Musings from the Jar
December 2023
A Word on the Rollback
Words by Sam The ongoing dialogue about equipment regulations in golf reflects the timeless tension between tradition and progress. Whilst the proposed rollback in distance, if implemented, could herald a new chapter for the sport and as golfers, enthusiasts, and governing bodies navigate these changes, the essence of the game remains unchanged; the honing of one’s physical skills, test of one’s character, and the enduring friendships and camaraderie which the game fosters between people of all different walks of life. So, before everyone works themselves into a frenzy with the latest rollback announcement, and social media runs wild with hyperbole on both sides of the fence, it's essential to acknowledge that the ‘distance-debate’ has been raging for well over 100 years, and it will almost certainly continue to do so for as long as we keep playing. I had a very enjoyable drive back from Surrey on Sunday night with [...]
November 2023
5 Books for the Festive Season
Words by Sam I recently saw that the average millennial is scrolling the length of the Eiffel Tower on a daily basis. As someone spending more time on social media than he would willingly share with his friends, my Eiffel Tower is probably more like a Burj Khalifa, or at best one of the Petronas buildings. Recently, things have got worse with a dose of reels when scrolling the phone at nighttime, and with lots of other things competing for attention I realised the amount of books I have read in 2023 is down on previous years’ efforts, a shame because there is really no replacement for a book. So with Christmas and some much needed downtime ahead of us all as we head into December, i thought i would put together a shortlist of some books that I have managed to read and enjoy this year, in the hope [...]
Criss-Crosland Heath
'Criss-Crosland Heath', words by Sam One of the most rewarding parts of Cookie Jar is in finding really good, affordable golf and a recent scheduled visit to Meltham (West Yorkshire) to see a lifelong friend for an evening of drinks and a few holes the following morning created that possibility. When coming up with recommendations for golf on the Sunday morning I was staggered to see that Crosland Heath was only an 8 minute drive away (28 minutes factoring in the round trip to retrieve Jim’s car from the evening before which was left in nearby Holmfirth - the filming location of 'Last of The Summer Wine'). Staggered because Crosland Heath is a course I had been hoping to play for a long time. A picture of a towering par 3 green site, the promise of heather , and knowing the good Dr was responsible for its design in 1914, [...]
The Netflix Cup: The Absolute Pits
The latest insolent attempt to portray golf as ‘cool’, which manifested itself as a scramble match between four PGA Tour pros and a handful of Formula 1 drivers aired on Netflix last week. Yet another opportunity to wheel out the SB2K17 gang (Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler), they played alongside Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Lando Norris of McLaren. Tony Finau and Max Homa joined up with Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly to make up the other fourball. Earning itself a rating of 3.7/10 on IMDb, the early signs show that it might narrowly pip ‘The Emoji Movie’ (3.4) and ‘The Room’ (3.6) – two absolute powerhouses of film production – to critical acclaim. The nearly three-hour ‘special’ also saw the return of the earpiece, a revolutionary piece of tech that golf purists around the world have come to know and love… “Justin how far do you have? … Justin. [...]
Lucrative Lee and the Founding of the DP World Tour Championship
With the news that Rory McIlroy has claimed his fifth Race to Dubai title ahead of this year’s Tour Championship, despite only playing four non-major or non-WGC counting events this season, it begs the question of what the DP World Tour (DPWT) Order of Merit stands for anymore. Jon Rahm, sitting in 2nd behind his Ryder Cup teammate, has similarly only played two ‘regular’ events on the DPWT this season. Spare a thought for Adrian Meronk, who has won three times in a season where he has already notched up 23 starts. The young Pole needed to finish third or better at last week’s Nedbank Challenge to keep the race alive. Most of Rory’s points were earned with wins at the Scottish Open (1,335) and the Dubai Desert Classic in January (1,335). The story was not dissimilar last year, either. Despite not winning and only playing five regular DPWT [...]
October 2023
Urban Golf x Cookie Jar: A Christmas Party
With Christmas once again fast approaching we're proud to be hosting our third Christmas Party with Urban Golf for some festive fun in London! An evening of music, refreshments and a bit of fun and games in the simulators with our good friends at Urban Golf. 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. We will also be running a simulator-based competition on the night to win a Limited Edition Cookie Jar x Mackenzie Golf Bag. Entry for this will be £10 and collected on the night. The format of the event [...]
Top Hat Tens
Tom Simpson used to say the best holes were the ones that caused the tiger (scratch man) pain and the rabbit (bogey golfer) pleasure. I play my golf at Portmarnock Golf Club (PGC) in Dublin and when I play alone, I often start on the 10th, my favourite hole on the course. Royal St. George’s (RSG) 10th hole has often been my starting hole in matches at RSG. Walking up the 10th at RSG I remember admiring the magnificence of the green with my opponent Dr. Alistair Wells (uncle of Nicola - 5* podcast guest) which falls off mostly on all sides, with some reprieve on the right. The green is hard to hit - cold and blustery conditions are the staple accompaniments of holes like this and make the hitting of the green a celebration. Both holes are an allegory for links golf really - freedom is achieved when [...]
Portstewart Golf Club and a Dance with Dunes
“I think the golf course is amazing. It’s probably one of the most beautiful golf courses I’ve ever seen, if not the most.” – Jon Rahm I’ve often heard that Portstewart Golf Club is a ‘hidden gem’. Yet having had the privilege to play at this magnificent golf course twice this year, there is absolutely nothing ‘hidden’ about it. Sam’s feeling that it was miles away from Portrush may be a common misconception, however in reality it is a mere 10 minute drive up the road. Indeed, it’s one vertex of the colloquially known ‘Triangle’ – made up of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. For us, the journey to Portstewart Golf Club was a quick hop across the county border from Portrush into County Londonderry, an area replete with holiday homes and hugely popular with visitors, surfers and golfers throughout the year. The arrival at Portstewart is nothing short of breath-taking. [...]
Premium Inclusive: The Family Experience at Sunningdale Heath
Since 2018, when Wentworth professionals Kristian Baker and Tom Reid had a bright idea to revitalise and transform this charming plot of land adjacent to Sunningdale Golf Club, I have often heard about its remarkable inclusivity and warm atmosphere. Such an image, for many, might seem surprising considering its proximity to its revered and distinguished neighbour. Yet, originally formed in 1902 as Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club, this Harry Colt design has been providing golf in a shorter format for over a century. A couple of weeks ago, I spent some time up at Sunningdale Heath for the very first time, and took with me my mum, Elaine, who’s relatively new to the game. Playing off a handicap of 23, I was really interested to find out more about what Sunningdale Heath can offer to the golfer that is looking to improve and sharpen their game. There is no doubting that [...]
Portmarnock Golf Club: 5 Things You Should Know About Dublin’s Masterpiece
Today, the news was officially announced that Portmarnock Golf Club, the historic Dublin links, is seeking government support to host the AIG Women's Open and The Open in the coming years. It would be the first time the trophies are taken outside of the United Kingdom and to the Emerald Isle. Yet, golfing purists would not be surprised by the decision to go to Portmarnock. It is an elite championship links with a rich history and is already due to host the Women’s Amateur Championship next year. (Image Credit: Portmarnock Golf Club) In light of the news, I took some time to learn a little more about Portmarnock, a course which I played for the first time this year and am itching to go back to. Here are 5 things you must know: The original course design was overseen by Mungo Park in 1893/4 Brother to Willie, [...]