NCG Top 100s Podcast

Formby Ladies Golf Club is unlike anywhere else in golf. At under 5,400 yards, it's easy to underestimate, but as course manager Rob Sandilands explains, that would be a big mistake.

Steve Carroll sits down with Rob to discuss the remarkable transformation of one of England's Top 100 courses, from habitat restoration and sustainable greenkeeping to managing extreme weather and changing how golfers experience a course.

They also explore why shorter golf courses deserve far more respect, the unique history of the world's oldest independent women's golf club, and the behind-the-scenes work that has helped make Formby Ladies one of the country's most celebrated golfing destinations.

If you've ever wondered what really goes into creating a world-class golf course, or why length isn't everything, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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Tom Irwin is joined by Mike Robertson to relive one of golf's most unique bucket-list experiences: the Hagen 54.

Fresh from walking and playing 54 holes in a single day across Royal St George's, Prince's and Royal Cinque Ports, the pair discuss what makes the event so special, from Walter Hagen's incredible story and the history behind the route to the atmosphere, the people, the golf and whether this is the greatest golfing day out in England.

They also compare the three legendary links, reveal their favourite holes, share what it's really like tackling 54 holes in one go, and explain why the Hagen 54 has become one of the most memorable events in the golf calendar.

Would you take on the challenge?
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In a special episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, host Tom Irwin is joined by Tom Mackenzie, one half of Mackenzie and Ebert, the golf course architecture duo who were behind the vast changes made to Royal Birkdale ahead of The 154th Open.

During the third round of play, Tom and Tom Mackenzie dive into the golf course and how the changes have stood up to the best players in the world throughout the week.
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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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