The bunkered Golf Podcast

So, now that it’s going to be 72 holes, does LIV need to change its name? That’s just one of the questions Michael, James and Lewis ponder on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast. The guys explore the reasons behind the Saudi-funded league’s big format shift and assess if it’s likely to get them the world ranking points they so badly crave. Elsewhere, Michael tries deep-fried pineapple, the...

Not for the first time, the Old Course at St Andrews is set to undergo a raft of changes ahead of The Open's return to golf's hometown in 2027 - but is this a case of evolution or revolution? At what point (if ever) does the course drift too far from its original look and feel?  Michael, James and Lewis discuss on this week's episode of The bunkered Podcast. Elsewhere, the guys set the record stra...

With news that Good Good is to sponsor an upcoming PGA Tour event, is this a glimpse into a YouTube-first future for golf? Michael, James and Lewis discuss that prospect on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast. Elsewhere… What was Jason Day thinking going with only 13 clubs in his bag last week? What is Hallowe’en like in St Andrews? And there’s a hugely emotional addition to the Hole In No...

Oh. Dear. Tiger Woods has been forced to undergo yet MORE back surgery that looks set to prolong his latest spell on the sidelines. The 15-time major champion hasn’t played a competitive round of golf on the PGA Tour since Friday of the 2024 Open Championship - and who knows when the next one might be. So, we have to ask the question… is this finally the end of the road for the former world No.1?...

Deep breath. Here goes. Our absolutely massive Ryder Cup debrief. No punches pulled. No opinions left on the table. This is the good stuff. Michael, James and Lewis discuss every major talking point from last week’s match at Bethpage. From the fan behaviour, to Keegan Bradley’s decision-making, to Tommy Fleetwood’s MVP performance, and all points in between. Also, the Hole-in-None Club welcomes it...

Europe stands on the brink of Ryder Cup glory after opening up a historic advantage over the US on Day 2 at Bethpage. Luke Donald’s men require just two-and-a-half points from Sunday’s singles session to retain the trophy - yep, this thing is almost done! Michael and Ben record today’s final Commute live from the spectator village, reflecting on what Europe have done so well this week, where it’s...

Europe holds a commanding lead after the opening day of the Ryder Cup - do they already have one hand on the trophy?   Michael and Ben discuss that on the latest (sleep-deprived) episode of The Ryder Cup Commute.   There’sm praise for Jon Rahm, criticism for some of Keegan Bradley’s decision-making, and disappointment in the subdued atmosphere.   (Plus, some obligatory thoughts on Bryson…)   Tune-...

The opening morning of the 2025 Ryder Cup is finally upon us… and it has the potential for major fireworks! Michael and Ben report live from Bethpage where they take a look at the pairings each captain has chosen for the opening morning’s foursomes and try to predict how they’ll all go. Plus, is everything okay with Justin Rose? Ben has a worrying stat to share about the former world No.1… Tune-in...

Well, now. We’ve got something rather special for you today. Here to run the rule over the 2025 Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony is none other than… Mr Alex Perry! Alex joins Michael at Bethpage to reflect on how both captains - Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley - fared at the Opening Ceremony. Did Luke make the right call with his money digs? How badly did Keegan blunder with his Justin Rose / Justin Leon...

It’s another huge week in golf which means it’s time for another series of ‘Commutes’ from The bunkered Podcast. Michael McEwan is in New York state for this week’s Ryder Cup match at Bethpage and, on today’s episode, he’s joined by bunkered’s senior writer Ben Parsons to discuss their early impressions of the golf course and the surrounding set-up. The guys also get into the biggest talking point...

It’s that time again! The 44th Ryder Cup is almost upon us - but who’s going to leave Bethpage with the trophy? Michael, James and Lewis discuss that and much more on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast. As well as picking a winner, the guys also try to predict who some of the pairings may be and weigh up exactly just how abusive the home fans might be. Elsewhere, Michael has launched the...

Another Walker Cup, another US win. Last weekend made it five in a row for the ‘Stars and Stripes’. So is it time for the match to get a Ryder Cup-style shake-up? Or maybe enlist the support of some of the game’s best-known pros? Michael, James and Lewis discuss on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast. Elsewhere, there’s reaction to Rory’s win in Ireland and a warning to fans, as well as ne...

Okay, so here it is. We now know the 12 players who will represent Europe in the forthcoming Ryder Cup, with captain Luke Donald naming six picks to go with the half-dozen who qualified automatically for his side. But did he get those decisions right?  Michael, James and Lewis debate that on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast.  Who was the most contentious decision? Who might still withdr...

So, Keegan Bradley will NOT become the Ryder Cup’s first playing captain in more than 60 years. The US skipper has opted not to give himself one of his six picks for the upcoming match at Bethpage. But is that the right call? Michael, James and Lewis debate that decision and weigh up the merits of those he did pick… and those he didn’t. Elsewhere, what’s next for Tommy Fleetwood now that he’s fina...

Europe’s Ryder Cup team is really starting to take shape, so much so that there may only be space for one more man on Luke Donald’s side - but who could that be? On this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast, Michael, James and Lewis run the rule over the three most likely contenders (and maybe a couple of outside bets). Elsewhere, Hunter Mahan joins us to discuss his role in Happy Gilmore 2 and...

The countdown to the latest instalment of the Ryder Cup is well and truly on. On this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast, Michael and James are joined by Evin Priest of Golf Digest to preview next month’s action at Bethpage where, all things considered, Europe have to be regarded as favourites. no? Elsewhere, the guys assess what Tommy Fleetwood has to change if he’s to get over his PGA Tour h...

At long, long last, Happy Gilmore 2 is here. The much-anticipated sequel to the 1996 comedy smash landed on Netflix this morning, with Adam Sandler reprising the titular role.   Michael, James and Lewis got the popcorn out and sat down to watch it the minute it dropped before recording this pod with their unvarnished, unfiltered, kneejerk reactions.   How well did it blend in all the cameos? Was i...

With the dust settling on Scottie Scheffler’s emphatic win at Royal Portrush, Michael, James and Lewis reflect on an epic week in Northern Ireland.   What is the new ‘Champion Golfer of the Year’s’ major ceiling? Could he challenge Tiger’s haul? Maybe even Jack’s? Or is that mental?  Also, what about Rory? How many more chances will he have to win the Claret Jug on home soil? Is the Dunluce Links...

There are only 18 holes left in The 153rd Open.   Scottie Scheffler has a four-shot lead at Royal Portrush and one hand on the Claret Jug. Is it all over or can Rory McIlroy reel him in and win a fairytale sixth major in front of his own people?  Michael McEwan is joined by Golf Digest’s Evin Priest to set the scene for the final day’s play and the possibility of an epic ‘Duel at the Dunluce Links...

      Death, taxes and Scottie Scheffler looking good for a win.   Those are the three certainties in life, and so it proved on day two of The 153rd Open. World No.1 Scheffler moved into pole position to win the Claret Jug after a scintillating 64 at Royal Portrush.   Will he go on to finish the job this weekend? Could Bob MacIntyre be the one to stop him? And what the hell was that Shane Lowry ru...

The first round of The 153rd Open is in the books... and what a day it was!  Michael McEwan and Ben Parsons reflect on an eventful Thursday at Royal Portrush where five players are currently tied for the lead. There’s also some chat about Rory McIlroy’s performance, the big names in danger of missing the cut, and the absolutely glacial pace of play.   Spoiler alert: the guys hate six-hour rounds a...

On today’s episode of the Open Commute, Michael is joined by Golf Digest’s Jamie Kennedy to reflect on the final practice day ahead of The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.  The guys pay special attention to new R&A chief executive Mark Darbon and his first big meeting with the world’s golf media on Wednesday, in particular his thoughts on when Muirfield, Trump Turnberry and even Portmarnock might...

Okay, who had Scottie Scheffler being the most interesting interview on their Open Championship bingo card? The world No.1 - famous for not giving much away to the media - provided a compelling insight into his psyche and how he feels about winning when he faced the world’s golf press on Tuesday. Michael is joined by Golf.com ’s Dylan Dethier to discuss that on today’s episode of the Open Commute,...

The 153rd Open is here which can mean only one thing... it's time for another round of Open Commutes courtesy of The bunkered Podcast team On today's episode, recorded live from Portrush, Michael and Ben reflect on an eventful journey to get to Northern Ireland as well as how Rory McIlroy appeared during his press earlier-than-usual Monday press conference.  Elsewhere, two-time Open champion Padra...

Everybody stay calm but The 153rd Open is upon us - and what a week it’s shaping up to be! On this bumper episode of The bunkered Podcast, Michael, James and Lewis set the scene for a potentially epic week at Royal Portrush. From where, specifically, on the course the Claret Jug might be won and lost, to Rory’s prospects of book-ending men’s major season with another emotional ‘W’, the guys cover...