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NCG Top 100s Podcast
What Is The Point In Bunkers?
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How did golf course bunkers become such a defining — and sometimes divisive — feature of the game?
In this episode, NCG Top 100s chairman Dan Murphy and host Tom Irwin dig into the origins of bunkers and what the golden age architects really intended when they carved them into their designs.
We explore how bunkers have evolved over time, what they cost to maintain, whether they truly pose a hazard, and why they’ve become such a talking point in modern course design.
From history to controversy to creative solutions, we go deep into the sand to find out why the golf world has gone stark raving bunkers.
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The Huge Changes Shaping Royal Birkdale Ahead of The Open
01:21:16|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.
Augusta Up Close: Breaking Down the Front Nine After the Masters
01:05:22|Fresh off the fairways of Augusta National, Tom Irwin is joined by Dan Murphy to relive their experience at the Masters and dive deep into one of golf’s most iconic stretches.From the deceptive opener to the drama of Amen Corner’s doorstep, Tom and Dan break down how each hole really plays, what surprised them most on the ground, and why Augusta’s subtleties are impossible to fully grasp from TV alone. Expect vivid storytelling, strategic insights, and a few behind-the-scenes moments from their time at the season’s first major.Whether you’ve walked the course yourself or only dreamed of it, this episode brings the front nine at Augusta National to life in a way you won’t hear anywhere else.
The 2026 Masters, turns out we were right in the first place
01:21:23|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.
Moving Day: Forget everything we said yesterday
41:57|In this Saturday edition of the NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy return to reassess the ever-shifting landscape of The Masters. After the optimism surrounding Rory McIlroy’s earlier performance, moving day told a very different story. McIlroy struggled to find his rhythm, leaving the door wide open for the chasing pack.Stepping into the spotlight was Cameron Young, who produced a sensational 65 (-7) to surge up the leaderboard and ignite the tournament heading into Sunday. With momentum building behind a host of contenders, the race for the Green Jacket is suddenly wide open.Tom and Dan break down the key moments from the round, analyse what went wrong for McIlroy, and assess the growing list of challengers poised to make a Sunday charge. With Augusta National set for a thrilling finale, everything is still to play for.Tune in for expert insight, sharp analysis, and all the drama from moving day at the Masters.
Anatomy of a 65, in the company of greatness
42:38|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.
Tradition Unlike Any Other: Thursday at The Masters
51:16|Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy break down all the action from an enthralling opening day at Augusta National. From standout performances and surprise contenders to the traditions and quirks that make The Masters truly unique, the duo explore the moments that only happen at Augusta. Expect sharp analysis, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of storytelling as the journey to the Green Jacket gets underway.
Inside Augusta National: What It’s Really Like
55:09|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.
Dunbar Golf Club: Timeless Links, Tom Morris' Legacy & A Bold Future
26:50|In this episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, Tom Irwin is joined at Dunbar Golf Club by Membership Services Manager Cameron John Byrne for an in-depth look at one of Scotland’s most captivating links courses.Set on the rugged East Lothian coastline, Dunbar blends over 400 years of golfing history with a layout shaped by Old Tom Morris and refined through the ages, yet still remarkably untouched in its essence. Tom and Cameron explore what makes the course so special, from its natural routing and ever-changing winds to its dramatic sea views, unique features, and moments that truly define links golf at its purest.They also dive into Dunbar’s growing reputation on the global stage, its appeal to travelling golfers, and why it’s fast becoming a must-play alongside the region’s biggest names.Looking ahead, Cameron shares exciting insight into the club’s future: a brand-new clubhouse, a reimagined routing, and the addition of a high-quality 9-hole par-3 course—all designed to enhance the Dunbar experience while preserving its rich heritage.This is a conversation about tradition, evolution, and why Dunbar might just be one of the most authentic links experiences in the world.
The Venues Hosting GB&I’s Biggest Amateur Events
56:12|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.