
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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I'm A Golf Historian And Here's Why I Think Sandy Lyle (Not Tiger Woods) Is The Greatest Ball Striker Of All Time
Fergus Bisset writes here on the best ball-strikers in the history of the game. His pick for the best of the best might be a surprise to some.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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10 Reasons Why Bobby Jones Was The Greatest Amateur Of All Time
The American left an incredible golfing legacy through his exploits on and off the course. Here are 10 reasons why he was the greatest ever amateur.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What Club Should Take The 14th Spot In Your Golf Bag?
The Rules say you are allowed to carry 14 clubs so you might as well do so, choosing the right weapon to complete your set-up could change your game.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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18 Majors: The Golf History Show - Every Single Episode
18 Majors: The Golf History Show is the podcast presented by Neil Tappin and Fergus Bisset that connects you with the greatest, and often most misunderstood, stories from the history of the game
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Should Some Men Use Women’s Golf Clubs?
Could a swap to women’s golf clubs help some men’s games? Is it a realistic option to make the switch? We spoke to a PGA pro to get the answer
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can You Remove The Flagstick Before Any Shot… Or Only Putts And Chips?
Could you go and take the flag out before a tee shot on a par-3? Could you take it out before you hit your drive on a par-4? Would you want to?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Golf Rules Refresher: Bunker Essentials
We give you the key information on what to you can and can’t do if you find your ball in a bunker. These bunker essentials could help you avoid a penalty.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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The Five Most Common Scenarios That Result In A Free Drop… And Some That Will Cost You A Shot
Sometimes the Rules will give you a bit of help and you’ll be entitled to get out of a sticky situation for free… Not always though!
By Fergus Bisset Published
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'It’s Overly Prescriptive And Patronising To Tell Golfers What They Must Wear' – Is It Time To Abandon Dress Codes?
Do we still need a prescriptive code of dress for golf? Isn’t it time for clubs to let everyone make their own choices about what to wear on the fairways?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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I Gave The Most Bizarre Ruling In My Last Round. Here's What I Had To Say
Golf throws up many weird and wonderful situations but the Rules are always there to help you or, in this case, hurt you!
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How To Spot A Golf Cheat: The Key Signs To Look Out For
In any walk of life, there are people who look to bend the rules and game the system, and golf is no different. Here's how to spot people who look to do just that...
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Should Visitors Be Treated As Equals At Golf Clubs?
Do those paying a green fee for the round or day deserve equal status with those paying a full annual subscription? We consider it here...
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can You Play Golf With A Broken Club?
What happens if you break a club during your round? Can you still use it? Can you use it during your next round? We cover off both here.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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10 Things All Great Golfers DON'T Do
There are some things the top professionals do that most amateur golfers simply won't be able to copy, but other things can be easily implemented...
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Should A Four-Ball Let A Two-Ball Through If The Golf Course Ahead Is Clearly Full?
Is it the correct thing for a four-ball to always let a two-ball pass? Etiquette might well say yes, but is it the most practical option?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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A History Of Golf Handicapping: Which Is The Best Ever System?
The handicap system is fundamental to amateur golf. What were its origins? How did it develop? And which system has worked best?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Building The Ultimate Titleist Golf Bag: My Favourite Clubs From The Brand’s History
Fergus Bisset selects his favourite Titleist clubs and builds the ultimate set. See if you agree with his choices, from driver right through to putter...
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Rules Refresher: What To Do When Natural Forces Cause The Ball To Move
We give you all the information you need to know about what to do if the wind or water cause your ball to move on the golf course. It might just come in handy.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Can You Use Someone Else’s Golf Ball As A Backstop?
Balls will occasionally collide on the golf course but are you allowed to use someone else’s ball as a backstop to prevent your ball rolling too far?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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There Was A Dispute In My Four-Ball About This Ruling. Who Was Right?
Playing a fourball match, an unusual conclusion to one hole had the group scratching their heads and disagreeing about how to proceed. Which side was correct?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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I’ve Played 3,000 Rounds Of Golf And I Recently Experienced This Rule For The First Time
Fergus Bisset faced an unusual Rules situation on the course, something he had never encountered before. Here he explains what happened. It was rather unfortunate!
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Five Of The Most Obscure Rules In Golf
Golf’s Rule book is complex and comprehensive. Here we look at five of the less well-known Rules in its pages. You never know, they might come in useful!
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Far Would Old Tom Morris Hit The Modern Golf Ball With Modern Equipment?
If you handed golfing legend Old Tom Morris a 460cc driver and teed him up a brand-new ball, how far might he be able to strike it?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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'A Classic Case Of Performance Anxiety!' – What These 5 Common Golf Dreams Mean... According To A Psychologist
Fergus Bisset asks leading sports psychologist Stephen Smith whether his and others’ golfing dreams should be a cause for concern…
By Fergus Bisset Published