Musings from the Jar
December 2024
Secret Diary of a Club GM: vol. III – Course Closures
He's at it again. Our mystery General Manager has found some time to tap out some musings on a sensitive topic... Course Closures! Winter Golf: Course Closed? Table of Contents Winter Golf: Course Closed? Ah, winter golf in the U.K. The days are shorter, the temperatures are lower, and the courses? Well, let’s just say they’ve entered “hibernation mode.” For the avid golfer, it’s like being handed a box of Ultras at Christmas when you asked for Pro V 1’s. Disappointing. But before you toss your clubs into the garage and resign yourself to endless reruns of It ain’t half hot mum, let’s explore the peculiar beauty of this season and why it’s not just a time for grumbling but also for embracing the soul of the sport. A Golfer’s Nightmare The signs of winter golf are unmistakable: shortened [...]
November 2024
The Berrie Portrait, words by Dr Steven Reid
Dr Steven Reid is a lifelong member of Royal Lytham & St Anne's Golf Club, an author and historian with more than a slight interest in the life of Bobby Jones. After our podcast discussing the 1926 Open Championship (brilliantly chronicled in his book; 'Bobby's Open', talk turned to the famous Berrie portrait which was commissioned by Wallasey member and ex-captain Sir Ernest Royden, and painted by John A.A.Berrie. In this excellent article, Steven takes us closer to how a portrait from 1930 came to become the most iconic image of Bobby Jones and one that we all recognise from Butler Cabin at Augusta National. 'The Berrie Portrait' words by Dr Steven Reid Table of Contents The Wallasey Portrait When Bobby Jones played at Wallasey Golf Club in 1930 in order to qualify for the Open to be [...]
Ocean’s Thirty Eight – The 38th Walker Cup at Ocean Forest
Following our recent podcast with Walker Cup legend Nigel Edwards, our very own Walker Cup correspondent and self-proclaimed Professor of Pace Putting - Dr Darragh Garrahy - took to his library and did some more digging on the 38th playing of The Walker Cup at Ocean Forest. 'Ocean's Thirty Eight' words by Darragh Garrahy A.K.A 'Dr Lag' Table of Contents The Lindy Effect Something called the Lindy Effect theorizes that the longer a non-perishable item is around, the more sure their future is- if a golf course has been around 50 years it is likely to survive another 50. Maybe The Old Course at St. Andrews is the best example of this- it doesn’t feel like the land will be returned to grazing anytime soon. The most celebrated championship sites in golf are also the most venerable. The [...]
Secret Diary of a Club GM: vol. II – Annual Subscriptions
Amidst huge speculation among the golf community as to the identity of our mystery General Manager, our secret agent behind the desk has found time to tap out some more thoughts on a timely and particularly thorny topic… Annual subs as we head into Annual General Meeting (AGM) season here in the UK! Annual Subscriptions - The Elephant in the AGM. Table of Contents Members & Consumers Golf Club Committees and General Managers across the land will be in the process of drawing up their annual subscriptions for their respective clubs over the coming months, and will no doubt be painstakingly pouring over the proposals in preparation for the Annual General Meetings approval. Annual subscriptions are always a spiky subject amongst any membership, and can often cause friction between those who see themselves as “members” and those that are [...]
Christmas Party 2024
A tradition unlike any other... With Christmas once again fast approaching, we’re proud to be hosting our fourth Christmas Party with Urban Golf for some festive fun in London! An evening of music, refreshments and competitive fun with our good friends at Urban Golf has become the perfect way to cap off the golfing year for us. This event is a big thank you for all of your support throughout the year, and we’d really like it if you can attend. If you are interested in attending please fill in the form below. We expect the event to be fully subscribed, so if you later realise you are unable to make it, please notify us so that your spot can be made available. Key Info: Date: Friday, 13th December Cost: Free Venue: Urban Golf, London, EC1A 9LA Arrival: 5:30pm Bring my golf Clubs? Definitely not… Dress Code – Smart Casual [...]
October 2024
Holes that No Longer Exist – Eclectic 18 w/ Simon Haines
Simon Haines sat down with us to record this epic two-part Eclectic 18 special with us, chronicling some of the most interesting holes which ‘no longer exist’. We are enormously grateful for the research and time taken to pull this together, especially these archive images which he has kindly shared with us for publication. The podcasts can be found on this page, and on all major podcasting platforms. Simon Haines is a Midlands-man, a good friend of ours and one of the most respected golf course historians out there, who - over many many years now - has compiled an incredible library old course imagery. Without further ado, here is is Eclectic 18. 'NLE' Eclectic 18 - Holes that No longer Exist... Table of Contents 1 - Prestwick - Par 5 - 578 yards [...]
Secret Diary of a Club GM: vol. I
A new feature we’re excited to introduce! Our secret club manager, residing in a golf club somewhere in Great Britain, will be writing topical articles for us. These pieces will shed light on the challenges of managing a golf club and navigating the incessant qualms and quibbles from its membership! Spoiler, you’ll never be able to guess who it is! --------- Diary of a Secret GM Table of Contents ‘Golf-First World Problems’ Golf isn't just a game; it's a global obsessive love affair that brings together people from all corners of life. Picture a colourful quilt woven with enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds, united by one thing - their sheer passion for the game! Working in the game can be one of the most rewarding jobs you can do. For someone that has grown up in the game, [...]
September 2024
Musings on the Women’s game in 2024, words by James Burn
words by James Burn Self-confessed 'Friend of the show' --- While the men’s game flounders in the tiresome impasse between the PGA Tour and LIV, the women’s game is stealing the spotlight with an electrifying year in 2024. Iconic venues, superstars, a thriving amateur game, and matchplay golf at its finest—it’s worth paying tribute to a stellar year. Nelly Korda When it comes to golf, Tiger Woods has set an impossible level of expectation for all future world number ones, across both the men’s and women’s game. Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda have given it an incredible go to reach those levels in 2024. Nelly started the year by winning five events consecutively and six in seven starts, culminating in the Mizuho Americas Open. She now joins an elite group, with only Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez having achieved that feat. This run also included the first major of the [...]
An afternoon at Sunningdale Heath
Sunningdale Heath Golf Club - 11th October, 2024 Now Sold out - please register to be added to our waiting list. #FeelTheJoy in partnership with FootJoy On the 11th October we are putting together a relaxed afternoon of short course fun at Sunningdale Heath. Formerly known as Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club, what this short Harry Colt course lacks in length, it more than makes up for it in intimacy and challenge. While it may have 14 par 3s, we firmly believe the varying lengths and challenges demand you to hit all the shots in the bag (although pulling out the driver is often a questionable choice!), and with the nights drawing in it's a perfect location for a relaxed afternoon of fun. The club has benefitted from recent investment over the last few years and with Tom Reid and Kristian Baker at the helm, its a club that is [...]
August 2024
We’re Hiring a Social Media & Office Manager
Job Title: Social Media & Office Manager Location: Remote (with flexible working hours) Company: Cookie Jar Golf Applications close: 23rd August About Us: Cookie Jar Golf is a consultancy and content creation firm with a passion for golf. We pride ourselves on understanding and celebrating the unique culture and nuances of golf clubs and brands globally. We are looking for a dedicated and talented individual to join our team as a Social Media & Office Manager. Role Overview: We are seeking a highly organised and creative Social Media & Office Manager who has a deep passion for golf. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing our social media presence, executing marketing activities, and overseeing office management tasks. This is a key role in our team, requiring someone with exceptional organisational skills, strong IT capabilities, and the ability to work flexibly and remotely. Key Responsibilities: Social Media Management: Develop and [...]
