I‘ve been listening to podcasts for a few years now. I like to run, and never leave the house without my iPod and a few podcasts loaded up……and running shoes! I generally listen to current affairs, sports programs and a little comedy (running and uncontrollable laughter don’t go well together, so I limit the comedy while I’m on the road these days).
One of the frustrations I’ve had with podcasts is finding quality. I’ve finally got a collection of podcasters that I know I’ll enjoy, but there’s been a lot of trial and error along the way. Like websites, anyone can create a podcast and put it on iTunes. While it’s great that anyone can become a publisher and have their voice heard, there are some voices that really shouldn’t be heard. Unfortunately, golf podcasts are no exception.
Golf Podcasts – Where are they?
I recently went looking for good golf audio podcasts to add to my list and was pretty disappointed with what I found. There are quite a few decent video podcasts (which I’ll look at in the future), but if you’re looking for something to listen to while your doing something else, then there’s not much to choose from. Here are a couple a reasonable options from what I’ve heard so far:
- Golf Smarter: apparently the top rated golf podcast in iTunes. Approx. 200 episodes broadcast since 2005. Includes tips and advice from PGA professionals and interviews with course architects, instructors, writers, etc. This podcast doesn’t cover the USPGA Tour though. Pretty easy listening and some useful content
- Golf Better @ Edwin Watts Golf: I thought this would be stuffed with marketing for Edwin Watts gear, but it’s actually quite good. Focus is on use of equipment and technology to improve your golf game, including interviews with top engineers and professionals. Worth a listen
Maybe I’ve missed something – I hope so.
Podcast 101 (sort of) for Newbies
Some brief tips and info to get you going with podcasts (if you need it):
- Originally derived from the words ‘iPod’ and ‘Broadcast’ (the word was declared word of the year when it was added to the dictionary in 2005)
- Despite the name, you don’t need an iPod to listen to podcasts, you just need an MP3 player
- Podcasts come in 2 flavors, video and audio……video is becoming much more prevalent
- Apple’s iTunes application is the default standard for finding and downloading podcasts
- You need to download the iTunes application to get started
- Once you’ve got iTunes, you basically plug your MP3 player (eg iPod) into your computer and start to download podcasts to your player
- Apple provides some good tips for finding podcasts on iTunes
- Below is a brief video about how to find and subscribe to podcasts in iTunes
