Share
NCG Top 100s Podcast
Dunbar Golf Club: Timeless Links, Tom Morris' Legacy & A Bold Future
•
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.
More episodes
View all episodes
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.
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.
Golf Course Types Explained: What Makes A Course A Links, Heathland or Parkland?
54:53|In this episode of the NCG Top 100s podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy tackle one of golf’s most misunderstood topics: how do we actually define a golf course?From links and parkland to heathland, moorland and clifftop, the pair break down the characteristics that separate each style, exploring everything from soil types and vegetation to location and design philosophy. They also dive into the often-blurred lines between categories, asking what really distinguishes a heathland course from a moorland – and whether those definitions still hold up today.Along the way, Tom and Dan discuss some well-known examples and debate where certain courses truly belong, highlighting just how subjective golf course classification can be.The episode wraps up with a quiz from Dan, putting Tom to the test as he’s challenged to categorise a selection of courses – with some trickier than others.
Revealed: Where The Open Will Be Held In 2028 & Beyond
59:36|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.