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Foinhaven, I seriously did not like this puzzle, so I am with you on that. However do not concentrate completely on the activity as there is another element to this puzzle. i googled a key word, and the activity, and the 11 letter bit came up number one. I then saw what the three normal clues were hinting at, However, there are too many (IMO) clues and misprints that are tenuous such that I did not enjoy solving it. I like the BRB to confirm my answers, but certain clue entries did not do this. Nice theme though.

midgers, I disagree with your comments because until you fathom out what this puzzle is about you (as I did) may think a particular, singular, knowledge of a subject is required. Also, pub quizzers are extremely knowledgeable people!!

jb @24, I finally know what you mean. Another rather oblique indication of what you are looking for.

That’s what I mean about respect. Surely you don’t think the editors would select a puzzle which depended on detailed knowledge if a specialist pursuit? The fact that it superficially appears that way is down to the skill demonstrated by the setter.

midgers if you don't realise that many Listeners rely on specialist knowledge I am truly amazed. The clue to this puzzle is to look further than the activity.

Well I’ve ground to a halt. Grid filled apart from last letter of 34. Have the phrase from quotation and what seems to be the first word of the description. But the rest of the description doesn’t seem to make any sense. I think there’s one of the 3 normal clues in there so no extra letter, and I don’t yet have the extra letter from 34, but there are no words jumping out at me. I’ve double-checked all the extra letters and they seem to be OK (which isn’t to say they’re correct). I’ve tried looking for 11 cells which make up a name to see if I can work back from that but nada.

I’m not really sure what question to ask to get a nudge. I suppose a nudge for 34 might fill the gap in the description.

This is one of those puzzles where the final step either leaps out to a cry of "eureka" ... or it doesn't leap at all, even after a few hours - yes, a sad fellow writes - gazing and trying to sneak up on it from a new angle. I have the four-word quasi-instruction, but I have no idea how to interpret it. Everything else is done - the first change, the three special clues (whose words haven't yielded anything yet). Strange that so many have got there quickly, and enjoyed the skill of the setter, and so many are flummoxed. A nudge would be welcome before the telly brings me Day 3 of the Georgian fun and games.

Gitto, I think we’re at cross purposes here. At first sight, I think I can safely say at this stage, the puzzle seems to be all about golf. But no specialist knowledge of golf is required to solve it, and in fact the puzzle isn’t about golf at all. In fact, as you will know if you’ve got to the end, by the time we reach the “thematic alternative” we are a million miles from golf and in another world altogether. The key on which this all turns is the double meaning of the final word in the description and, yes, on a bit of specialist/general literary knowledge. All I was trying to say is that the editors would not allow a specialist golfing crossword and that the “obvious” theme should therefore be treated with some suspicion!

I set pub quizzes, but I am not sure they should influence crosswords.

However, I will try a bit more, and, inevitably, rely on Google for the references.

Cockie, have you googled the four word quasi-instruction?