NCG Top 100s Podcast

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 dive into Florida’s golden age golf courses and the lasting influence of Donald Ross, exploring how his work compares to fellow greats like Tillinghast and MacKenzie - including the fascinating near-miss of Ross almost designing Augusta National.The pair discuss Ross’ standout Floridian designs, from Timuquana and Palma Ceia to the modern architectural hotspot of Streamsong, before turning their attention to Seminole – widely seen as the closest thing to a true links course in the United States. They unpack what makes it so special, from its wind-exposed strategy to the unique challenge of Bermuda grass.Finally, Tom and Dan tackle a hypothetical ranking debate: if Seminole were eligible for the GB&I Top 100s list, where would it sit? With comparisons to Muirfield and the bold suggestion that Tom would rather play Seminole than Sunningdale, they explore whether Seminole could realistically break into the Top 10 – or even the Top 5 – across the Atlantic. 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 break down positions 10 to five in the NCG Top 100s Scotland ranking. As the countdown intensifies, the pair dive into what separates Scotland’s very best courses from the rest, analysing design quality, conditioning, memorability and overall playing experience.Tom and Dan discuss the standout holes and defining characteristics of each course in this bracket, highlight any notable movers from previous rankings, including Trump International, and debate which venues were unlucky not to crack the top five. Along the way, they share personal experiences, insider insights from the Top 100s panel, and a few surprises that sparked strong opinions.With the top five now in sight, this episode sets the stage for the final reveal and offers golfers a deeper understanding of why these courses remain among the elite in Scottish 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 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.

In this episode of the NCG Top 100s podcast, host Tom Irwin is joined by NCG Top 100s Chairman Dan Murphy to delve into the latest Scotland rankings - with a spotlight firmly on the often-overlooked bottom half of the list. Together they explain why these courses deserve far more attention, from outstanding “second courses” at world-famous venues like Royal Dornoch, Royal Troon and Cruden Bay, to inland layouts that rival the best anywhere in Britain.  The discussion also highlights why Scotland continues to offer exceptional value for money at its top golfing hotspots, proving that quality and fun run far deeper than the headline 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 is joined by NCG Top 100s Chairman Dan Murphy to tackle a fundamental question facing modern golf clubs: what is the right length of golf course for the club golfer?The podcast opens with Dan's recent visit to Fulford to see the vast changes at the Yorkshire course and how he expects the changes to make a huge difference. It prompts Tom and Dan to briefly discuss the attitudes towards tree removal as part of course renovations and how golfer's appetites have changed when it comes to golf course rankings.Tom and Dan then tackle the discussion of golf course length and what is the advisory length for the average golfer to play, whether you get the full experience of a golf course when playing from forward tees, how tees change the feeling of whether a golf course is a good routing or not, and why our egos want us to go back and play a course at its full length.They explore how playing from appropriate tees can unlock more strategy, and encourage the use of a wider variety of clubs. The episode also addresses how excessive length impacts enjoyment, scoring, and most importantly pace of play, and why a rethink before you tee off could improve the experience for golfers of all standards. 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 is joined by Rob McGuirk, General Manager of Prince’s Golf Club - host venue of the 1932 Open Championship.Rob delves into one of golf club's great debates - what are the best 18 holes at Prince’s?  With 27 in total, he and Tom explore how a composite routing might look - and whether it could once again be worthy of hosting The Open for the first time since 1932. The conversation also uncovers the extensive renovation work that has recently taken place at Prince’s as they prepare to host the 2030 Walker Cup.  How the team has toughened up the course, refined its character, and enhanced its defences compared to the layout that welcomed golf’s oldest major nearly a century ago. Rob also offers a personal perspective, reflecting on growing up in the area, his journey in the game, and what it means to play a leading role at a club with such deep heritage and ambition. 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.

In this episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin and NCG Top 100s chairman Dan Murphy take on one of the game’s most heated debates: with scores plummeting and Tour pros overpowering classic layouts, what can be done to restore the challenge?With the golf rollback and the wider distance debate dominating headlines over the past year, Tom and Dan look beyond equipment to explore architectural and strategic ways to test the very best players in the world. They discuss how modern professionals are making even elite venues appear surprisingly straightforward — and why the gap between the average golfer’s experience and a Tour pro’s reality has never been wider.This episode digs into how course architecture can evolve to keep up with modern athleticism — and how the sport can strike the right balance between fairness, excitement, and genuine challenge for the world’s best players. 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.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin is joined by Ladybank Golf Club captian, Colin Priestley.The pair discuss the beauty of Ladybank and why Tom believes the golf course is a sleeping giant within Fife golf with the club being surrounded by other Top 100s ranked golf courses such as Crail, Kingsbarns, Leven Links, and most notably the courses that are located in the town of St Andrews.Ladybank is one of the game's historic venues with the club being founded in 1870s and originally laid out by Old Tom Morris.The golf club has played host to Final Qualifying for The Open on a number of occasions, and famously hosted an exhibition match in 1983 between Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros, drawing in crowds of over 5,000 spectators. The Golden Bear, and arguably golf's greatest ever player, is an honorary member of the golf club.The course sits 43rd in our NCG Top 100s:Scotland ranking and 88th in our NCG Top 100s: UK Value list, showing the pedigree of the golf course.In this fascinating discussion, Tom and Colin share their stories of why they think Ladybank deserves to be talked about in the same sentences as Fife's other great golfing venues.Subscribe to our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ncgtop100sFollow 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.

In this episode, the NCG Top 100s team recount their 48-hour journey to Scotland's west coast, and birthplace of The Open Championship, Ayrshire.Tom Irwin, Mike Robertson, and James Sparkes, reflect on their epic adventure to play Dundonald Links, Western Gailes, Prestwick, and Royal Troon in the space of 48 hours.Available now on your preferred podcast platform and YouTube.Watch 48 Hours In Ayrshire: https://tinyurl.com/bdfd6jk2Follow 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.

In this episode, Tom Irwin, Mike Robertson, and James Sparkes relive their 48-hour pilgrimage to the North of Scotland.The trio reminisce about their epic adventure to play Royal Dornoch, Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Nairn and Cabot Highlands as part of our brand-new YouTube series, 48 Hours In...Whether you’re planning your own Highland adventure or just dreaming from afar, this is one for the pure golf romantics.Available on your preferred podcast platform.Watch 48 Hours In The Highlands: https://tinyurl.com/4pk7yabtFollow 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.

In the first episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin has the delight to sit down with Royal St. George's Secretary, Colin Sinclair.Colin boasts one of the finest CVs in UK golf, having worked and a number of Top 100 ranked golf courses around the country, working in several roles at Blairgowrie, Walton Heath, Carnoustie, and Nairn, before taking the reigns at the best golf course in England.During this podcast, Tom and Colin discuss:Colin's career path in golf and those who helped shape his journey.What it's like to work at some of the best golf courses in the UK.Stories from Colin's time at Carnoustie and working across three Open Championships.The uniqueness of Nairn Golf Club and its famous Archive Room and Bothy halfway house.How clubs are coping with the challenge of modern golf ball distance and how mother nature effects itThe famous off-course and dining room experience at Royal St. George'sThe wonderful concept of the Hagen 54 between Royal St. George's, Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince's.When we will likely see The Open return to Sandwich.And, there's always time for a Tiger Woods anecdote.Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/bdhpz27dFollow NCG Top 100s on social mediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ncgtop100s/Twitter - https://x.com/ncgtop100s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.