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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5 Lesser-Known Open Champions
In 150 instalments of The Open Championship there have been 88 different winners. Here we look at 5 lesser-known Open champions.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Old Tom Morris: A Golfing Titan
More than 200 years on from the birth of Old Tom Morris, we reflect on the long life of a man instrumental in shaping the game of golf as we know it.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Golf’s Most Unusual Rounds
Golf’s Most Unusual Rounds - Highs, lows, great comebacks and bizarre finishes, golf has witnessed some amazing performances over the years
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How Nick Faldo’s Masters Victories Changed The Face Of Golf
Nick Faldo’s Masters victories confirmed Britain’s return as a golfing force and helped solidify a shift in the balance of power at the top of the men’s game. The achievements of Faldo and his British contemporaries inspired a generation of players to take up, and excel, at the sport.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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1977 Masters: Watson Vs Nicklaus, A Taste Of Things To Come
Most British golf fans are familiar with the story of Nicklaus and Watson’s epic 1977 Duel in the Sun at Turnberry. Not so many will recall the details of their thrilling encounter at Augusta just three months earlier.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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'People Want To Travel, They Want Something To Look Forward To' - The Story Of How UK Golfers Got The Travel Bug
Andrew Stanley, Chief Executive of travel firm Golfbreaks, talks about 25 years of inspiring and helping golfers to enjoy new golfing experiences at home and abroad
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Tony Jacklin: Europe’s Golfing Saviour
Through a career of glittering highs and testing lows, Tony Jacklin twice played a pivotal role in revitalising the fortunes of European golf – once as a player, then as Ryder Cup captain.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How Walter Hagen Changed Professional Golf
To be recognised as the best golfer in the world, Walter Hagen had to become the first American-born winner of The Open Championship. This is the story of how he achieved that ambition.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Joyce Wethered: Trailblazer For Women's Golf
The fascinating story of Joyce Wethered: A dominant force in women's golf through the 1920s then a renowned horticulturist as Lady Heathcoat Armory.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Bobby Locke: From Triumph To Tragedy
Bobby Locke - The triumphant but ultimately tragic tale of a South African golfing legend
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How Arnold Palmer Changed The Open... (Even If He Wasn't Its Sole Saviour)
It’s widely held that Arnie’s victories in 1961 and 1962 were directly, if not solely responsible for reviving The Open’s fortunes. The reality is a little more complicated…
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Sam Snead: The Sweet Swingin’ Hillbilly
Sam Snead - The amazing story of how a Virginian country boy became a golfing legend
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Golf’s Forgotten Major Winners
Today's Major champions are set for life, they enjoy sustained worldwide fame. It hasn't always been the case. Here we consider some of the forgotten men.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Johnny Miller: A Sort Of Golfing Nirvana
For a brief spell in the mid 1970s, Johnny Miller produced some golf that was on a higher plane
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Lee Trevino: Super Mex
Six-time Major champion Lee Trevino was renowned for his competitive determination, positivity, humour and incredible natural golfing ability.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Does Music Belong On The Golf Course?
Whether in tournament golf or just during casual rounds, does music belong on the golf course?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Phil Mickelson: The US Open’s Nearly Man
A look at Phil Mickelson's six runner-up finishes in the US Open
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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How To Settle In At A New Golf Club
When joining a new golf club, you want to get the most from your investment and enjoy it to the full. Here are some tips on how to settle in at a new golf club.
By Fergus Bisset Last updated
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Debate: Should The Scottish And Irish Opens Always Be Held On Links Courses?
Golf Monthly's Fergus Bisset and Jeremy Ellwood have their say on whether the much-loved opens should always be held on links courses
By Fergus Bisset Published
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“God Has A Plan For That Double Bogey” – Meet Joe Griffiths The Golfing Curate Trying To Qualify For The Open
Fergus Bisset spoke with Joe Griffiths about his attempt to qualify for The Open at Hoylake and on how golf sits alongside his faith.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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How Far Did Jack Nicklaus Drive The Ball?
We know that Jack was a long hitter but how far could he actually shift it? Was he comparable with today’s gunslingers in terms of power?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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5 Mental Game Errors All High Handicappers Make
Golf is a game largely played between the ears, here are some simple mental mistakes you might be able to correct to shoot lower scores.
By Fergus Bisset Published
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What Is The Lowest Ever Score In Golf?
What is the lowest ever score in golf? The game’s primary objective is to get the ball in the hole in the fewest strokes. Who has achieved the lowest number?
By Fergus Bisset Published
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Intrepid Golfers Take On “Fore Nations Challenge” For British Heart Foundation
Fore Nations Challenge - A group of four brave golfers will attempt to play four rounds, in four countries on 20th June – We got the crazy lowdown.
By Fergus Bisset Published