Scrap to Scratch: Stories Behind the Game

Golf has always lived between two worlds.In this episode of Scrap to Scratch, host Ryan explores the divide between public and private golf, where it came from, why it still exists, and what it actually feels like to play on both sides of the gate.From the earliest days of golf on shared land in Scotland to the rise of private country clubs and municipal courses in the United States, this episode looks at how access, money, and tradition shaped the modern game. We dig into the social role of private clubs, the welcoming nature of public golf, and the assumptions many golfers carry before ever stepping onto a private course.This episode is about understanding why both public and private golf exist, how they support the game in different ways, and why golf’s legacy belongs to everyone willing to tee it up.Whether you play a local muni every weekend or dream about the courses behind closed gates, this episode is for you.Follow along on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways

Every golfer knows the feeling, you walk up to the first green and see holes, sand, and disruption. But what looks like damage is actually devotion.In this episode of Scrap to Scratch, Ryan Wimer (@MrFairways) dives into the history and science of golf course maintenance, from early greenkeeping in Scotland to modern aeration, mowing heights, and the technology superintendents use today. This is the story of why greens get plugged, how courses recover faster than ever, and why maintenance is the single most important thing keeping the game alive.A behind-the-scenes look at the people, practices, and progress that shape every round we play.Follow along on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways

High above Kauai’s North Shore, where mountains meet the Pacific, sits Princeville Makai Golf Club, a course shaped by rain, wind, and one architect’s vision to blend golf with nature.In this episode of Scrap to Scratch, Ryan Wimer (@MrFairways) explores the history of Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s Hawaiian masterpiece, from its 1971 design to its 2009 rebirth, what makes golf in Hawaii so uniquely alive, and personal stories of playing on Kauai's North shore.A story about architecture, environment, and the art of playing where the ocean feels just a swing away.Follow along on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrFairways

On Oregon’s southern coast, where cliffs meet the Pacific and fog rolls through the dunes, stands one of the most celebrated golf destinations in the world, Bandon Dunes.In this episode of Scrap to Scratch, we walk the fairways of Bandon and explores how one man’s dream reshaped modern golf. From Mike Keiser’s vision of pure linksland to architect David McLay Kidd’s debut design, this is the story of how Bandon brought golf back to its roots: walking, wind, nature, and the sound of surf.With history, storytelling, and a few moments from my own round, discover why Bandon Dunes isn’t just a course, it’s a pilgrimage.Follow along on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠@MrFairways⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠@MrFairways⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠@MrFairways

Welcome to Scrap to Scratch: Stories Behind the Game, a storytelling podcast about golf’s courses, iconic moments, and the people who shaped the game.Host Ryan Wimer (@MrFairways) weaves history with personal rounds. From Tiger’s legendary chip at Augusta in 2005 to walks through Bandon Dunes, Princeville, and more, each episode reveals why the game keeps pulling us back.Follow along on social media:Instagram: @MrFairwaysTikTok: @MrFairwaysYoutube: @MrFairways