As the 119th US Open bears down on us TalkinGolf HIstory’s Connor Lewis has the fascinating tale of the first US Open – and first TWO US Amateurs – that were erased from the history books. There is also a quick recap of last week’s essay style narrative on Johnny McDermott plus listener questions about America’s national championship.

In the first of a regular series from The Society Of Golf Historians founder Connor Lewis comes the story of two time US Open winner Johnny McDermott. McDermott is the subject of our first ‘From The Fringe’ segment where Connor will delve into some of the most interesting and important stories from the game’s past. McDermott is and was one of American golf’s most important figures and in this debut episode Connor dispels some myths – and gives listeners some insights into – a genuine American hero.

TalkinGolf History co-host Connor Lewis moved up a media grade recently when he appeared on Golf Channel alongside respected architect Jim Urbina in a short feature about the lost great club of the 20th century, The Lido. Built by the legendary C.B Macdonald and Seth Raynor why input from Tom Simpson and Alister Mackenzie, The Lido was widely regarded the equal of Pine Valley when it opened in 1914 but by 1942 it was gone. The course and its amazing has intrigued golfers for decades and with interest reignited by the Golf Channel piece last week now seemed a good time to flesh the story out further.

Most of the time we get to talk about the things we want on the TalkinGolf History Podcast but every few weeks we turn things over to the listeners to find what you want to know about. On Episode 9 we answer questions about golfing Presidents, comparing players from different eras, our favourite periods of golf history and more.

Canadian golf course architect Keith Cutten originally started out to write a thesis for his University course but that project ultimately morphed into The Evolution Of Golf Course Design. Keith joins Episode 8 of the podcast to talk about the role of golf courses – and their architects – through time.

One of the more fascinating corners of golf history is collecting, a multi million dollar business which spans the globe. The biggest and most influential auction house in golf is Green Jacket Auctions, started by Bob Zafian and Ryan Carey in 2006. Bob joins Epic 7 of the podcast to talk about how he got started in collecting, some of the best – and weirdest – items he’s been offered for sale and some advice on how a beginner should approach getting started in the trade.

Florida attorney Sid Matthew is regarded by most as the foremost expert on the life and times of Augusta National co-founder Bob Jones. Sid joins Episode 6 of the TG History podcast to talk about Jones and what made him special beyond just his extraordinary playing resume.

Karsten Solheim was the founder of PING Golf but his legacy in the game is far greater than the establishment of one manufacturing company. Solheim was a true visionary and one of golf’s great innovators, his contribution to the development of modern putters and irons at least the equal of any in history. On Episode 5, we meet PING Historian Rob Griffin to get some insight into one of the game’s best known and most respected figures.

If you think some of golf’s new rules don’t make sense wait till you hear how the game used to be played. From drops that included throwing – yes throwing – the ball to free swings at your opponent’s ball in matchplay there have been some weird and wonderful rules governing the game over time. Join hosts Rod Morri and Connor Lewis for Episode 4 as they break down some of the crazier laws golf has endured over time.