Golfer’s Corner

A Conversation With... Benn Barham

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:05:19 +0100

Ron & Benn, The Wisley's Head Coach, have a chat over 9 holes!

It's All About Golf - The 5-7 Year Plan

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:45:00 +0000

David Shepherd speaks with Ron Commans about The Wisley's 5-7 year plan.

The Player Development Podcast - E12

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:45:17 +0100

Andy Horne chats with sports physiotherapist Jon Pringle. Practicing across a wide variety of sports, Jon has a strong focus on biomechanics and looks to understand how and why injuries occur, how to avoid them, and how to enhance performance.

The Player Development Podcast - E11

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:07:05 +0100

The secrets to better scoring at The Wisley from the Player Development team; Andy Horne, Benn Barham, Justin Evans and Shannon Flynn.

The Player Development Podcast - E10

Fri, 16 May 2025 13:01:58 +0100

A bunker masterclass with Andy Horne, Shannon Flynn, Benn Barham and Justin Evans.

Down to a Tee - April 2025

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:56:03 +0100

Director of Golf Ian Cox with his update to the Members. This episode covers winter rules, the new putting green opening and a special look at Ian's exploits at The Masters.

The Player Development Podcast E9

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:45:31 +0000

Andy Horne and the Player Development team discuss the challenges of moving from the driving range mats to the real grass tee. Each Spring we look forward to making the switch. The grass tee looks so great and feels so nice. But often our ball striking suffers. It's not as consistent as from the mats. What are the factors at work here? What can we do to make the transition more successfully?

A Conversation With... Peter Harrison

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:38:26 +0000

Wisley Member Peter Harrison joins Ron Commans to discuss the impact of launch monitors on the game of golf. Peter's role for the last 30 years has been Director of Tour Player Relations for Callaway Golf. As such he brings many insights to the topic.

Down to a Tee - February 2025

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:11:30 +0000

Director of Golf Ian Cox and Ron Commans talk about what's new for the 2025 Club competitions season.

Down to a Tee - August 2024

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 12:16:17 +0100

Ian Cox and Ron Commans discuss which cards may count for handicap and which may not.

A Message from our CEO - July 2024

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:05:19 +0100

David Shepherd reflects on his first 100 days in the role and how they have shaped what comes next.

Down to a Tee - June 2024

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 10:02:10 +0100

Ian Cox speaks with Ron Commans about the recent Doublet Pro-Am, the newly opened Garden course, guest permissions and the upcoming summer course maintenance.

A Conversation With... Richard Bland

Fri, 31 May 2024 17:10:11 +0100

Newly-crowned US Senior PGA Champion Richard Bland in conversation with Ron Commans.

Down to a Tee - May 2024

Fri, 10 May 2024 15:50:43 +0100

Ian Cox and Ron Commans discuss care of the course, mobile phone use, practice ground permissions, stewardship of the grass tee on the Driving Range and playing music on the course.

A Message from our CEO - April 2024

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:00:37 +0100

In this episode, Ron introduces our new Chief Executive, David Shepherd, to the Club!

Down to a Tee - February 2024

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:35:56 +0000

Max Jordan and Alex White join Ron Commans to talk about what's new for club-fitting in 2024.

Down to a Tee - December 2023

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:56:14 +0000

Ian Cox and Ron Commans introduce Benn Barham, The Wisley's new teaching professional.

Down to a Tee - November 2023

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 09:45:47 +0000

Ian Cox and Ron Commans with the Director of Golf monthly report to the Members.

A Conversation with - Episode 10: Michael Hodgson

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:27:33 +0100

Ron Commans in conversation with Wisley Member & British Masters Record Holder, Michael Hodgson!

Down to a Tee - July 2023

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 12:06:13 +0100

Director of Golf Ian Cox with his monthly report to the Members.

Down to a Tee - June 2023

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:09:14 +0100

Ian Cox and Ron Commans take you behind the scenes of The Wisley's recent Doublet Pro-Am.

Down to a Tee - May 2023

Wed, 24 May 2023 17:20:42 +0100

Director of Golf Ian Cox with his monthly update to the Members.

A Conversation with - Episode 9: Bruce Charlton

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:41:27 +0100

Bruce Charlton is the Chief Design Officer at RTJ Jr Golf Architects. In this episode he talks with Denis & Ron about the Garden 9 renovation project.

Down to a Tee - April 2023

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 10:49:37 +0100

Director of Golf, Ian Cox, talks about the grass tee on the Driving Range which opened for the season on April 12th. He also covers the permissions and controls relating to who may use the facilities.

Down to a Tee - March 2023

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 09:43:28 +0100

Ian Cox outlines how the tee sheet will operate during the Garden renovation project (when we are down to 18-holes).

A Conversation With - Episode 8: Caroline Mohr

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:29:13 +0000

The Wisley Membership Director, Sam Oliver chats with Swedish golfer & Mindset Coach Caroline Mohr. In 2011, having just earned playing privileges on the Ladies European Tour, Caroline was diagnosed with cancer in her right leg. The only way to save her life was to amputate. Caroline talks with Sam about how she coped with that challenge. How her golf remained surprisingly good. And, how it launched her in a new and successful career as a motivational speaker.

Down to a Tee - February 2023

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 09:20:57 +0000

Ian Cox and Ron Commans debunk some misconceptions about handicap index.

Out on the Course - Episode 8: Spring 2023

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:15:15 +0000

John Lockyer and Ron Commans discuss Spring maintenance on the greens and a brand new strategy for minimizing plugged lies in bunkers.

Down to a Tee - January 2023

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:53:25 +0000

Ian Cox talks about the World Handicap System annual review process.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 14: Changes for 2023

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:50:17 +0000

The 2023 Rules of Golf have gone into effect this month and there are changes you should know about. Ron Commans gives a summary and explains how to apply them.

Down to a Tee - December 2022

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:31:54 +0000

Ian Cox, Ron Commans and Luke Carby are live from the Driving Range talking all things Top Tracer.

Down to a Tee - November 2022

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:51:34 +0000

Director of Golf Ian Cox with his monthly report to the Members. In this episode, with the coming of winter, he spells out the policies and procedures that will apply to the course (from 4:30 timestamp) and the practice ground (at 13:40).

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 13: Hitting a Moving Ball

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:32:09 +0100

Hitting a moving ball is prohibited, but not always. Tune in to find out why.

Down to a Tee - October 2022

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 10:47:30 +0100

Director of Golf Ian Cox with his monthly report to the Members. In this episode he provides updates on:
(at the 47 sec. timestamp) the exciting final day of the Rank List.
(10:27) upcoming free consultations with the Player Development team.
(13:17) why, unlike other places in the world, we don’t require players to submit a score every time they play.

Out on the Course - Episode 7: Autumn 2022

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 10:28:23 +0100

John Lockyer brings Members up-to-date on;
(at the 01:26 timestamp) this month’s greens maintenance.
(02:57) The benefits of holes. Why greenkeepers punch holes.
(06:37) Drought recovery. How the course is looking now, in October, after the hot and dry summer.

Down to a Tee - September 2022

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:04:58 +0100

Director of Golf, Ian Cox, talks with Ron Commans about the following topics.
Beginning at the (00:38 seconds mark) the race for the Rank List. Never have so many been in with a chance this late in the race. Ian and Ron explore the possibilities.
(13:34) The End of Season Dinner and why you might like to attend.
(19:57) The condition of the courses as they recover from the hot and exceptionally dry summer.

A Conversation With - Episode 6: Ben Sargent

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 12:30:32 +0100

Ben Sargent leaves The Wisley this month after 19 years of service to the Club. Ben leaves for a very exciting opportunity as the UK sales representative for the Travis Mathew clothing line. In this podcast, Ben talks about his memories of The Wisley, his love of golf history and what he is looking forward to in his new job.

Down to a Tee - August 2022

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 09:46:04 +0100

Director of Golf, Ian Cox, brings us up to date on his Golf Ops team. He introduces the newly appointed staff, the ones he has brought onboard during his first year in the role. Then (at the 9:03 mark) turns his attention to the team he inherited. Giving a run-down of their abilities and aspirations.

The conversation turns to upcoming events (12:44). Highlighting the Member/Member Tournament and the Charity Team Challenge.

A Conversation With - Episode 7: Denis Pugh

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 09:29:12 +0100

Denis Pugh introduces plans for the practice facility renovation; the grass tee gets bigger (2:52), a gigantic new putting green (5:02), the chipping area increases in size (9:41), the Performance Centre studios get more than just an upgrade (11:19), and a brand-new covered range building and café (13:18).

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 12: Provisionals and Penalty Areas Do Not Mix

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 14:34:39 +0100

In this podcast, Ron Commans untangles what is perhaps the most difficult rule in golf to understand. Responding to an email question from a Wisley Member, “can I hit a provisional on Mill no. 6?”, a question that surely resonates with others, Ron first strips away what doesn’t matter (3:29), then zeros in on the critical element (6:46). Two pretend scenarios are used as illustrations (7:47 and 9:20). The main point, the one thing to take away from this episode comes at (11:45) i.e., that penalty areas are different from out-of-bounds and lost balls in that you are allowed to play from them. On that difference the whole thing hinges. Fail to recognise that and the player will never understand this rule. Finally, a story about Rory McIlroy to drive the point home (14:59).

Down to a Tee - July 2022

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:30:00 +0100

Our Director of Golf, Ian Cox, talks with Ron Commans about the things most on Members' minds.

A Conversation With - Episode 5: Graham Homewood

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 10:49:26 +0100

Wisley Green Keeper and runner-up in the British Amateur Championship, Graham Homewood, talks with Ron Commans about that experience and about the exhibition game he subsequently played with Matt Fitzpatrick.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 11: Permanent Local Rules

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:01:46 +0100

Down to a Tee - June 2022

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:07:00 +0100

Our Director of Golf, Ian Cox, talks with Ron Commans about the things most on Members' minds; the evolution of the guest rules, care for the course, and more...

Out on the Course - Episode 6: Summer 2022

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:51:20 +0100

Head of Course Maintenance, John Lockyer, updates us on the course maintenance and renovation projects taking place this summer.

A Bite of Info - May 2022

Tue, 24 May 2022 13:45:43 +0100

Executive Chef, Sam Peschier, joins Ron Commans to talk about how a Golf Club overcomes the odds to produce top restaurant quality food.

Down to A Tee - May 2022

Mon, 16 May 2022 07:32:20 +0100

Ian Cox talks with Ron Commans about the habits and make-up of the mindful golfer. Specifically when it comes to the flow of play.

Down to a Tee - April 2022

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:46:42 +0100

Ian Cox talks about the three misconceptions many golfers have about the new WHS Handicap system.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 12: Rule 20.1 Play Two Balls

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 10:57:38 +0100

Book Review: The Masters

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:08:26 +0100

Golf, power and money in Augusta, Georgia.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 10: Rule 16.1 with Jim Dickie

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 08:16:23 +0000

Ron Commans and Wisley Member Jim Dickie discuss the nuances of the free relief from abnormal course conditions rule.

A Conversation With - Episode 4: Richard Bland

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 08:04:01 +0000

European Tour Player Richard Bland talks with Ron Commans about what it's like to be a Wisley Member, why he chooses to base himself here, and his keys to success as a tournament professional.

Out on the Course - Episode 5: Spring 22

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 06:35:07 +0000

Our quarterly conversation with our Director of Course Maintenance, John Lockyer. In this episode we discuss the Spring maintenance on the putting greens.

Book Review: The Secret of Golf

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:54:00 +0000

The story of the friendship and rivalry of Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 9: Match Play

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 11:42:04 +0000

The differences between match play and stroke play are many. Learn about them in this episode.

Out on the Course - Episode 4: Winter 21/22

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 13:17:16 +0000

A conversation with our Director of Course Maintenance, John Lockyer, on what's happening on The Wisley courses this winter.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 8: Relief Area

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 13:08:14 +0000

The concept of relief area explained with examples of its usefulness.

Book Review: Tommy’s Honor

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 12:04:19 +0000

The story of Old Tom Morris and his son Tommy.

Book Review: Essays on Golf Course Architecture

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 09:28:34 +0000

The thoughts and design principles of the legendary Harry S. Colt and his colleague C.H. Alison.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 7: Unplayable Ball

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:32:47 +0000

What are the options when the player invokes the unplayable lie rule?

Book Review: Lost Art of the Short Game

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:37:06 +0000

Ron reviews the latest book in the "Lost Art of...." series from co-authors Gary Nicol and Karl Morris.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 6: Amateur Status

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 06:29:28 +0000

The rules of amateur status in golf are changing from January 1, 2022.

Episode 6. Finding and Identifying the Ball

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 08:51:08 +0100

What's allowed and what's not allowed when searching for and identifying your ball.

Out on the Course - Episode 3: Autumn 2021

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 14:46:48 +0100

Our Head of Course Maintenance, John Lockyer, and Ron Commans talk about The Wisley courses. What to expect in October and November.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 5: Putting Green

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 08:02:26 +0100

What's allowed and what is not allowed on the Putting Green.

A Conversation With - Episode 3: Ian Cox

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:15:44 +0100

Ron Commans chats with Ian Cox, The Wisley's new Director of Golf.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 4: Nearest Point of Relief

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 10:59:29 +0100

Relatively few know how to correctly identify the Nearest Point of Relief. This results in shots being played from the wrong place.

Out on the Course - Episode 2: Summer 2021

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 08:01:39 +0100

John Lockyer and Ron Commans discuss the effects this wet summer has had on the Wisley courses.

A Conversation With - Episode 2: Jason Hall

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:12:46 +0100

Ron Commans chats with Jason Hall about his new appointment as Director of Golf at the Albany Club.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 3: Casual v Competition

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:26:09 +0100

The difference between casual golf and competition golf.

A Conversation With - Episode 1: James Heath

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 14:24:27 +0100

Wisley Member, James Heath, shot a 12-under par round of 60 in the July Midweek Stableford. A few days later we chatted with him about it.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 2: Garden No. 4

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 17:21:25 +0100

Can you hit a provisional when you hit your tee shot to the right on Garden no. 4?

Out on the Course - Episode 1: With John Lockyer

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 15:38:02 +0100

June 2021. Ron Commans has a conversation with Wisley Head of Green Keeping John Lockyer. They talked about native rough harvesting. The summer maintenance programme. And the advantages of poa over bent grass greens.

Rules of Golf Explained - Episode 1: Importance of Shouting Fore

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 08:19:43 +0100

Golfers are great at reacting to a shout of "fore." But not so good at issuing a shout.

Members Back to Golf Update

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 15:20:24 +0000

This week we listen in on a message sent to the Members with info on what they can expect when they return to golf on March 29th.

Golf Genius. The Admin View.

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 13:32:15 +0000

Our tournament management software. Golf Genius. An introduction.

The Switch to Golf Genius

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 09:14:48 +0000

Big changes for Pro Shop personnel. No longer will they enter or remove players from competitions. We're teaching the Members to do it themselves.

Out of Lockdown

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:56:16 +0000

Recorded on March 3rd, 2021. What to expect ahead of golf resuming on March 29th.

Update on WHS Dec 19th 2020

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 15:34:02 +0000

Bringing our Members up-to-date on how the WHS system works. In this video focussing on posting scores to your handicap record.

Introducing Golf Genius

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 14:02:30 +0000

Helping our Wisley Members with the transition to Golf Genius tournament management software.

New Scorecards

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 15:02:11 +0000

WHS switchover explainer

World Handicap System

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 14:06:41 +0000

Debuts November 2020

The Rank List explainer

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 10:51:05 +0000

The Match Book explainer

Sat, 18 Feb 2017 06:39:22 +0000

Inter Club Friendly Matches explainer

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 14:14:31 +0000

Competition Handicaps explainer

Wed, 01 Feb 2017 14:19:32 +0000