Re-visting Royal Birkdale...

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.

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With The Open returning to Royal Birkdale, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy take an in-depth look at one of golf's most iconic championship venues ahead of the year's final men's major.

The pair break down the dramatic changes made to the course since Jordan Spieth's memorable victory in 2017, discussing the brand-new holes, redesigned layouts, and whether the updates will make Birkdale a better test for today's longest hitters. They also explore how The Open is evolving, why The R&A is asking more from its venues than ever before, and what fans can expect from a record-breaking championship on England's Golf Coast.

Plus, plenty of chat about links golf, favourite Open memories, and why Royal Birkdale remains one of the game's greatest stages.

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Why are so many golf clubs cutting down trees? Are trees essential to the beauty and character of a course, or have they become obstacles to great golf course design?

In this episode of the Top 100s Podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy tackle one of the most debated topics in modern golf architecture: trees. Inspired by a famous quote from legendary architect Alister MacKenzie, they explore the role trees play in shaping strategy, aesthetics, sustainability, and the long-term health of golf courses.

Drawing on their experiences as golfers, course observers, and editors covering golf course management, Tom and Dan discuss the rise of restoration projects, the growing trend of tree removal at leading clubs, and why opinions on the subject are often deeply divided. From heathland restoration and agronomy to championship golf and environmental concerns, they examine how trees can both enhance and hinder the game and why the debate is more relevant than ever.

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In this episode, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy kick things off by reflecting on the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, discussing Wyndham Clark’s victory, the course setup, and what made the championship such a compelling watch.

The main focus, however, is a fascinating look back at a Golf World Top 100 ranking from 2002. Using the historic list as a reference point, Tom and Dan explore how golf course rankings have evolved over the last two decades, asking whether modern rankings are driven by genuine improvements, changing tastes, or simply the latest trends.

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Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy return to the NCG Top 100s Podcast to discuss the arrival of summer golf, the impressive transformation of Moortown, and what makes a great US Open venue. They also look ahead to championship week and debate course setup, width, strategy and the challenge facing the world's best players.

The main event is Dan's latest Top 100 ranking adventure through Wales, uncovering some of the country's most underrated golf courses. From the heights of West Monmouthshire to Newport, Builth Wells and beyond, the team shares stories from the road, standout holes, surprising discoveries and the courses that left the biggest impression.

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Tom Irwin and Mike Robertson are in the studio to relive another instalment of the NCG Top 100 48 Hours in series — this time heading to England’s underrated golfing hotspot: the Fylde Coast.

Across two packed days, the pair take on four standout courses, explore the stories behind the clubs, and reflect on why this stretch of Lancashire coastline deserves far more attention from travelling golfers.

From an early-morning start at Fairhaven to the unmistakable atmosphere and history of Royal Lytham & St Annes, they break down the courses, favourite holes, standout moments and what makes this corner of the North West such a compelling golf destination. Along the way there’s plenty of chat about course architecture, Open Championship venues, local golf culture, coffee runs, first-tee nerves and life on the road filming the 48 Hours in series.

Expect honest course opinions, behind-the-scenes stories and a reminder that some of the UK’s best golf trips still fly under the radar.

🎙️ Featuring: Tom Irwin & Mike Robertson

⛳ Courses: Fairhaven, Royal Lytham & St Annes, St Anne’s Old Links & Fleetwood

📍 Destination: The Fylde Coast, Lancashire

🎥 Watch the full 48 Hours on the Fylde Coast film on the NCG Top 100 YouTube channel.

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Join Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy on the latest episode of the NCG Top 100s podcast as they dive into the upcoming Welsh golf rankings and explore what makes golf in Wales so special.

From iconic links like Royal St David’s and Aberdovey to hidden moorland gems, the pair discuss the ranking process, standout courses, unforgettable golf trips, and why Wales offers some of the best value golf in Great Britain and Ireland.

Along the way, they also debate modern championship course changes, Open venue architecture, and the evolving identity of elite golf. Packed with insight, humour, and plenty of course recommendations, this is essential listening for golfers planning a Welsh golf adventure or anyone fascinated by golf course architecture and rankings.

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Tom and Dan return to complete their deep dive into Augusta National Golf Club, turning their attention to the legendary second nine at the Masters. Before diving in, the pair recap recent travels through North Wales, Belfast, and a fascinating look at golf course transformations and technology conferences shaping the future of the game.

The main event, though, is Augusta. From the towering slopes of the 10th to the brutal demands of the 11th, they unpack how the course really plays in modern championship conditions — and challenge the long-held idea that the back nine is simply a birdie-fest waiting to happen.

Along the way, they discuss Rory McIlroy’s infamous 2011 miss on 10, the evolution of Augusta’s firmness and agronomy, the relentless lengthening of the course over the decades, and why modern championship golf is increasingly being defended by firmness rather than distance.

Expect plenty of architecture chat, Masters nostalgia, strategic insight, and the kind of obsessive golf course detail that only the NCG Top 100 Podcast can deliver.

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