Golf Digest senior writer Joel Beall’s first book, ”
Golf Unearthed: Finding Golf’s Essence in Scotland Amidst an Era of Sports Washing and Civil Strife
” hits
bookshelves
this
week
. The book is an examination on professional golf’s civil war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the collateral damage of that battle and how the game can survive this conflict. Beall sat down with New York Times best-selling author (and friend?) Shane Ryan to discuss the book, the state of professional golf, some of the book’s compelling figures and the process of putting it all together.
Shane
: Joel, thanks for taking the time today to chat about your excellent new book. Not only is it a phenomenal read, but a timely one. One of the great parts about Rory’s Masters win is that it gave us an actual uplifting storyline in professional golf, because we certainly needed it in what has been a pretty dismal time of greed and strife off the course. You’ve been on the front lines of covering all this stuff for Digest over the past few years, and it’s clear that this book is not only a way for you to take stock of everything that has happened, but to take a journey to find what’s great about golf. Tell me about that desire on a personal front—your need to touch base with the soul of the sport, what drove that, and how it led you to Scotland.
Joel
: I know it’s against everything in your being to say something nice to me, so I sincerely appreciate the kind words.
In recent years, several people have approached me regarding the creation of an in-depth analysis of the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. However, delving into the nitty-gritty details felt empty—largely due to my extensive coverage over four years and also because covering such contentious issues drained my spirit. Instead, what appeared more compelling and significant was exploring the underlying reasons behind these disputes and producing content that would stand the test of time rather than fading away as quickly as daily headlines do.
To highlight how bizarre and concerning this internal strife within golf really is, comparing it against the sport’s essence seemed crucial. Every chapter will juxtapose the current challenges faced by professionals with their counterparts found in Scottish golf culture. This approach aims not only to expose problems but also reveal insights guiding us toward potential solutions moving forward.
I also want to make clear this isn’t a book about “finding myself” in Scotland—that journey has been masterfully chronicled, most notably in Michael Bamberger’s “To the Linksland.” Instead, I wanted to focus on the characters and towns and clubs that embody Scottish golf’s essence, that protect golf as the people’s game. Through this lens I confronted the urgent questions of our sport’s trajectory, who truly holds the power to shape its future, and whether the soul of the game can truly be bought.
Shane
: I thought you did a really great job balancing those two elements, the heart and soul of the game and the people you found in Scotland against the breakdown of the LIV-Tour debacle. It’s almost two books in one, but it meshes really well. Just from a writer’s perspective, walk me through your mindset on bringing both stories to the forefront, and how the contrast made both sides stand out even more than they might have on their own.
Joel
: Before the cold war erupted in professional golf, I’d always found it infuriating that American golf exists primarily as an aspirational pursuit. Our best courses hide behind exclusive membership barriers—filtering access by both wealth and demographics. The public sector offers little relief, with quality, affordable golf remaining elusive. Public courses rarely foster genuine appreciation for the game’s traditions, instead becoming playgrounds where casual participants care more about cruising in carts for three hours than understanding the game. Scotland presented a striking counterpoint—a truly democratic golfing culture. There, players from all socioeconomic backgrounds play, and play together. Club membership costs are accessible (under $800 annually), and a collective reverence for the game permeates every interaction. They just get it. This inclusivity resonates deeply with me; having worked maintenance crews as a kid just to gain access to courses, Scotland’s approach represents what golf should be.
Introducing LIV Golf—which isn’t an authentic professional circuit, yet serves as a strategic move by another nation’s soft power. This organization used our sport as a tool for exerting political sway, enlisting pro athletes as highly paid participants. Besides those who left traditional circuits, many within the industry capitalized on the upheaval to line their own pockets without considering the broader impact on golf. While it might seem fitting to harshly criticize the whole situation—it wouldn’t lead anywhere meaningful. So instead, I believe precise analysis could make stronger, enduring arguments. The Scottish approach to inclusive, community-based golf offers valuable insights here. It underscores how the clash between LIV and PGA Tours strays far from golf’s foundational principles—once a communal pastime, now overshadowed by commercial interests and geopolitical maneuvers. What makes this dispute truly disheartening isn’t merely the rift among professionals; rather, it’s the total abandonment of the belief that golf should belong to all people. Comparing this discord with Scotland’s heritage reveals not only rival leagues but also opposing ideals about what golf symbolizes socially.
Sadly, my only Loch Ness update is getting lost in the area as I was trying to find Bob MacIntyre’s hometown.
NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND – On August 4, an overhead shot captured the 433-yard Par 4 second hole named “Sea,” followed by the challenging 459-yard Par 4 third hole called “Trap.” Behind these holes lies the 378-yard Par 4 sixteenth hole known as “Gate” near the historic Marine Hotel at the North Berwick Golf Club in North Berwick, Scotland. The image was taken by photographer David Cannon for Getty Images.
David Cannon
Shane
I generally concur with your perspective on American golf, though I’m curious about where you’ve observed games finishing within three hours. Nonetheless, the manner in which you connected these two distinct aspects was excellent. Let’s linger in Scotland briefly before shifting focus to the more entertaining topic of LIV.
It seems clear that this book served primarily as an opportunity for you to enjoy plenty of complimentary Scottish golf tours. So could you share some insights into your preferred courses? Additionally, without divulging crucial plot points, can you mention one or two individuals whose personalities stood out significantly? Lastly, did interacting with Scots provide you with broader observations regarding differences between their culture and that of Americans?
Joel
I meant Three Hour Nines! Believe it or not (and if my superiors are reading this, they’ll definitely lean towards “not”), at first, I hadn’t scheduled much golfing. My plan focused mainly on conducting interviews and making visits; however, everyone I spoke with insisted we should discuss things during a round of golf. Naturally, I raised no objections.
When choosing among the finest golf courses, I find myself wavering between North Berwick and Brora. North Berwick immediately stands out as potentially one of the most delightfully entertaining places you can play. However, Brora resonates with me in ways hard to express, even after giving it an extensive discussion in another section. The idea of spending the remainder of my days playing only these two venues fills me with joy. Courses like Cruden Bay, Nairn, and Crail aren’t far behind either.
Among hidden treasures, Dunaverty truly stood out—a breathtaking panorama across Scotland coupled with an immensely engaging design makes it distinctively special. It’s puzzling why this place isn’t consistently ranked within the top ten destinations every golfer should visit.
When conceiving this novel, Robert Strang embodied precisely the kind of persona and Carradale represented exactly the sort of setting I had envisioned encountering. They appear so ideally crafted that they border on seeming unreal—had I created them myself, readers might find them implausible. As the lone staff member at Carradale, which stands out as somewhat akin to a legendary spot locally, Carradale could very well lay claim to being among the best courses for nine holes in all of golf. Simply recounting these details stirs up an urge within me to revisit soon. To dodge revealing anything more spoiling those scenes, let’s conclude here; it remains one of my most cherished parts of the narrative.
In general, regarding the Scots—it wasn’t as though there were any “losers” present; not one challenging individual or unpleasant person could be found. Each of them was approachable and friendly, preferring authentic dialogue over trying to control conversations or eagerly awaiting their chance to talk. They surely outdrink us without much effort. Furthermore, concerning golf, they couldn’t care less about keeping score. For them, what truly matters is how quickly you played and whether you enjoyed yourself. All other details simply become distractions.
Shane
I really appreciate that sentiment. I’ll continue drafting my remaining queries during my flight to Scotland. Please convey my love to my spouse and children; tell them I’m sorry too. Now, moving forward to discussing the LIV tournament issues—I find the phrase “surgical precision” apt for describing your approach here. You certainly offer the most perceptive assessment of LIV that I have encountered. However, many individuals, notably our acquaintances—the LIV automatons active online—may be taken aback by just how harshly you scrutinize the tour. It’s not about presenting both perspectives equally; rather, it involves a genuine, penetrating evaluation.
It would also interest me to know whether delving into research and penning the book altered your viewpoint at all on these matters, or if your conclusions were largely consistent with those formed through years of investigative work prior?
Joel
I had an initial concept of what I intended to explore—after all, one must outline a book proposal for publishers—but certain large-scale ideas shifted throughout the research phase. During this process, I discovered elements that could have sparked dramatic headlines and prompted numerous follow-up articles. However, I feared these aspects might have overwhelmed the core messages and intentions behind each topic. Instead, I utilized this data to shape broader perspectives. Personally, it’s quite satisfying to possess additional insights ready should these topics resurface with complaints; such evidence demonstrates that my aim was not merely a tabloid-style narrative, but rather uncovering deeper truths.
For example, one chapter analyzes how Brora survived financial hardship made worse by the pandemic while staying true to itself, while the PGA Tour survived by essentially selling itself to the very money it told its players not to take. While it’s easy to criticize that decision (and we have!), I’ve yet to hear a sound argument for what Monahan should have done in the first place. Taking the Saudi money in 2018 would have just has problematic then as it is now. I genuinely think Monahan tries to do right by his players and his league, and everyone who works for him speaks to who he is as a good person. Conversely, how that all went about was a mess, and if you try to take a moral stand and abandon it … sometimes you have to wonder what survival means if you had to abandon what you stood for.
David Cannon
Shane
There’s simply a lack of inspiring content on this topic, and I appreciate that you didn’t avoid this reality. This brings me to another point—among all the individuals you highlighted, Michael Forbes seems to be my favorite, making the whole experience worthwhile. Would you care to briefly describe who he is and how, contrary to many others in the world of professional golf, he had the courage to stand up against someone influential?
Joel
Forbes is considered a Scottish national icon, an upright individual who steadfastly declined to part with his ancestral farmland when approached by a golf course developer starting in 2008. As the dispute intensified, Forbes accused the developer of using dubious methods aimed at coercing him out of his family’s estate. Tactics reportedly involved restricting water supply to his land and arranging frequent inspections from law enforcement and public health authorities based on unverified claims of mistreatment of animals. Despite openly trying to embarrass Forbes, the developer secretly raised purchase bids for the highly desirable plot. Nevertheless, Forbes stayed resolute, adhering strictly to his principles. Over twenty years since this began, Forbes continues to live on his original property, whereas the developer has risen through the ranks to assume the presidency of the United States.
This scenario calls for a more detailed look at President Donald Trump, who has become unexpectedly pivotal within the rifts in the golfing community. It’s important to stress that this assessment is non-partisan, focusing solely on how Trump fits into discussions about golf and the ongoing dispute between tours regarding LIV Golf. The progression of Trump’s involvement in golf circles is intriguing; once shunned by mainstream golf entities—he was notably excluded when the tour moved its Miami tournament away from Doral, the PGA of America rescinded his hosting rights for the PGA Championship, and the R&A decided not longer host the Open at Turnberry—he now collaborates closely with LIV Golf. This partnership came about because the Saudi Public Investment Fund saw Trump as someone capable of influencing U.S. politics—an insight that turned out to be correct.
Remarkably, the main professional golf tour currently looks towards Trump to help facilitate negotiations and secure necessary approvals from the Department of Justice. If these arrangements come together successfully, it seems likely that some of Trump’s golf venues could again feature prominently in future tournaments organized by the tour and grand slams alike. Opinions may vary widely concerning whether such developments align appropriately with expectations around integrity in sports, but what stands out regardless of individual viewpoints is that nearly all significant players in golf eventually found themselves compelled to acknowledge and work alongside Trump’s considerable sway over the sport.
Shane
: Crazy indeed. Joel, this is your first book, so for our last question I wanted to ask how you found the process, whether it makes you want to do more books or never write anything longer than a post-it note again, and what were your favorite and least favorite parts of the whole deal. Also, I’d like to open it to you to say anything else you think needs saying about “Playing Dirty,” and to reiterate my congratulations on a job really well done. I hope everyone reads this, but ideally from the local library, because I don’t want you to get very rich and lord it over me.
Joel
To be honest? I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Having started reading golf books when I was just 6 years old, at the age of 38, I have developed quite a passion for them and often fantasized about authoring my own someday. So, when the ideal situation presented itself, I felt both elated and somewhat apprehensive. These days, journalism can feel unpredictable; you’re not sure whether such opportunities will come around again.
Therefore, without coming across as egotistical, regardless of whether 100 or 100,000 individuals purchase it, my aim was merely to produce something I could take pride in, something that would have engaged me deeply had I been reading it. I feel confident that I’ve achieved this. This journey has also boosted my creative abilities; perhaps one reason we bond so well as friends is because neither of us tends to boast excessively about our own work. Yet, shaping that
piece on Rory after his Masters victory
, and feeling genuinely satisfied with the result—I don’t think it would have been nearly as compelling without the experience of writing this book.
My greatest hope is that readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
Golf Digest senior writer Joel Beall’s debut book,
Playing Dirty: Rediscovering Golf’s Soul in Scotland in an Age of Sportswashing and Civil War
, is on sale now at BackNinePress and all major bookstores.
