Author Michael K. Bohn on his new book, Money Golf, 2nd Swing Golf's resurrection, and golfing Florida's panhandle

Hear this latest episode of TravelGolf.com This Week.

Like to put a few bucks down on your weekend buddies’ golf game? In this week’s podcast, host Dave Berner talks to Michael K. Bohn, author of Money Golf: 600 Years of Bettin’ on Birdies, about the rich history of golf and betting.

“The professional tour owes its origins to betting among players in Scotland and Great Britain,” Bohn says. “In the mid to late 1800s, challenge matches were the most common form of entertainment in golf. The gentlemen would back their pro or caddy against someone else, and the pros would take some cash home from those matches. That was the origin of the money list.”

2nd Swing Golf looked like it was going to hold its own against the big boys of golf retail, but then the bottom dropped out. Now it’s back. Berner talks to Bruce Stasch of the Golf Gear News podcast, about its resurrection – well, partial resurrection, at least.

“I think they’re just going to turn into the run-of-the-mill local golf store,” he says. “Because I don’t see them expanding any more.”

As a spot for golf, Florida’s panhandle is often overlooked. But National Golf Editor Tim McDonald says golfers should take another look.

“So many people don’t think of the panhandle when they think of playing golf in Florida, except for those people who are sort of over in that the area,” McDonald says.

This podcast is supported by Pioneer Golf and Florida Golf Travel.