Fergus Bisset
Fergus is Golf Monthly's resident expert on the history of the game and has written extensively on that subject. He has also worked with Golf Monthly to produce a podcast series. Called 18 Majors: The Golf History Show it offers new and in-depth perspectives on some of the most important moments in golf's long history. You can find all the details about it here.
He is a golf obsessive and 1-handicapper. Growing up in the North East of Scotland, golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history. He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism. Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin , also of Golf Monthly.
Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin, from where he saved par. Who says there's no golfing god?
Latest articles by Fergus Bisset
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6 Of The Most Daunting First Tee Shots In Club Golf
Fergus Bisset gives his thoughts on the most daunting tee shots he’s faced at various course and on club golfing occasions
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Are You Allowed To Putt While Holding A Drink In One Hand?
Is it against the Rules of golf to putt out while holding a water bottle or a can of beer? Golf Monthly gives you the answer here.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Far Would Peak Jack Nicklaus Hit The Ball With Modern Golf Equipment?
The Golden Bear is one of the greatest drivers of the golf ball in the history of the game. How far would he have hit it if he had access to best modern kit?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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The 3 Best Golf Clubs I’ve Ever Owned... Do You Remember These Absolute Classics?
Fergus Bisset picks out the best three clubs he’s ever owned and explains why none of them are still in the bag!
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Are You Falling Out Of Love With Golf? Here Are 4 Reasons Why You Should Carry On...
Fergus Bisset suggests why, no matter how much golf has been annoying and disappointing you, the sport always deserves another chance.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Should You Get A Free Drop If Your Ball Is In A Puddle In A Bunker?
What happens if your ball ends up in a puddle in a bunker. Are you entitled to a free drop and how should you take it?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What Happens If You Sign An Incorrect Scorecard?
There are situations when there are repercussions for both the player and the marker. Here we look at those scenarios to help you avoid making a mistake.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How To Choose Golf Clubs
Golf Monthly gear experts provide a comprehensive guide on how to choose golf clubs that suit your requirements. Doing so could improve your game and your scores.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How Often Should You Play To Your Golf Handicap?
We all think that we should beat our handicaps in every round, but how often do we actually manage it?
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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I’d Never Been In This Rules Scenario Until I Found Myself In A Rather Unique Situation On The Course
Fergus Bisset spoke to a golfing buddy about an awkward moment in a four-ball contest and shares the fascinating, resulting ruling.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What Is The Dress Code In Golf?
There isn't a definitive dress code in golf but there's often still guidance for what you might wear. Here's Golf Monthly's look at the modern golf dress code.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Is This Common Mistake The Reason You’re Not Getting Any Better At Golf?
A simple equipment adjustment could help you score better. We spoke to an equipment expert to find out why getting the right shaft length is so important.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can You Get Line-Of-Sight Relief From A Halfway Hut?
Your route to the flag is obscured by a bustling shack serving burgers and beers. Do you get free relief? You might be surprised by the answer.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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4 Things I’d Change About Golf's World Handicap System
Fergus Bisset gives his thoughts on how the World Handicap System might be altered to be more equitable and help more UK golfers enjoy their golf.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Building The Ideal Half Set: Which Golf Clubs Make The Cut?
Fergus Bisset selects the clubs he would put in a lightweight bag if heading out with a half set. See if you agree with his selections or think he’s missing a trick or two.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can You Ask Another Player What They Hit On A Par 3?
It may seem like an innocuous query but asking another player what club they hit on a par-3 could get you into trouble with The Rules.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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5 Common Misconceptions About The World Handicap System
The World Handicap System is complex and easily misunderstood. Here are some of the more common misconceptions about WHS.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What Is Lead Tape And Why Do Golfers Use It?
Golfers have always tinkered with equipment to improve feel and performance. Lead tape is a useful tool but what is it and how can it help?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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One Of My Playing Partners Told Me To “Take My Time” On A Putt… And Another Said That Was Breaking Golf’s Rules. Is It?
Telling someone to take their time over a short putt might seem an innocuous phrase, but is it against the Rules of Golf?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Far Did Tiger Woods Drive The Golf Ball In His Prime?
Tiger Woods is arguably the greatest golfer in the history of the game, but how far did he hit the ball when he was in his prime?
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How Far Did Gary Player Drive The Golf Ball?
Gary Player has been one of golf's most tenacious competitors for more than seven decades, but how far did the South African drive the golf ball in his prime?
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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I Narrowly Avoided A Bizarre Penalty On The Golf Course... Why All Golfers Need To Check These Perplexing Rules!
The rules of golf can be confusing, no matter how experienced you are in the game. In this video and article, we clear up five of the most perplexing examples
By Neil Tappin Published
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How Far Did Seve Ballesteros Drive The Golf Ball?
The Spaniard was one of the most entertaining and swashbuckling players in the history of the game, but how far did Seve Ballesteros drive the golf ball?
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Is The Greatest Golfer Of All Time Tiger Woods Or Jack Nicklaus? We Dived Into The Stats To Try And Settle The Argument For Good...
Tiger or Jack? Who is the greatest of all time. The question is often posed and the answer will always be subjective, but we looked at the facts to try and come up with an answer...
By Fergus Bisset Last updated