NCG Top 100s Podcast

In this episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin is joined by Richard Weeks, General Manager of Royal Birkdale, to explore the extensive preparations underway ahead of hosting The Open Championship.They dive into the thinking behind recent course changes, how the team balances tradition with modern championship demands, and what it really takes to present one of the world’s most iconic links at its absolute best. From agronomy and conditioning to logistics and player experience, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at staging golf’s oldest major.Whether you’re a course architecture enthusiast or just love The Open, this is an insightful conversation on the challenges and craft of preparing a world-class venue for the global stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy look back on a captivating week at Augusta National, where Rory McIlroy cemented his place in golfing history with a second consecutive Masters victory.Having captured his maiden Green Jacket in 2025, McIlroy returned in 2026 to prove it was no one-off, holding off a relentless chasing pack to become just the fourth player ever to win back-to-back Masters titles. Tom and Dan revisit their early tournament predictions and reflect on how, despite the twists, turns, and moments of doubt throughout the week, their original instincts ultimately rang true.The episode breaks down the defining moments of the championship, the key challengers who pushed McIlroy to the limit, and the significance of joining such an exclusive club of Masters legends. They also explore what this achievement means for McIlroy’s legacy and his standing in the modern game.Tune in for expert insight, engaging analysis, and a celebration of a historic triumph at Augusta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Masters edition of the NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy dissect a truly memorable round from Rory McIlroy. The episode takes listeners shot-by-shot through McIlroy’s sensational performance at The Masters.The duo explore the key moments that defined the round, the strategic decisions that shaped his score, and how this display stacks up against some of Augusta National’s most iconic performances. With expert insight and passionate analysis, Tom and Dan place McIlroy’s 65 in historical context, examining what it means for his legacy and his pursuit of the Green Jacket.Whether you’re a Masters enthusiast or simply appreciate golfing excellence, this episode offers a deep dive into a round that may stand among the finest ever played at Augusta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Augusta National is one of the most famous venues in sport, but what is it really like beyond the perfectly manicured fairways and familiar TV shots? In this special episode of the NCG Golf Podcast, Dan Murphy and Tom Irwin take you inside the gates to share their first-hand experiences from the home of the Masters on the day before the action starts.From the subtleties of the course’s elevation changes to the scale of its most iconic holes, they cut through the usual clichés to reveal what makes Augusta National so unique. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Irwin is joined by Dan Murphy to explore the host venues staging some of GB&I’s biggest amateur events this year. From the historic fairways of Royal Birkdale to the ever-influential Moortown, they look at the courses shaping the amateur calendar and what makes them worthy of the spotlight.The conversation also dives into the role these venues play in supporting young golfers and giving back to the game, highlighting how clubs across GB&I continue to nurture the next generation. Along the way, they discuss The Island in Ireland and preview the Walker Cup heading to Lahinch—two standout links that promise a true test of championship golf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the NCG Top 100s podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy turn their attention to one of golf’s biggest questions: where is The Open heading after St Andrews in 2027?The pair explore the future of the Open rota, discussing established venues such as Royal St George’s and Royal Troon, while also debating whether iconic courses like Portmarnock could finally join the championship’s regular host list. With the R&A continually assessing the rota, Tom and Dan consider which venues are most likely to feature in the coming years - and which might be overdue a return.Along the way, they break down what truly makes an “Open course”, from the strategic demands of links golf to the infrastructure and scale required to host one of the game’s biggest events.They also examine the growing conversation around taking the Open beyond its traditional boundaries, including the possibility of the championship heading to the Republic of Ireland for the first time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, recorded on-site at Streamsong Resort, Tom Irwin is joined by acclaimed golf course architect David McLay-Kidd to discuss the vision behind the resort’s soon-to-open fifth course.Born and raised in Scotland, the son of a pioneering golf course superintendent, McLay-Kidd grew up immersed in the game — not just playing it, but understanding what makes great courses endure. From raking bunkers on his father Jimmy Kidd’s courses to listening in on debates between some of Scotland’s finest greenkeepers, his education in architecture began from the ground up.At Streamsong, those principles meet one of the most dramatic modern landscapes in golf. McLay-Kidd explains how the vast sandscapes and natural movement of the land have shaped his thinking for course number five, and what it means to add his name to a resort already defined by four standout courses crafted by some of the modern era’s most celebrated architects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy turn their attention to the very top of the Top 100s Scotland list, unpacking the stories, controversies, and strong opinions surrounding the top four courses in the Home of Golf.Dan makes the case for Muirfield as Scotland’s true number one, while Tom weighs up how tradition, consistency, and the overall golfing test influence the final rankings, while the pair also dig into why the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry stands at number two, examining the sheer number of ongoing changes at one golf's best venues. Elsewhere, Tom and Dan explore why there is so much ongoing discourse around North Berwick, and tackle the thorny question of why the Old Course at St Andrews perhaps shouldn’t be ranked in the same way as other courses at all. With strong views, thoughtful analysis, and plenty of context from the panel process, this episode lifts the lid on how Scotland’s very best courses are judged - and why the top of the list is never straightforward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the NCG Top 100s podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy continue their countdown of the new NCG Top 100s: Scotland list, focusing on the courses ranked from 100 to 11 — and the remarkable strength in depth that defines Scottish golf.They break down standout venues including Western Gailes, Leven Links, Ladybank, Gullane, Machrihanish and Dunbar, while also shining a light on the Kingdom of Fife and why it remains one of the richest golfing regions anywhere in the world.The discussion also tackles one of the list’s most intriguing inclusions: how a nine-hole course earned its place among Scotland’s best, and why it deserves far more respect than it often gets.Together, Tom and Dan make the case that Scotland’s golfing excellence extends well beyond its most famous top 10 names. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a course like Prince’s really host an Open? Is Kingsbarns still the benchmark for modern links? And do new courses arrive on ranking lists a little too high before time has done its work?On the latest NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin sits down with NCG Top 100s Chairman Dan Murphy to go inside the thinking behind the new Top 100s Scotland list. They talk Dornoch’s latest changes, the impact of new course design, and why great golf courses, like fine wine, only get better with age.Most importantly, Dan explains how the rankings are actually decided: the methodology, the criteria, and why the list is judged purely on the quality of the golf course itself, not valet parking, customer service, or clubhouse luxuries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin travels to the far north of Scotland to visit Royal Dornoch Golf Club, one of the most revered and historic links courses in the world.He is joined by Neil Hampton, General Manager of Royal Dornoch, whose deep Highland roots and lifelong connection to links golf provide a unique perspective on the club’s past, present, and future.Their conversation explores how a course first played over 400 years ago has become a modern-day pilgrimage for golfers from around the globe.Neil explains the many factors behind Dornoch’s global reputation – from glowing endorsements by Tom Watson and Ben Crenshaw, to the influence of classic golf writing, and the enduring legacy of Donald Ross, whose architectural philosophy still defines the course today.Tom and Neil also delve into what makes Royal Dornoch so special on the ground: vast yet demanding greens, firm running fairways, constant interaction with the wind, and a routing that blends holes from different eras so seamlessly that change feels invisible. Rather than chasing length or modern trends, the club has remained true to its character, offering a course that challenges elite amateurs while remaining playable – and enjoyable – for all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin sits down with Andy Rossington, Head Professional at Lindrick Golf Club. Andy shares his journey in the game, including his role coaching Danny Willett and what it was like accompanying him to his first Masters as part of the coaching team—complete with clubhouse access and inside-the-ropes insight.The conversation also shines a light on Lindrick Golf Club itself: its character, its history, what makes the course such a favourite among golfers, and what it’s like to lead the professional operation at one of England’s most respected clubs.Follow NCG Top 100s on social media:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ncgtop100s/Twitter - https://x.com/ncgtop100s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin travels to the stunning Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club, where he sits down with co-owner Stuart Imeson, a figure who as a unique career path.Stuart shares the remarkable story of his rise through the ranks at Dunstanburgh. Starting as a Greenkeeping Apprentice, he became Course Manager at just 18 years old, later taking on the role of General Manager during a challenging period for the club. Working closely with the club’s owner, he helped guide Dunstanburgh through financial and operational uncertainty - experience that ultimately paved the way to becoming a co-owner of the golf club.The co-owner provides rare insight into the real costs of owning and running a golf club, and explains how Dunstanburgh supports other local clubs by offering machinery rentals.Tom and Stuart also discuss Dunstanburgh's rapid rise in popularity, shining a spotlight on why the North East of England remains one of golf’s most underrated destinations. They argue that the region’s golf offering rivals the famed North West coast in quality - yet at a level of value for money that’s increasingly rare in the UK. The pair celebrate the unique charm of Northumberland, where rugged landscapes and genuine hospitality create a memorable backdrop for golf.They also discuss how Dunstanburgh continues to evolve - both in terms of course conditioning and visitor experience - and the innovative ways the team is continuing to boost the club’s profile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.