In this episode, actor James Nesbitt and host Dan Davies enjoy a wide-ranging conversation that covers Cold Feet, Bloody Sunday, Royal Portrush, Rory McIlroy, Sir Alex Ferguson, mental frailties on the golf course, and a whole lot more. From his formative years in Coleraine to his experiences of playing with golfing greats, Nesbitt offers a candid and humorous perspective on the game, his friendships, and his role as an ambassador for Northern Ireland, now acknowledged as one of golf’s greatest destinations. It’s an entertaining and heartfelt deep dive into golf, life, and everything in between.
Key Topics
The role of golf in fostering community and healing in Northern Ireland
James Nesbitt’s cultural roots, career highlights, and the significance of Bloody Sunday
Portrush and the impact of The Open Championship
Insights into his close friends, including Rory McIlroy, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Kenny Dalglish
The importance of lifelong friendships, golf trips and shared experiences
Sir Alex Ferguson’s mentorship and the power of honest leadership
James’s charitable work with WAVE Trauma Centre and the families of the disappeared
Mental meltdowns on the golf course
Chapters
00:00 Introducing this week's guest, Jimmy Nesbitt
02:34 What Portrush means to Jimmy Nesbitt
05:57 What the Open means to Portrush and Northern Ireland
11:57 Jimmy's views on the Americanisation of pro golf
13:54 Getting to know Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland's new George Best
20:46 The importance of lifelong friendships
24:30 Jimmy's late start in golf
27:09 Jimmy's early golfing heroes - Watson, Nicklaus, Seve
32:18 The mental challenges of playing golf
34:23 Jimmy's close relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson
43:53 The significance of TV drama Bloody Sunday
49:51 Working with WAVE Trauma Centre in Northern Ireland
56:50 The Mini Masters - "the best competition in the world"
58:25 Meltdowns on the golf course
01:01:54 New TV projects and the power of Netflix
Resources & Links
James Nesbitt’s Official Website
WAVE Trauma Centre
Rory McIlroy Foundation
Sounder Golf
Dan Davies on Substack
RNGC, Britain’s premier backyard golf course
Connect with James Nesbitt
Twitter
Instagram
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