joe Idone — or as you might know him, @TourPicks on Twitter. Joe’s a go-to source for golf betting insight, and he brings the heat with expert picks and analysis for this week’s PGA Championship. You don’t want to miss it.
You can find Joe @TourPicks (https://x.com/TourPicks) on X and visit https://www.preferredlinesgolf.com/ to read more of his golf betting content.
🧢 Club Announcements• Pro Shop – Branded Bills Hats (Fishbird, Links, Inaugural)https://proshop.links.golf- Tree Farm, Lake Merced, and Arbor Links events now on sale: https://www.linksdao.io/events⸻
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode- Georgia Tech Scoreboardhttps://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/236554/scoring/team- Joe’s Top 10 Players to Watch – RotoBallerhttps://www.rotoballer.com/2025-pga-championship-power-rankings-top-10-players-to-watch/1610331- Scottie attempts to avoid arresthttps://x.com/kclairerogers/status/1922318352279593351- Group Dynamics Breakdownhttps://x.com/therealGFD/status/1922099499058569566- Betting Vibes: Like/Dislikehttps://x.com/Josh_Segal8/status/1921920221394158010- Rory Trackerhttps://x.com/RMTracker/status/1921994777249075684- Spieth Storylinehttps://x.com/BGO0D/status/1922024693336256703- DataGolf Betting Toolhttps://datagolf.com/betting-tool-finish

Building LinksDAO Episode 1: Seth McWhorter

In this special episode of the Links Golf Club Podcast, we’re joined by Seth McWhorter—one of the most iconic logo designers in golf. From Pinehurst to The Tree Farm to Sweetens Cove, Seth’s work has quietly defined a new era of golf branding.
We talk about what makes a great golf logo, why clubs get it wrong, and how design can shape the identity of a place. We also go behind the scenes on two logos he designed for us: Spey Bay and Fishbird.
If you care about design, identity, and the future of golf—this one’s for you.
This is the first episode in a series where we explore what makes great golf clubs truly great—so we can learn, build, and shape the future of Links Golf Club.
Links from the episode:
Follow Seth on IG → https://www.instagram.com/mcwhortercreativeWork with Seth → https://www.mcwhortercreative.comSeth on The Creative Process → https://youtu.be/qlS_7m9E68YImperial Interview → https://youtu.be/NFP8NH4zUrYThe Hole Story Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/episode/62taDS1TluQ47BI42pwgakPictures on the Scorecard → https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XMJJxiJhaE4xYvetxavgOSeth's backyard cottage/office: https://www.instagram.com/p/DISNfjct8uk/?img_index=1Logo Beginnings (logo inspiration book Seth mentions): https://a.co/d/iBfGYi5
Shop Spey Bay primary and fishbird logos → https://proshop.links.golf
00:00 Building a Community in Golf01:03 Introduction to the Podcast01:27 The Importance of Golf Club Logos01:45 Meet Seth McCarter: Golf Logo Designer03:07 Seth's Creative Journey and Studio05:32 The Design Process and Philosophy07:08 Challenges and Realizations in Golf Design11:27 The Role of Logos in Club Identity19:21 Common Mistakes in Logo Design23:17 Successful Golf Branding Examples28:24 Collaborating with Links Dow30:58 Initial Excitement and Hesitancy31:24 Navigating Community Feedback34:12 The Logo Design Process38:56 The Story of Fishbird44:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections49:37 Future of Design in Golf57:21 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode 20: Fishbird Takes Flight, On the Ground at Philly Cricket Club, and Bieber’s Golf Style

In Episode 20 of The Links Golf Club Podcast, Gregory, Cooper, and Chris dive into Scotty Scheffler's incredible "Secretariat" performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, discuss how many strokes they'd need to compete against Scotty at his home course, and recap Cooper's visit to Philly Cricket Club's for the Truist Championship. They also explore the ambitious new master plan at Royal Dornoch, share excitement for the upcoming PGA Championship, and break down Justin Bieber's unique golf style. Lastly, they also talk about the story behind Fishbird, Spey Bay Golf Course's alt logo that launched this week and share their favorite mom golf memory.
 
🔗 Links Mentioned in This EpisodeFishbird pro shop drop is live: https://proshop.links.golf/collections/the-fishbird-collectionUpcoming LinksDAO Events: https://www.linksdao.io/eventsBecome a LinksDAO Member: https://links.golf[Members Only] Join Hillcrest Country Club in Kansas City: https://clubhouse.links.golf/hillcrest?section=initiationHillcrest Progress Update #1: https://youtu.be/T387RPJIAwsRestoring Hillcrest Trailer: https://youtu.be/r7C-lwpRKNo
⸻🏌️‍♂️ Tournament & Tour News• Scotty Scheffler’s Record Win at CJ Cup Byron Nelson:https://golf.com/news/jordan-spieth-explains-scottie-scheffler-record-win/• NCAA Regionals Preview:https://www.ncaa.com/news/golf-men/article/2025-04-30/teams-and-individuals-selected-2025-ncaa-division-i-mens-golf-championships
⸻🌐 Around the Golf Internet• Small Aircraft Lands on Riviera Country Club:https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/small-aircraft-lands-safely-on-riviera-country-club-golf-course/• Bieber’s Golf Fashion Statement:https://x.com/top100rick/status/1919889240478851144
⸻⏱️ Episode Timestamps:00:00 Intro & Weekly Highlights01:45 Announcements: Fishbird Drop & Upcoming Events04:10 Scotty Scheffler’s Historic Win12:22 How Many Strokes to Beat Scotty?19:05 Philly Cricket Club's Big Stage25:40 Top 100 Courses We'd Like PGA Tour Pros to Play32:10 Royal Dornoch’s Huge Expansion Plans37:45 Fishbird Logo History42:15 NCAA Regionals Preview44:30 Plane Lands at Riviera?46:10 Bieber's Golf Style Discussion49:00 Mother’s Day Golf Memories52:20 Listener Feedback & Wrap-Up
⸻🎙️ Connect With Us:Let us know your thoughts and suggestions in Discord or the YouTube comments. Don't forget to follow and subscribe—exciting content is on the way, especially from Hillcrest and Spey Bay!

Episode 19: Andrew Novak's Redemption, Gorilla vs. 100 Humans at Golf, & More!

In this episode of The Links Golf Club Podcast, hosts Gregory, Cooper, and Chris recap Andrew Novak's recent triumph and debate whether a gorilla could outperform 100 humans in golf. They discuss the upcoming events at Lake Merced and Industry Hills, and mention progress on community-led events. They also touch on major tournaments like the Zurich Classic and Chevron, preview the upcoming Byron Nelson event, and review PGA 2K25.
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode- NYC and LA Community events released, Lake Merced Arbor Links, and Tree Farm go on sale soon (look out for announcement in the mulligan newsletter): https://www.linksdao.io/events - Become a LinksDAO member: https://links.golf- [Members Only] Join Hillcrest Country Club in Kansas Cityhttps://clubhouse.links.golf/hillcrest?section=initiation- Hillcrest Progress Update #1: https://youtu.be/T387RPJIAws- Restoring Hillcrest Trailer: https://youtu.be/r7C-lwpRKNo
⸻🏌️‍♂️ Tournament & Tour News• Zurich Classic – Andrew Novak winshttps://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/patient-consistent-improvement-leads-andrew-novak-to-first-career-pga-tour-win-u-s-ryder-cup-contention/• Zurich Classic Leaderboardhttps://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard• Chevron Championship heartbreakhttps://x.com/NUCLRGOLF/status/1916612155899629718• LIV Golf in talks with OWGR – Sporticohttps://www.sportico.com/leagues/golf/2025/liv-golf-owgr-world-rankings-points-1234850399/• NCAA Golf Predictionshttps://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/brentleys-bracketology-predicting-2025-ncaa-d-i-mens-golf-regional-fields
⸻🌐 Around the Golf Internet• Gorilla vs. 100 Golfers Debatehttps://x.com/mrsenorhill/status/1917014665483128891• Augusta Divot Souvenirhttps://www.reddit.com/r/golf/comments/1k4gs6q/why_cant_i_be_so_lucky_just_saw_this_online/• Pinehurst No. 4 Closing for Renovationhttps://golf.com/news/pinehurst-no-4-closure-greens-restoration/
⸻🎮 What We’re Doing• Coop’s PGA2k25 Power Rankingshttps://x.com/coop_golf/status/1915614309729657145?s=12- 2025 Goals Podcasthttps://youtu.be/CTA-ko1uLew
⸻00:00 Welcome and Weekly Highlights01:52 Upcoming Events and Announcements04:39 Zurich Classic Recap13:45 Chevron Championship Drama17:13 Byron Nelson Preview22:19 President's Cup and LIV Golf Updates26:21 Speculating on Golf Resolutions27:46 NCAA Selection Show Excitement28:10 Georgia Tech's Performance and Future31:21 Gorilla vs. 100 Handicaps Debate35:24 Augusta Grass Souvenir Ethics38:46 Pinehurst Resort's Decision41:34 PGA 2K25 Game Review43:25 Q1 Goals Update49:28 Closing Remarks and Feedback Request

Episode 18: JT Wins, Zurich Classic Preview, & Xander Builds an App

In this episode, we break down Justin Thomas’ emotional playoff win, speculate on the Ryder Cup roster, and react to huge golf architecture updates — including a King-Collins-Dormer project at Royal Dornoch and Pinehurst’s new Coore & Crenshaw course.
We also preview the Zurich Classic, share our NCAA Championship picks, and discuss the new Osprey Nest feature at Spey Bay. Plus: why did Xander Schauffele launch an app? And what other PGA Tour players also shouldn’t do the same?
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode
🏌️‍♂️ Tournament & Tour News• Justin Thomas wins the RBC Heritagehttps://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2025/04/20/justin-thomas-ends-drought-wins-playoff-emotional-victory-rbc-heritage-scores-leaderboard-final-round
• Zurich Classic Previewhttps://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/2025-zurich-classic-predictions-picks-odds-format-field-rankings-golf-best-bets-at-tpc-louisiana/
• Ryder Cup chatter (Bethpage fit)https://x.com/KylePorterNS/status/1914306263288004692
• NCAA Golf Selection Predictionshttps://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/brentleys-bracketology-predicting-2025-ncaa-d-i-mens-golf-regional-fields
⸻
🛠️ Course Design & Architecture• Royal Dornoch King-Collins-Dormer Planhttps://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php?topic=73766.0
• Struie Course map sneak peekhttps://x.com/cbruce_eth/status/1914669414147895308
• Coore & Crenshaw designing Pinehurst No. 11https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/articles/news-and-notes-pinehurst-no-11-new-golf-course-coore-crenshaw
⸻
🏌️‍♀️ Links Club Updates• Hillcrest Membership Infohttps://clubhouse.links.golf/hillcrest
• Clubhouse Benefitshttps://clubhouse.links.golf/benefits
• Links Pro Shophttps://proshop.links.golf
• Support Emailmailto:support@links.golfQuestions? Reach out to the team directly.
⸻
🧠 Community & Commentary• Osprey Nest opens at Spey Bayhttps://x.com/bertmackay1/status/1913675026185830508
• Unhinged golf Twitter take?https://x.com/LinksDAO/status/1914711065486876745
• Xander Schauffele’s new golf apphttps://x.com/XSchauffele/status/1914699628236169493
00:00 Welcome and Weekly Recap00:59 Golfing Updates and Personal Experiences04:03 Exciting Announcements and Member Events06:30 Justin Thomas' Victory and Performance Analysis12:08 Ryder Cup Speculations and Course Insights17:30 Zurich Classic Preview and Pairing Preferences20:24 NCAA Golf Selection and Team Discussions23:57 NCAA Golf Highlights and Predictions25:24 Course Design Announcements26:25 King Collins and Pinehurst Developments29:10 Sweetens Cove and Scottish Golf36:26 Spay Bay's Osprey Nest42:41 Golf Twitter Debates and Pro Golfer Apps49:50 Conclusion and Feedback

Episode 17: 2025 Masters Betting with $LINKS

In this episode of the Links Golf Club podcast, Gregory, Cooper, and Chris dive into Masters Week excitement and discuss their top picks for the tournament, including strategies for betting. 
The team conducts a snake draft, selecting their favorite golfers, and contributes to a massive prize pool. They also discuss updates and announcements for the Links Golf Club, such as new events and how to get involved with Links Coin. Tune in for a thorough analysis of this week's Masters, some friendly competition, and a look ahead at exciting club events!
Links mentioned in the episode- Check out the first phase of the announced event series: https://www.linksdao.io/events- NFT-gated Membership Portal for Hillcrest where you can initiate today - https://clubhouse.links.golf/hillcrest- Email support@links.golf for help or use the chat bubble on the site- Take advantage of your membership benefits - https://clubhouse.links.golf/benefits- Links pro shop - proshop.links.golf- Previous pod on the March 2025 progress check-in on Hillcrest: https://youtu.be/T387RPJIAws- Previous pod on the future of LinksDAO: https://youtu.be/-YIxCatU4D8

Episode 16: Hillcrest First Impressions with LinksDAO member Fezzington

This week’s episode features special guest and LinksDAO member, Fezzington! Back in March, he traveled from Chicago to meet Chris, Gregory, and Cooper—alongside some local Kansas City members—to get a firsthand look at the current state of the property. Fezzington graciously agreed to share his impressions with the LinksDAO community.
The conversation covers travel logistics, the quality of Kansas City’s new airport, and the charm of local barbecue spots like LC’s. At the heart of the discussion is Hillcrest Golf Club, with a focus on its striking topography, accessibility, and potential as a premier golf destination. The episode also touches on exciting possibilities for future events, match play, and member experiences at Hillcrest.
00:00 Introduction and Apology for Technical Issues03:37 Discussing the Golf Season and Travel Experience08:30 Arrival and Impressions of Kansas City10:38 Exploring Hillcrest and Its Unique Features19:45 Future Plans and Excitement for Hillcrest26:40 Upcoming Golf Trips and Events

Episode 15: 2025 Event Schedule

In this episode of the Links Golf Club podcast, Gregory, Cooper, and Chris discuss exciting updates on the 2025 event series and the community-driven golf outings. They talk about signature events at top courses like Olympia Fields, Bayonne, and the Tree Farm, and emphasize the importance of local meetups and member-driven activities.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:43 Waffle House Hash Browns Debate01:11 Atlanta Drive GC Celebration02:06 Links Coin and Hospitality Updates03:09 Upcoming Membership Perks03:54 Community Call Insights04:59 Event Draft: Signature Events07:24 Event Draft: Casual Meetups12:47 Event Draft: Wild Card Picks19:58 Reflecting on Golf Events and Experiences23:08 2025 Event Series Strategy23:43 Expanding Event Experiences24:35 Creating Unique Experiences25:22 Community Engagement and Informal Events26:20 Empowering Regional Captains28:35 Signature Events Overview29:29 Olympia Fields Event30:54 NFT NYC Event33:07 Hillcrest Members Event34:16 Dormy Club Event36:18 Tree Farm Event41:33 Community-Led Events and Participation43:37 Encouraging Member Participation47:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Links mentioned in the episode- NFT-gated Membership Portal for Hillcrest where you can initiate today - https://clubhouse.links.golf/hillcrest- Email support@links.golf for help or use the chat bubble on the site- Take advantage of your membership benefits - https://clubhouse.links.golf/benefits- Links pro shop - proshop.links.golf- Previous pod with Robb Heineman https://youtu.be/BXbW_JGrEFM- Previous pod Hillcrest announcement video https://youtu.be/dGJwcy2lC-M- Previous pod on the March 2025 progress check-in on Hillcrest: https://youtu.be/T387RPJIAws