Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The NCG Golf Podcast

Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll return to The NCG Golf Podcast! The duo discuss the key points from Lee Westwood’s fascinating chat with The Chipping Forecast podcast. What did we make of one of Europe’s greatest players talking openly about LIV and the DP World Tour? And what might the future golfing landscape look like?

England Golf’s revised Championships Entry Policy has raised eyebrows, with tighter restrictions on the use of general play scores for players hoping to compete in the nation’s biggest tournaments. What do the changes tell us about the state of the World Handicap System? And could your club introduce similar measures?

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

After the recent Year to Go festivities at Adare Manor, Matt Chivers hosts a special episode of the NCG Golf Podcast, joined by Dan Murphy to look ahead to the 2027 Ryder Cup.

The pair examine where European captain Luke Donald excels, and where US captain Jim Furyk falls down - including a scathing review of his Ryder Cup record.

Is Adare Manor really the Augusta of Europe? Dan tells us having been to both venues, and takes us back to the last Ryder Cup held in Ireland.

Matt and Dan don't foresee much variation with the European team next year, as Donald enjoys continuity, but could it be a grim picture beyond 2027?

Finally, there is the Scottie Scheffler question. How does America get the best out of the World No.1, and are we just seeing Tiger Woods 2.0 at the Ryder Cup?

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

From temporary greens to rules that can catch you out, winter golf brings many challenges – and it will be upon us. again before we know it.

This week, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll get into the realities of keeping your game going through the colder months. Can you be bothered if you’re not on proper greens? Should fairway mats be anywhere near your club? Should we just stick to the driving range instead?

They also ask whether junior golf is becoming too focused on producing elite players at the expense of enjoying the sport. Should we measure success by how many youngsters are still playing as adults, rather than how many future scratch golfers are produced?

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

Podcast co-host Steve Carroll shot one of the best rounds of his life but failed to get the big handicap cut he craved, because he fell agonisingly short of the threshold for an exceptional score in the World Handicap System.

He gets into the subject with co-host Tom Irwin, with the pair asking what makes a round something completely out of the ordinary.

Should there be a sliding scale for different handicaps? Is the bar set too high?

Elsewhere, Tom thinks he’s just played in the best competition on the planet. You can be the judge.

And can you mark a playing partner’s ball on the green? You’ve all done it, but are you at risk of picking up a penalty?

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

It’s decision time for members of The Glen. They’ve been asked to vote on a partnership that could bring millions of pounds of investment into the club.

What would you think if your club was considering something similar? How much control would you trade or, if it’s a sale, would you expect a dividend?

Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll get into the topic this week, as well as recounting what happened in the big Course Rating match at Dumbarnie last week. Who came out on top and can you play off scratch if you just switch tees?

They then get stuck into formats – should we give foursomes move love? – and this time it’s Tom posing the Rules question to Steve. Can you play a practice round before a competition?

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

Cheating in golf is almost unspoken. Everyone knows it goes on. It whispers through the corridors of our clubs and explodes onto social media almost every time there’s a drop a few keyboard warriors don’t like.

It can be a difficult topic to discuss and even harder to deal with. What do you do? If you’ve seen someone cheating, how would you handle it? Should club players be expected to police themselves in dealing with possible cheaters – even if it could lead to friction on the course?

Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll get into the debate: asking if cheating is widespread, what counts as cheating, and whether we just love a bit of drama in our clubhouses and online.

The duo also get into the latest on golf ball roll back. Just what is going on in the golf course distance debate? And Steve has an unappealing rules scenario for Tom to solve.

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

Does the Solheim Cup need to sound like a musical? Are some golfers taking the mickey when it comes to member guest rates? And are golf clubs becoming a more hostile place to be?

Hosts Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll break down Europe’s magnificent triumph in the biennial battle with the USA but ask if the event needs a soundtrack.

Getting to play a course as a guest with a member, at a much-reduced rate, is a huge privilege but is it one that is being abused?

And as a golf legal advisory association reported that enquiries regarding member disciplinary cases at clubs in Great Britain are at an all-time high, we ask if misconduct is becoming a problem in our sport.

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

In his first interview since returning home from Lahinch, Walker Cup captain Dean Robertson joins the NCG Golf Podcast to take us inside one of the most dramatic weekends in the competition’s history.

Dean reflects on that pulsating final day that saw GB&I recover from a Sunday morning foursomes whitewash to overturn a three-point deficit in the singles and bring the trophy home for the first time since 2015.

What did he say to his players when the contest appeared to be slipping away? When did he begin to believe an extraordinary comeback was possible? And how did it feel to watch his team complete a victory that will live long in Walker Cup history?

In a candid conversation, Dean also discusses the bonds formed at Lahinch, the players who rose to the occasion and the personal meaning of captaining a winning side.

For all of us who were gripped to the action at Lahinch, you will not want to miss the inside story of an unforgettable Walker Cup, told by the man at the heart of it – in every sense.

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

Tom is back from endless travels and reveals 'The best course is he has played in Europe' *probably. More worryingly, he seems to have taken to stalking Patrick Bamford.

Steve is sad because he is leaving the course we shall not name and Tom has been involved in a match play rules controversy that leaves Steve dumfounded.

The Walker Cup was just the tonic they both needed and they reflect on the celebration of amateur and match play golf on the Irish Coast, why we all love it and what the game can learn. They look forward to the Solheim, and wonder where all the women are.

They get stuck into the ticking time bomb of junior handicaps and wonder where it all ends for the endless manipulation of handicaps - both ways.

Tom wins at Rules Corner.. again. 

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

Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are back with another NCG Golf Podcast, and Tom has plenty to catch up on after a golf-filled break.

The pair kick things off by talking about the joys of brown golf courses, with Tom reflecting on some of the brilliant courses he's played recently and why firm, fast and natural conditions can make for such enjoyable golf.

They also get into the latest debates around LIV Golf, the WHS data report and some of the more unusual Rules of Golf scenarios, alongside plenty of conversation about what makes great golf courses and why we love playing them. 

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

Steve Carroll steps in for Tom Irwin this week, joining Dan Murphy for a deep dive into the World Handicap System and the latest WHS Data Report.

With more than 150 million rounds from over 6.5 million golfers included in the report, the pair discuss what the numbers really tell us about handicaps, general play and competition rounds, the ongoing debate around the system, and participation in women's golf.

There's also plenty of golf chat, with Dan looking back on a recent trip to Ireland and Steve sharing his experience at Gilling Castle.

Is the WHS working as it should? And why does it continue to divide opinion among golfers? Steve and Dan get stuck into the numbers and the debate.

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

Tom Irwin is joined by St Enodoc Head Professional Nick Williams for a fascinating look back at almost 46 years in golf.

Nick recalls joining St Enodoc in the 1980s, when the club was a very different place, and reflects on how it has grown from a relatively unknown Cornish gem into a thriving golf club. He also shares stories from his career, including the changing role of the club professional, repairing persimmon clubs, setting courses and handicaps, and the evolution of golf coaching.

They also discuss how technology has transformed teaching, whether modern coaching has become too technical, and why Nick still believes getting the basics right is the key to playing better golf.

A fascinating conversation about a lifetime spent behind the counter, on the course and in the coaching bay at one of Cornwall's most renowned golf clubs.

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

The AIG Women's Open had everything. A dramatic final-day charge, a playoff, and one of the most bizarre moments you'll ever see on a golf course.

Tom Irwin is joined by Steve Carroll and NCG equipment editor Nicola Slater, who was at Royal Lytham, to unpack the championship.

The team also look back on Royal Lytham as a championship venue, the performances of Charley Hull, Lottie Woad and Nelly Korda, and why this year's championship was a brilliant advert for links golf.

In this episode:
• The playoff incident everyone is debating
• Nicola's view from inside Royal Lytham
• Why the course was the perfect major test
• Charley Hull's week under the spotlight
• The biggest talking points from the final women's major of 2026

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

Matt Chivers and Nicola Slater are on location at the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes for a special edition of the NCG Golf Podcast.

Nicola shares what it's really like trying to qualify for a major championship, from the pressure of final qualifying to coming agonisingly close to earning a place in the field. The pair also discuss the changes at Royal Lytham ahead of The Open's return in 2028, the record-breaking growth of the AIG Women's Open, rising prize money, why women's golf is becoming more accessible than ever, and which players could thrive in the links conditions this week.

If you're following the AIG Women's Open, this is your essential preview from inside the ropes.

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

With Steve away, Tom Irwin is joined by NCG Top 100s' Dan Murphy for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest questions facing men's professional golf.

Has LIV Golf already achieved its purpose, even if its future remains uncertain? Are the major championships becoming the only events that truly matter? And what does Rory McIlroy's changing schedule say about the balance of power between players and the tours?

The pair also debate player power, the PGA Tour's signature events, the future of LIV, the role of the DP World Tour, and why golf has become more divided than ever.

If you enjoy the podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review.

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

On the day after The Open, NCG Golf Podcast duo Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are joined by Matt Chivers and Dan Murphy in a special episode discussing what they all saw at Royal Birkdale and of course, the winner - Ryan Fox.

Another ruling cropped up on the final day which caused controversy including the World No.1 Scottie Scheffler. As is the nature of the laws of the game, this led to a heated debate about how tour players can take advantage of immoveable structures at events.

The group discuss Birkdale one last time and how the drastic golf course changes presented a championship test at The Open, based on comments made by players throughout the week. And, there is also one more chat about Bryson DeChambeau, who made headlines throughout with his behaviour.

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

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

NCG Golf Podcast host Steve Carroll is back at Royal Birkdale, and is joined by Matt Chivers in the media centre at The Open, and there has been quite the action in round two. The men's major scoring record has been equalled twice, and there was rangefinder rules confusion amongst all of that.

Steve has also been out on the 18th hole to analyse what makes it so incredible. Bob MacIntyre didn't speak glowingly about it, but Matt Wallace said it's the best finishing hole on The Open Rota. Steve and Matt get into this, plus a whole lot more on day two of The Open.

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

Tom Irwin is once again joined by Dan Murphy and Matt Chivers on the NCG Golf Podcast, in the media centre at Royal Birkdale, on day one of the 154th Open Championship.

The trio get into the players who they thought could win, and how they have respectively started, before tackling how the golf course is playing. What have been the toughest holes, and which is the hardest nine holes?

After discussing the contrast in conditions between the morning and afternoon in Southport Tom, Dan and Matt also get into the distance debate - something that is almost impossible to avoid at these venues.

With players like Rory McIlroy driving par 4 greens from over 400 yards away, can golf courses ever win this battle with technology and distance, and what does it mean for the future?

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

Host Tom Irwin and special guests Dan Murphy and Matt Chivers preview the 154th Open Championship in the media centre at Royal Birkdale. The trio dive into which type of golfer will thrive on the baked Southport links - will it be a bomber or a plodder? 

The team also talk about R&A CEO Mark Darbon's press conference, and the discussion around Open venues that might either be returning to the Rota (Muirfield), or joining for the first time (Portmarnock). Tom also goes into the questions he asked the R&A chief regarding the intricacies of the World Handicap System and General Play scorecards

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

Welcome to the first of our special podcasts from Royal Birkdale where Steve Carroll is joined by Matt Chivers to talk about the opening two days at The Open.

The pair discuss how the course is looking and Matt reveals he has been asking some of the world’s best players about sports betting and crowd behaviour – will we see an interruption this week?

The two also discuss the home favourite Tommy Fleetwood. Is it finally going to be Tommy’s time at the majors on his home course?

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

As The Open returns to the magnificent Royal Birkdale, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll look ahead to the 154th edition of the game's oldest major.

From the Last Chance Open Qualifer and the unique test that Birkdale presents to favourite memories from this iconic links venue, they break down everything you need to know before the first tee shot is struck. And, naturally, they make their picks for who will be lifting the Claret Jug.

This is your essential preview. Tune in and get ready for one of golf's greatest weeks.

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

Few golfers can match the amateur pedigree of Jill Thornhill.

A former Women's Amateur Champion, leading amateur at the Women's British Open, Curtis Cup player and captain, and current president of Walton Heath Golf Club, she has spent decades at the heart of the game.

In this special episode, Steve Carroll sits down with one of our most respected amateur golfers to relive her greatest memories, discuss her lifelong connection to Walton Heath, and share her views on everything from pace of play and the Rules of Golf to the World Handicap System.

It’s an engaging conversation with a true giant of amateur golf.

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

If it’s not visitors holding up play by taking endless photos, it is golfer taking calls when they should be playing a shot.

So should mobile phones be banned on the course? Is golf’s relationship with technology harming the game.

In this episode of The NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll tackle one of the game’s most contentious debates.

From ringing phones and social media distractions to GPS apps, score tracking and way we experience a round, we ask whether golf needs to draw a line.

Please let us know your thoughts – get in touch on your preferred podcast app or send us an email at s.carroll@nationalclubgolfer.com

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Players throwing clubs. Spectators turning on eventual US Open champion Wyndham Clark. Tempers boiling over on the biggest stage. For those who believe etiquette is golf’s foundation, recent events have raised an uncomfortable question: has the game lost its way?

And is what we see on tour simply reflecting what’s happening every weekend at golf clubs across the country?

In this week’s episode, Tom Irwin climbs onto the soapbox to deliver a passionate and thought-provoking critique of golf’s changing standards.

Why has etiquette slipped? Are golfers simply copying what they see at the top of the game? And what can clubs, players, and the sport itself do to turn things around?

It’s a lively debate about respect and whether golf’s unwritten rules are under threat.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Another month, another record. England Golf's iGolf scheme added more than 6,100 subscribers in May alone, while recorded rounds topped 100,000 for the first time.

Nearly 30,000 golfers have gone on to join clubs since the programme launched – but are clubs doing enough to welcome these players? Or are some turning away a valuable source of future members by restricting access to Open competitions?

Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll dive into the numbers and discuss whether golf clubs are missing a major opportunity.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

It’s one of golf’s most hotly debated questions – and Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll aren’t holding back.

Has the World Handicap System become too much of a free-for-all? Should competition golf be the only true measure of a player’s ability?

The pair ask whether the system is baffling newcomers and juniors and get into par, strokes received, and what your handicap really represents.

Whether you're a competition regular, or simply someone who's ever wondered how their index is calculated, you’ll want to listen in…

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

You've got £500, three days, and a set of clubs in the boot. Where are you heading?

This week, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll plan the ultimate budget golf trip. Steve reveals an eye-opening adventure in Northumberland, complete with green fees that seem too good to be true, while Tom makes the case for his beloved Lincolnshire and its collection of top-class courses.

If you're looking for maximum golf without emptying your wallet, this episode is packed with ideas.

And we want to hear from you: what's the best-value golf trip you've ever taken?

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

This week Steve Carroll is joined by Sam Barker-Sabido, Rules of Golf manager at England Golf.

Catching up ahead of the Brabazon Trophy last week, the pair discuss how the governing body’s referees approach a big championship.

But they also discuss how you can get involved in refereeing and Sam lists some of the most common rules mistakes golfers make in their competitive outings.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can become a referee, or just how you can improve your Rules of Golf knowledge, make sure to tune in…

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

This week, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll react to Aaron Rai’s stunning PGA Championship win and relive their own chaotic debut as a pairing in the NCG Top 100s Summer Match Play.

But it isn’t long before the conversation turns back to the World Handicap System. Why are handicap allowances still confusing golfers? Why do clubs stick to the same tees every week? And if your score can be adjusted anyway… why can’t competitions be more flexible?

It’s majors, match play, medal tees, and more WHS frustration on this week’s NCG Golf Podcast.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

From the balls we hit, to the watches we wear on our wrists, technology has seeped into every part of golf.

Now artificial intelligence threatens to change the game in ways we probably haven’t even imagined yet.

But does it enhance the game or detract from it? This week Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll discuss the increasing rise of tech and whether it’s chipping away at golf’s soul.

Should the sport be determined by data or should the golf course be a screen-free zone?

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

This week, we’ve got a bonus episode for you as Steve Carroll caught up with Lee Westwood at Close House. As well as being one of Europe’s best golfers over the last three decades, he’s also the attached tour professional at the Newcastle venue, which is marking 15 years since it opened the Colt course.

We got stuck into a bunch of club matters, considered if the upcoming golf ball roll back is necessary to protect classic masterpieces like St Andrews, and he revealed the simple things golfers can do to score better straight away.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are back discussing the latest moves in the World Handicap System. They talk about how Playing Handicaps are applied in competitions, with Golf Ireland now being joined by Wales Golf and Scottish Golf in giving clubs more flexibility.

With England Golf the only country in the home nations not to follow suit, what does this mean for WHS? Is the aim of a unified handicap system in GB&I fracturing?

Golf Ireland have also brought in a new pilot scheme, which will determine how players qualify for their elite competitions. Are they moving away from using WHS for their top performers by turning to a strokes gained system? What should that mean for clubs?

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

What is going on with the breakaway tour? Will PIF pull their funding? Is Bryson DeChambeau going to stay? Is it even going to be able to carry on?

With speculation continuing, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll try and unpick what’s going on with LIV Golf and what could happen over the next few weeks and months...

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

In this special episode of the NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy look back on a captivating week at Augusta National, where Rory McIlroy cemented his place in golfing history with a second consecutive Masters victory.

Having captured his maiden Green Jacket in 2025, McIlroy returned in 2026 to prove it was no one-off, holding off a relentless chasing pack to become just the fourth player ever to win back-to-back Masters titles. Tom and Dan revisit their early tournament predictions and reflect on how, despite the twists, turns, and moments of doubt throughout the week, Tom's original instincts ultimately rang true.

The episode breaks down the defining moments of the championship, the key challengers who pushed McIlroy to the limit, and the significance of joining such an exclusive club of Masters legends. They also explore what this achievement means for McIlroy’s legacy and his standing in the modern game.

Tune in for expert insight, engaging analysis, and a celebration of a historic triumph at Augusta.

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

In this Saturday edition of the NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy return to reassess the ever-shifting landscape of The Masters. After the optimism surrounding Rory McIlroy’s earlier performance, moving day told a very different story. McIlroy struggled to find his rhythm, leaving the door wide open for the chasing pack.

Stepping into the spotlight was Cameron Young, who produced a sensational 65 to surge up the leaderboard and ignite the tournament heading into Sunday. With momentum building behind a host of contenders, the race for the Green Jacket is suddenly wide open.

Tom and Dan break down the key moments from the round, analyse what went wrong for McIlroy, and assess the growing list of challengers poised to make a Sunday charge. With Augusta National set for a thrilling finale, everything is still to play for.

Tune in for expert insight, sharp analysis, and all the drama from moving day at the Masters.

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

In this special Masters edition of the NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy dissect a truly memorable round from Rory McIlroy. The episode takes listeners shot-by-shot through McIlroy’s sensational performance at The Masters.

The duo explore the key moments that defined the round, the strategic decisions that shaped his score, and how this display stacks up against some of Augusta National’s most iconic performances. With expert insight and passionate analysis, Tom and Dan place McIlroy’s 65 in historical context, examining what it means for his legacy and his pursuit of the Green Jacket.

Whether you’re a Masters enthusiast or simply appreciate golfing excellence, this episode offers a deep dive into a round that may stand among the finest ever played at Augusta.

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

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

Augusta National is one of the most famous venues in sport, but what is it really like beyond the perfectly manicured fairways and familiar TV shots? In this special episode of the NCG Golf Podcast, Dan Murphy and Tom Irwin take you inside the gates to share their first-hand experiences from the home of the Masters on the day before the action starts.

From the subtleties of the course’s elevation changes to the scale of its most iconic holes, they cut through the usual clichés to reveal what makes Augusta National so unique.

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

This week, Tom Irwin sits down with six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo to talk about the remarkable impact of the Faldo Series – an initiative that has helped countless young players reach the top of the game.

He also opens up about how equipment has evolved, how modern skill levels compare with his era, and what it takes to succeed today.

And, of course, you’ll hear his memories from Augusta and the stories behind his three Masters victories.

The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

It’s the best episode of the year! It’s our Masters preview! It’s the ceremonial opening to the golf season and Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are very excited about this year’s hunt for the Green Jacket.

What is the greatest Masters of all time? Why is it so hard to go back-to-back? And is the Champions Dinner actually at the very heart of everything about the tournament?

We’ve got a how to guide to Augusta, break down some Masters myths and, most importantly, tell you who might go on to win. There are a few surprise names on our shortlist.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Tom Irwin has been signing up for every match play competition his club offers and, this week, he tells co-host Steve Carroll why the format is so special.

But Steve’s not quite so convinced. Is arranging games just too much of a hassle? And what impact does the World Handicap System have on the formats?

Does 100 per cent of Course Handicap in singles competitions give some players too much of an advantage?

The pair also reveal some of your on-course nightmares and Steve’s got a sticky rules situation for Tom to solve.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

These are the rounds we would rather forget – the shots that went wrong, the blow ups on and off the course that left us wondering whether we should ever swing a club ever again.

This week Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are in the Confessional, recounting the occasions they cringed and collapsed. From an embarrassing error at Open Regional Qualifying to a Captain’s Day disaster, these are the times we just wanted to curl up and die on the golf course.

Enjoy them, commiserate with us, and get in touch and tell us your own tales of woe.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Podcast host Tom Irwin has been to the Sunningdale Foursomes – a traditional curtain-raiser to the golf season – and he absolutely loved it.

But in club land foursomes can sometimes be a difficult sell, with golfers arguing over the format or reluctant to hit only half the shots in a normal round.

This week, Tom and Steve review foursomes, why it can struggle to gain a fuller foothold in the club game, and why more of us should consider spending more time playing alternate shot.

Is it the purest form of the game? Let us convince you…

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Women’s participation in golf is growing – but is it growing fast enough? Does the industry really understand the experience of women in golf? And is the biggest barrier access or culture?

This week, we’re joined by Nicole Wheatley, founder of the Women in Golf Awards, to talk about participation, accountability, and whether golf is ready to honesty look at itself.

The new Fairways Project, launched by the Awards in collaboration with 59Club, is a five-year global study designed to measure women’s experience across the industry. Nicole explains why it’s so important and why men also need to get involved.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Are you one of those players determined to be the best they can be? Are you having regular lessons, staking out the range, and practising like there’s no tomorrow?

Or are you just happy to play once a week, have a drink with your friends, and not worry about your handicap?

This week, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll ask if club golfers are motivated to improve – and what’s getting in the way of those who aren't.

The pair also go through a busy mailbag, and there's a muddy rules query to match the weather. 

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Have you ever considered leaving your golf club? How many of your clubs upped your fees last year and are they going to do it again? What keeps you loyal?

We asked you about golf club membership in another big NCG survey filled in by more than 1,000 of you and Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll break down some fascinating results.

We reveal what you are saying about golf club membership, and whether we’re still basking in post-pandemic participation joy or if dark clouds are on the horizon.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

Music playing, phones buzzing, dress codes pushed to the limit – and that’s before we even start dredging up unrepaired pitch marks and unraked bunkers.

Was good etiquette about fitting in, and is it now about tolerance and acceptance instead? Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll dig into the etiquette question – from pace of play to course care. They share some stories and ask whether standards are dying or just evolving.

The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

We surveyed 3,390 golfers from across the UK and beyond to ask what they really thought about the World Handicap System

Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll reveal the results – breaking down what the data really tells us, where the system is working, and where golfers believe it is falling apart.

We’ll discuss issues around trust, fairness, general play scores, and whether you think WHS truly reflects ability.

The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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

It’s probably the most fundamental part of the World Handicap System but how many of us really understand Course Rating?

This week, Steve Carroll is joined by Gemma Hunter, The R&A’s assistant director of handicapping, to discuss this vital piece of the puzzle.

How does it work? How is the data put together? Do clubs get to see it? Is it all just about length?

The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash.

Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/

X: https://x.com/NCG_com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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