The Cookie Jar Golf Podcast

We speak with Alex Buckner about his work as a short game coach and how he got into coaching after starting golf seriously in his teens. He explains that he reached scratch as a junior, later moved into work and training, and eventually focused on coaching after realizing that specializing in short game was the clearest path for him.

We discuss how he built his approach during his time at Swinley Forest, especially through COVID, when he gathered a large amount of information from courses, books, online resources, and conversations with other coaches. He describes sorting through that material, simplifying it, and turning it into a clear system he could present to players.

We also talk about his early work with Richard Mansell, which led to more tour coaching and a wider role beyond short game. He explains that his work developed into performance planning and accountability, and that his first major was at St George’s during the COVID year, followed by more tournament experience under stricter conditions at other events.

A major theme is his philosophy on short game. He says it is about adapting body positions, club delivery, and shot selection to the lie, surface, and target rather than following one fixed technique. He stresses that low point control is essential, then distance control, and then the ability to adjust angle of attack and loft for different situations.

We also cover bounce, grind, and wedge fitting. He explains that bounce must match both the player’s low point and the turf conditions, and that the right wedge setup depends on how a player naturally strikes the ball. He adds that ball selection also matters, and says fitting should begin around the green before moving to longer clubs.

Finally, Alex talks about his plans for the future, including building his academy in North London, expanding into Asia, and raising coaching standards. He says he wants players to arrive with clear questions and take more responsibility for understanding what is costing them shots.
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Kevin Hammer discusses his path into golf administration and his role as president of the USGA. He says he grew up around golf in South Florida, with a father who played college golf, competed on the PGA Tour, and later worked as a club director of golf. He also says he played junior and college golf, but moved into administration through state and regional golf work before joining the USGA.

He explains that his interest in administration began in part through helping with junior golf for his daughter and wanting to improve events for all players. He says his family had long given back to the game through charity events and club work, and that this set an example for him. He adds that he still values the game and hopes to remain involved in it for years to come.

Hammer describes the USGA as a broader organization than it once was. He says its traditional roles include championships, rules, and handicapping, but that it now also works in areas such as development programming, internships, environmental research, and a new rules AI tool. He says the USGA’s role is to steward the game, welcome different forms of golf, and protect its traditions.

He also discusses the balance between growing golf and preserving its values. He says the USGA and the R&A need to act as a counterbalance to extremes while accepting increased interest in the game from media, celebrities, and younger players. He says golf should remain respectful, and that how the game is played matters as much as the competition itself.

On championships, Hammer says the USGA plans venues far in advance because long-term partnerships allow for repeated hosting, investment, and improved championship conditions. He says this approach helps clubs and can encourage other clubs to support the game in smaller ways.

He says the golf ball distance issue remains under discussion, and that recent talks with professional players have helped build more agreement that the topic needs to be addressed. He also says the USGA is working to expand match play coverage and is preparing to release a rules AI tool in the next 12 to 24 months.
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In this episode, Peter speaks with Sam Easterbrook about winning the Walker Cup at Lahinch and what the week was like behind the scenes. He describes the celebrations after the win, the difficult travel back to the United States, and how quickly the team had to separate and return to their different commitments.

We also go through Sam’s golf background, from starting the game as a child to developing through England Golf, attending Rossall and then moving on to Purdue. He explains how college golf has helped him both as a player and as a person, and why team environments have been important to him throughout his career.

Sam talks about how the Walker Cup moved onto his radar over the summer, including the training camp, his performances in key amateur events, and the selection call from Dean. He explains the long lead-up to Lahinch, the practice trip to Ballybunion, the time spent preparing on site, and the balance between practice, downtime and team activities.

We also discuss his match play with Luke Poulter, including how the pairing came together and what made it work. Sam recalls specific moments from the matches, the pressure of key putts, the team’s reaction at lunch after a difficult morning session, and the comeback that led to victory. He finishes by reflecting on the celebrations with the team, the members and the crowd, and on the possibility of still being involved in future Walker Cups.
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This episode we reflect on GB&I’s Walker Cup win, their first in 11 years, and the scale of the comeback from a difficult morning session to a dramatic finish on the 18th green.

We talk through the setting at Lahinch, which we describe as an excellent venue for the event, with strong support from the club, the town and the crowds throughout the week. We also note the work of captain Dean Robertson and the wider team around the side.

We cover how the morning foursomes went badly for GB&I, with the Americans controlling play in the wind and taking a clear lead into lunch. We say the mood was flat at that point, but that the team room changed things and GB&I came out with much more energy in the afternoon singles.

A big part of the discussion is the series of key matches that turned the contest. We talk about Stuart Grehan’s comeback win over Preston Stout, Luke Poulter’s result against Ethan Fang, Jack Whaley’s dominant victory over William Jennings, and the pressure moments involving Tyler Weaver, Niall Shiels-Donegan, Elliot Baker, Conor Graham and Josh Hill.

We finish with the decisive final sequence, where Josh Hill held his nerve to win the hole that secured the Walker Cup. We describe the celebrations, the emotion around the green, and the sense that this was a remarkable team win built on resilience and momentum.
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Day one of the Walker Cup at Lahinch in the bag, and we're recapping the action. 2 points from Niall Shiels Donegan no doubt the highlight, as well as a stellar comeback from Stuart Grehan against WAGR #1 Preston Stout. A betterball score of 60 from the pair, and carding a -7 round, yet never leading until the final putt was a sign of the standard of that match.
Match results from the day below, and roll on day 2!

Morning Foursomes (GB&I 2½ – 1½ USA)
1 | Stuart Grehan / Eliot Baker | Halved | Preston Stout / Ethan Fang
2 | Connor Graham / Tyler Weaver | 1 up | Kihei Akina / Jay Leng
3 | Sam Easterbrook / Luke Poulter | 1 up | Miles Russell / Tyler Watts
4 | Niall Shiels Donegan / Josh Hill | 4 & 3 | Ryder Cowan / Josiah Gilbert
Afternoon Singles (GB&I 4 – 4 USA)
1 | Stuart Grehan | 1 up | Preston Stout
2 | Jack Whaley | 1 up | Ethan Fang
3 | Connor Graham | 1 up | William Jennings
4 | Tyler Weaver | 2 & 1 | Jay Leng Jr.
5 | Ben Bolton | 2 & 1 | Stewart Hagestad
6 | Luke Poulter | 2 & 1 | Miles Russell
7 | Niall Shiels Donegan | 3 & 2 | Tyler Watts
8 | Eliot Baker | 3 & 2 | Josiah Gilbert
After Day 1: GB&I 6½ – 5½ USA)
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