Author: Dan Murphy

Dan Murphy
Dan is a lifelong golfer since having the great fortune to grow up within 200 yards of the 5th fairway of his local 9-holer, Rawdon, in Leeds.
He attended his first Open Championship in 1988 at Royal Lytham, parking himself in a grandstand behind the 8th green just in time to see Paul Broadhurst hole out from the fairway below for an eagle, which seemed perfectly normal at the time.
Since then, he has attended a further 24 Opens and, perhaps unsurprisingly, can recite a phenomenal number of arcane statistics about The Open – whether you ask him to or not.
Dan has a post-graduate diploma in print journalism and is an experienced writer and editor, as well being a director of NCG’s parent company.
He specialises in the golf courses of the British Isles and heads up NCG Top 100s course rankings. He is not unacquainted with links golf and is closing in on a lifetime tally of 700 courses played.
In a former life, Dan was NCG’s equipment editor for several years. Currently in his bag are a Ping G430 LST driver, Ping G430 LST 3-wood, Ping G430 3-hybrid, Ping i230 irons, Ping Glide wedges and a Ping Vault putter.
The brains behind the NCG Top 100s rankings, Dan is our man with a plan (and algorithm) when it comes to all things golf courses.
Dan has worked at National Club Golfer since 2002 and was the editor from 2007 to 2020.
Away from golf he is a season ticket holder at Leeds United.

The anatomy of a 62 – and what it tells us about the distance debate
By Dan Murphy | Jul 23, 2026

I played six golf courses in three days across the Welsh Borders. Every one delivered outstanding value
By Dan Murphy | Jul 3, 2026

Record crowds and enhanced spectator experience for Birkdale Open
By Dan Murphy | Apr 27, 2026

After 40 years of watching every shot, I finally got to go to the Masters
By Dan Murphy | Apr 17, 2026

Scott, Garcia and Rose: Major brothers in arms for a quarter of a century
By Dan Murphy | Apr 10, 2026

Solved – the mystery of the curious names on the Augusta National scoreboards
By Dan Murphy | Apr 9, 2026

If anyone can Master the sensory overload of being defending champion at Augusta it is Rory McIlroy
By Dan Murphy | Apr 8, 2026

These Ecco golf shoes keep performing long after inferior models are ready for the bin
By Dan Murphy | Mar 5, 2026

The story behind Old Petty at Cabot Highlands
By Dan Murphy | Jan 30, 2026

Machrihanish Dunes: the remarkable links and village that could soon become a full-scale resort
By Dan Murphy | Dec 2, 2025

Murrayshall is the historic Perth country estate with exciting modern additions on and off the course
By Dan Murphy | Oct 29, 2025

Is there a better combined on-course and off-course experience than at Dumbarnie Links?
By Dan Murphy | Oct 21, 2025

This brilliant new Bushnell provides the ultimate solution to every serious golfer’s laser and GPS needs
By Dan Murphy | Oct 13, 2025

Ecco Biom H5 High Top Boa: The golf boots to help you survive the winter in style
By Dan Murphy | Oct 13, 2025

Ping Pioneer: The cart bag that carries more equipment, apparel and supplies than any other
By Dan Murphy | Oct 9, 2025

Ryder Cup 2025: Our report cards rate each individual player’s performances at Bethpage
By Dan Murphy | Sep 28, 2025

America have the crowds, the patriotism and the presidential visit but Europe look to have the aces
By Dan Murphy | Sep 26, 2025

The evolution of the Ailsa at Trump Turnberry continues
By Dan Murphy | Sep 9, 2025

The Cairndale Hotel & Spa in Dumfries is the ideal base for a south-west Scotland golf break
By Dan Murphy | Sep 5, 2025

Have you played one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most characterful golf courses?
By Dan Murphy | Sep 2, 2025

Ecco M Golf Street 720 Golf Shoe Review: An absolute bargain at £89.99!
By Dan Murphy | Aug 22, 2025

Say hello to the Ping iDi Driving Iron – delivering power and control
By Dan Murphy | Jul 8, 2025

Meet the Thriver – the new ultimate fairway-finder from Ping
By Dan Murphy | May 1, 2025

Ping Tour Umbrella 68” review: Your rainy day saviour!
By Dan Murphy | Feb 21, 2025

Why do women and men need separate handicapping systems? Answer: They don’t
By Dan Murphy | Mar 7, 2024

‘I’ve worn Ecco Biom Hybrids for 36 holes – and still not wanted to take them off’
By Dan Murphy | Jul 21, 2021

Ecco S-Three review: The shoe choice of a major champion
By Dan Murphy | Apr 9, 2021

Show your true colours with Golf Pride MCC Teams grips
By Dan Murphy | Jul 17, 2020

Playing for England in the Ashes was nerve-wracking, but teeing off at the Old Course was something else
By Josh Poysden | May 30, 2020

Why we professional sports people just can’t get enough of golf
By Josh Poysden | May 15, 2020

Ping’s Prodi G Line reinvent the concept of junior clubs
By Dan Murphy | Aug 14, 2018









