The bunkered Golf Podcast

It’s everybody’s favourite episode of the year: The bunkered Podcast’s Open Championship preview!

On this week’s edition, Michael and Lewis set the scene for the 154th edition of golf’s oldest major from the ‘comfort’ of their roasting hot studio in Dundee.

Is defending champion Scottie Scheffler really coming in undercooked? Why the hell is Rory McIlroy playing football? Is it Tommy’s time? Will Bryson finally make a major cut this year?

Get all this and insight into Royal Birkdale course changes, standout holes, and...

The best two weeks in golf are here! According to Lewis, at least. Michael’s less convinced… but then again, he’s played Augusta National.

Before next week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, we’ve got the Scottish Open at The Renaissance, where an exceptional field will attempt to wrestle the title from Chris Gotterup.

But should the event start moving around the country again? Just one of the many questions the guys tackle.

Elsewhere, there’s some chat around the most infamous lasagne in golf, Peter Alliss’ j...

Huge changes are coming to the PGA Tour. But what do you need to know and how significant are they?

Michael and Lewis break it all down for you on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, there’s some chat about Phil Mickelson, the most ridiculously difficult Golf Tenable to date, and an old favourite makes a welcome return…

Tune-in now!

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Wyndham Clark is just the latest golfer to suffer at the hands of ungracious spectators. Fortunately, it didn’t stop him from winning the US Open but, without something being done about it, how long until somebody does lose a tournament because of hecklers?

Michael and Lewis take a closer look at this problem on the latest episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, there’s reaction to news of a delay in the proposed (and much-discussed) golf back rollback, as well as thoughts on Joaquin Niemann making an unwanted bit of major...

Routinely criticised for “flooding the market” with new drivers, TaylorMade has announced that it is pivoting, with immediate effect, from a 12-month new product cycle to a 24-month cycle. But why? And why now?

Michael and Lewis break down the shock golf gear news on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, Michael says a not-very-fond farewell to PGA of America president Don Rea, there’s some chat about a new event in England, and Lewis opens up on his recurring golf dream / nightmare.

Tune-in now!

Let’s just call it Aaronimink, shall we? After a week of twists, turns and everything else, it was England’s Aaron Rai who emerged victorious at the PGA Championship, winning his maiden major in fantastic fashion. 

On this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast, Michael and Lewis do a deep dive on Britain’s latest major champ – iron headcovers and all. 

There’s also chat about the Sky Sports coverage, Garrick Higgo’s timekeeping, Rory’s latest clashes with American spectators, and much more besides.  

Plus, Michael has a ne...

It’s time for the second men’s major of the year which means it’s time for another bumper edition of The bunkered Podcast.

On this week’s episode, Michael and Lewis assess Scottie Scheffler’s chances of successfully defending the Wanamaker Trophy, Rory McIlroy’s chances of taking another step towards completing the calendar year grand slam, Jordan Spieth’s chances of completing the career grand slam, and the LIV golfers’ chances full-stop!

Elsewhere, there’s a difference of opinion on the golf ball rollback and a Golf Tenable that Michael won’t s...

Do not adjust your sets - this is not your typical episode of The bunkered Podcast!

Instead, this is something brand-new from the TBP Universe.

Introducing episode one of bunkered Business, a spin-off show focusing on the companies and commerce that power the game at all levels.

Presented by Owen Wyatt, the chief growth officer of DC Thomson, and your regular bunkered Podcast host Michael McEwan, this is the podcast for golf entrepreneurs, innovators and decision-makers.

To kick us off, a closer look under the bonnet of LIV Golf and where...

So it’s official: the PIF of Saudi Arabia will no longer bankroll LIV Golf - but what does that mean for the future of the league? Indeed, does it even have a future, or are we watching it take its final few breaths?

Michael and Lewis discuss that, and what the implications might be for LIV’s star players, on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, there’s not one, not two, but THREE rules SNAFUs to discuss, plus a call to action for anybody named Mark.

Six months after losing the Ryder Cup in front of an, ahem, partisan home support at Bethpage, Team USA has a new captain.

Except he’s not new at all. Jim Furyk, the man who presided over the 17.5-10.5 pounding in Paris, is back in the saddle.

Which begs the question: what are they thinking?!

Michael and Lewis break down the appointment a busy episode which also includes reaction to the scandalous ticket prices for next year’s match at Adare Manoe, thoughts on the Open’s return to...

Rory McIlroy has made yet more Masters history, becoming just the fourth man to successfully defend the green jacket – but where does that rank him amongst Europe’s golfers of all time? And did he have, as some have suggested, an “unfair advantage” this year?

Michael, James and Lewis get into the weeds on the latest episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, the guys weigh up Justin Rose’s prospects of ever winning the green jacket, the Par-3 Contest’s 'celeb’ problem, merch madness, and Robert MacIntyre and Sergio Garcia’s bad behaviour.

Plus, James has...

Hello, friends! It’s time for a tradition unlike any other – The bunkered Podcast’s gigantic Masters preview.

Will Rory McIlroy successfully defend the green jacket? Will the nappy factor bounce Scottie Scheffler towards a third win at Augusta National? Will it be Bryson’s year? Or Bob’s? Or Tommy’s? Or... Jake Knapp’s?

Plus, the guys reveal what they’d change about the tournament and answer YOUR questions.

Sit back, relax and tune-in now!

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Following his latest car crash, Tiger Woods' competitive future is once again in significant doubt. Is it time for the former world No.1 to walk away from golf? Should the chance to captain the US Ryder Cup team be taken away from him? Is he competent enough to lead the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee? 

Michael, James and Lewis discuss all of these points – and more – on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast. 

Elsewhere, there’s praise for Gary Woodland following his remarkable victory in Texas and reaction to growing speculation that the Ryder Cu...

Golf is the greatest sport of all... but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

And so, inspired by yet another slow debacle on tour, Michael and Lewis take the opportunity on this week’s pod to spell out all of the other improvements they’d make to the game, from the grassroots up.

Elsewhere, the guys start the countdown to The Masters by picking out some players who’ve got a fight on their hands to make it to Augusta.

Asked & Answered, Podder of Merit, and Golf Tenable...

The behaviour of certain spectators at The PLAYERS Championship last weekend has created almost as many headlines as the golf itself - so is it time for the PGA Tour to straighten it out?

Michael, James and Lewis discuss in detail on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, does anything make Cameron Young smile? Why can’t English golfers win at TPC Sawgrass? How should we be feeling about Rory as he prepares to defend the Masters?

Plus, Lewis tries using A.I. and James i...

Get ready to for all the “fifth major” start to resume in earnest – it’s time for the 2026 PLAYERS Championship! 

On this week’s episode, Michael, James and Lewis set the scene for the 52nd edition of the PGA Tour’s flagship event. Will defending champ Rory McIlroy be fit to play? Will the real Scottie Scheffler show up? Why is it so damn hard to defend at TPC Sawgrass? The guys debate it all.  

Elsewhere, has Luke Donald risked his legacy by three-peating as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain? And Lewis is now a qua...

McLaren Racing launching a new golf equipment company was not on our bingo card for this year… but here we are!

The F1 giant has teased its plans to enter the world of club manufacture next month, with some exceptionally high-profile hires to its staff already having been confirmed.

What does this mean for consumers, for tour pros, for the marketplace and more? What should we expect from the new McLaren clubs? And more the point, could this herald a wave of other big tech disruptors launching their own golf hardware (the...

Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup future appears to be hanging by a thread. Is it really possible that he’ll be banned from playing in next year’s match at Adare Manor?

Michael, James and Lewis discuss that - and what it could all mean for Europe’s prospects of a third straight win - on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, there’s chat about Anthony Kim, Tiger Woods’ Masters hopes, a ridiculous game of Golf Tenable, and ‘a pair of beavers’.

Tune-in now!

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It must be February. We know that because the old “Should The PLAYERS Championship be a major” argument has started all over again.

Michael, James and Lewis discuss the merits for and against (mostly against) that idea on this week’s episode.

Elsewhere, the guys react to Patrick Reed’s latest win and the prospect of a first genuinely mouth-watering Order of Merit race in over 20 years, and there’s reaction to LIV finally getting OWGR points (and still being unhappy about it).

Plus, mine shafts, Golf Tenable, and…...

Following his dominant win in the Farmers Insurance Open, it’s time to ask the question: does Justin Rose’s CV get enough credit?

Michael, James and Lewis debate that on this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, the guys react to Patrick Reed’s LIV exit and discuss whether or not the WM Phoenix Open is good for the game.

Plus, there’s an epic game of Golf Tenable.

Tune-in now!

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Following his victory in the Dubai Desert Classic, Michael, Lewis and James ask if the time has come to finally put some respect on Patrick Reed’s name - or if his, ahem, complicated history means that will never be possible.

Elsewhere, the guys discuss Rory McIlroy’s comments on Muirfield and the thorny subject of free relief from divots rears its head once again, prompting raised voices, fireworks and… Peter Rabbit?

Plus, there’s a game of something called Play Your ‘Grams Right…

Tune-in now!

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With Brooks Koepka having quit to return to the PGA Tour, everybody is speculating about what the future holds for LIV Golf.

On this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast, Michael and Lewis dive beyond the headlines and try to make sense of another crazy week in men’s professional golf.

There’s also chatter about what the PGA Tour’s rank-and-file might be thinking about Koepka’s instant return, plus five ways Rory McIlroy can make 2026 as good as - if not better than - his career-defining 2025.

Tune-in no...

Well, what do you know - it’s a new year!

On this week’s episode of The bunkered Podcast, Michael, James and Lewis gaze into their crystal balls to predict what’s in store for golf in 2026.

Will we have another career grand slam winner? Will the Internationals finally get their hands on the Presidents Cup? Will Tiger Woods feature at all?

Also, the guys discuss Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour and there’s a fun ‘Asked & Answered’ to get us rolling.

Tune-i...

It’s Christmas time. There’s no need to be afraid.

Instead, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy The bunkered Podcast’s annual review of the last 12 months.

MVP, LVP, Most Bats**t Moment, Quote of the Year… Michael, James and Lewis hand out awards for all of these categories plus so much more.

Elsewhere, there’s a final Podder of Merit update for 2025, Michael raps (oh yes he does), and “Sadie Says” makes a much anticipated and welcome return.

Tune-in now!

And on behalf of the whole team...

As he prepares for his final tournament of a career-defining 2025, it's time to ask the question: is Rory McIlroy the greatest European golfer of all time?

Michael, James and Lewis debate the cases for and against on this week's episode of The bunkered Podcast.

Elsewhere, the guys respond to LIV's first close-season signings and debate an alleged case of cheating on the Challenge Tour. 

Oh, and Michael hints at a hidden talent...

Tune-in now!

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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 guys make the case for ‘Freduardo’ Molinari to be the Ryder Cup captain, and Gary Player is *this* close to getting his ow...

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 straight about clickbait, misquoting and that whole Graeme McDowell thing; could a LIV player ever really be Ryder Cup captain; Gary P...

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 None Club. You’re going to want to tune in just for that.

Listen now!

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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? Has the time come to call it quits and put his health first?

Michael, James and Lewis deba...

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 its first members, James reflects on the World Long Drive Championship in Colorado, and we’re the first media to take a peek inside Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake’s new St And...

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 gone wrong so far for the US, and whether or not there’s any possibility of a stunning American fightback.

Plus, Scottie, 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-in now!

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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 now!

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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 Leonard faux-pas?

The guys discuss all of that and more on today’s ep.

Tune-in now!

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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 of the week so far: the $500k payments to each American player and their captain Keegan Bradley. Is this, as Ben puts it, an “unf...

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 Hole In None Club and there’s a chance to win limited-edition clothing from Under Armour.<...

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 news of another tour pro’s premature retirement.

Oh, and Michael would like to apologise to Ryan Fox in ad...

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 news of another tour pro’s premature retirement. 

Oh, and Michael would like to apologise to Ryan Fox in advan...

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 withdraw from the match? Which players have the most legitimate case to be miffed at missing out? And is the European Tour less valuable in a Ryder Cup...

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 finally a PGA Tour winner and what convinced Lewis to heckle Luke Donald at the Scottish Open?

Tun...