The NCG Golf Podcast
Episodes
Has the World Handicap System ruined match play knockouts?
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 spe...
The rounds of golf we are desperate to forget
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why do club golfers have a problem with foursomes?
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast host Tom Irwin has been to the Sunningdale Foursomes – the traditional curtain-raiser to the amateur golf season – and he absolutely loved...
Is golf still designed by men, for men?
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Are we bothered about getting better at golf?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Golf club membership: Is it stronger than ever – or teetering on a cliff edge?
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever consider 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 loya...
Have we seen the death of golf etiquette?
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Music playing, phones buzzing, dress codes pushed to the limit – and that’s before we even start dredging up unrepaired pitch marks and unraked bu...
What 3,000+ golfers really think about WHS
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
How does Course Rating actually work?
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Are independent golfer schemes killing club golf?
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It offers a cheap way to get an official handicap and players don’t need to be a member of a golf club. Whether it’s iGolf or OpenPlay, independen...
Should you have to pass a test to get onto the golf course?
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Should you have to show basic competency before you are let loose on the fairways and greens? Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll ask this week whether rules,...
It’s the big NCG Golf Podcast end of year quiz!
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We can’t see off 2025 without a huge quiz and there are reputations on the line as two podcasts collide. Steve Carroll, the pride of The NCG Golf Po...
5 things you will see at your golf club in 2026... and 3 you won’t!
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are two certainties at Christmas – countdowns and a good old-fashioned lookahead. Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll get out their crystal balls – ...
What are the most broken rules in golf?
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What always has you shaking your head on the golf course? What are the rules that no one can get right? Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll reveal the regul...
What does 2026 hold for the World Handicap System?
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
England Golf’s decision to postpone any changes to handicap allowances ends another turbulent year for the World Handicap System. With dissent as st...
Sir Nick Faldo joins NCG for an exclusive conversation
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Are golf club committees an outdated talking shop?
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Vital to the running of a golf club, or paralysed decision makers that just get in the way? Do we still need golf club committees and, if so, how coul...
Is golf getting too expensive for the average player?
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Green fees that seem to never stop rising, clubs asking for more from their members, and have you seen the price of equipment? Is it all too much? Aft...
Should rangefinders and lasers be banned?
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are distance measuring devices a vital tool that speed up play, or a menace making golf too easy? This week on The NCG Golf Podcast, Tom and Irwin and...
How to cheat the WHS
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, co-hosts Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll really are talking about some of the ways golfers can manipulate – and outright deceive – the World Hand...
Is it a Happy Birthday for the World Handicap System?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Doesn’t time fly? It’s very nearly five years since the World Handicap System arrived in the lives of golfers in Great Britain & Ireland and S...
These are the Rules of Golf we would change
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn’t love a Rules of Golf controversy? Just look at social media after a big decision on tour. It’s full of people debating and disagreeing...
Sir Clive Woodward: ‘I would have stopped the Ryder Cup’
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Tom Irwin is joined by Sir Clive Woodward, the England Rugby World Cup winning coach, and one of sport’s greatest leaders. The pair discu...
Europe won the Ryder Cup but did golf lose?
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What has happened to the Ryder Cup? From a pre-event pay-for-play row to the appalling behaviour on show in the galleries at Bethpage Black, it felt l...
Exclusive: Justin Rose speaks to NCG ahead of Ryder Cup showdown
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bethpage Black is almost upon us and we’ve got a bumper preview show ahead of a mouthwatering match up between the USA and Europe. Tom Irwin sits do...
Where does the World Handicap System go from here?
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We asked your thoughts about the World Handicap System and you responded in huge numbers – almost breaking Steve Carroll’s email. In today’s epi...
Why do we make golf so hard for new players?
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a rite of passage in the Irwin household. Tom’s son has just received his first handicap and in this week’s episode we discuss that jo...
A Life in Golf: Eddie Pepperell
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of our special A Life in Golf podcasts, Tom Irwin chats to DP World Tour winner and podcast host Eddie Pepperell Eddie and Tom got tog...
Moaning about the PCC, the Hagen 54, and is there a penalty for picking up a lost club?
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We haven’t nattered about our favourite subject for a while, so Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll can’t resist another yarn about the World Handicap Sys...
Is the fan experience at The Open all that good?
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin has just returned from a week at Royal Portrush where he was both media and family man. Once he’d put away the laptop, he experienced The ...
Day Three Wrap of The Open
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Day three of The Open is done, and it's the same story as most other golf tournaments: Scottie Scheffler is steaming ahead to victory. Tom Irwin and M...
Day Two Wrap from The Open
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our wrap of day two at The Open, Tom Irwin is rejoined by Tour Editor Matt Chivers, fresh and excited from following Rory McIlroy inside the ropes ...
Day One Wrap from The Open
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin is joined by Dan Murphy, veteran of 27 Open Championships, to reflect on a monumental day one of The Open. They discuss how big is too big, ...
The eve of The Open
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin is at The Open, he is missing Steve but the excitement has got too much and he had to Pod. He has roped in Tour Editor Matt Chivers to join ...
It's our 2025 Open Championship preview show!
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush and we’ve got an unmatched preview to get you into the spirit for the final men’s major of the year. Tom I...
The best holes at The Open: Part 2
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve reached the halfway point of our run down of the best golf holes on The Open rota courses. Now, Tom Irwin joins Steve Carroll once more to dis...
These are the best holes at The Open: Part 1
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin is getting in the Open spirit. He’s somehow managed to blag his way round most of the courses on The Open rota over the last few months. I...
Is golf really in danger of ‘dying out’?
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new report says golf is a big turn off for plenty of kids – and huge numbers of parents don’t even try to get their children into the sport. The...
You MUST do these 8 things at your next custom fitting
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast co-host Tom Irwin has had a through-the-bag fitting with TaylorMade at The Belfry. With clubs costing what they do, it's essential you buy som...
Competition and casual golf aren't the same – we need to understand that
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Steve and Tom have been playing golf. A lot of golf. Yes, we get a rundown of Captain’s Days and Team Championships but there is a deeper message to...
Are golf’s record participation numbers all they seem?
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Record rounds, record scores submitted – the picture for golf looks rosy. The post Covid boom seems alive and well. So why are some in the golf indu...
Online bookings or a free-for-all: How should golf clubs deal with tee times?
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are back in the saddle and they’re zoning in this week on tee times. Should it be a free-for-all when you want to play g...
A Life in Golf: David Scott, Honorary Professional of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tom Irwin chats to David Scott, who has just been appointed Honorary Professional of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. H...
A Life in Golf: England Golf Performance Director Nigel Edwards
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Carroll sits down with the esteemed Walker Cup player and captain who has helped bring through some of England’s biggest golfing talents. Nige...
Should general play scores be weighted to lessen their WHS impact?
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll discuss the drought that is putting greenkeepers in a bind across GB&I. It’s barely rained...
A Life in Golf: Walker Cup hero Hugh Stuart
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a new series for The NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin sits down with Walker Cup star Hugh Stuart to discuss his fascinating life in the sport. A Life in...
You have your say on the World Handicap System!
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After an extended Easter break, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are back in the saddle on The NCG Golf Podcast. They reflect on Rory McIlroy’s historic ...
Is this the best job in the world? And how to plan the perfect golf trip
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin is joined this week by James Wilson, of short side fame and clothing brand Manors Golf. If you’ve a penchant for looking at lovely picture...
What are players who manipulate WHS? The R&A say they’re cheats!
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What should we call those players who manipulate the World Handicap System – and what should clubs do about them? The R&A give us their answer. ...
This is our ultimate Masters preview!
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The best week of the golfing year? The Masters is here, the men’s majors are back, and this is our comprehensive look ahead to events at Augusta Nat...
Got some old clubs to sell? Here’s how you can cash in!
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who among us doesn’t have a load of old golf clubs piled up in their garage or in their loft? Have you thought about selling them but can’t be bot...
The Halfway House: Is a driver ever worth £500?
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Golf equipment has got expensive, hasn’t it? It seems most drivers have crossed the £500 barrier and putters don’t seem too far behind. But is ne...
How to get better at golf. Our scratch player reveals all!
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin is very into his golf right now – and he’s had a revelation. He’s worked out the sport is much more rewarding if you put time into get...
The Halfway House: Should the long putter be banished from golf?
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A vital part of a player’s armoury, or just an excuse to get into a row about anchoring? Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin are back with their quizzes and...
Should we get rid of handicaps?
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
They’re divisive. They cause loads of arguments. Are golf handicaps just more trouble than they are worth? In this week’s episode, Tom Irwin and S...
The Halfway House: Is golf becoming too easy?
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Big handicaps, switching tees, a sport that is accessible to all – but is it making the game too easy? Or is there plenty still to test us in this m...
These World Handicap System changes are MASSIVE but will they make a difference?
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Steve and Tom get stuck into the new pilot in Ireland giving clubs the chance to alter the Playing Handicap allowance in competitions. It’...
The Halfway House: Should members get a discount if their course is closed?
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Halfway House – our new weekly quiz and questions pod. Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin try to outdo each other with a trio of posers, the...
Are low handicappers being screwed by WHS? + Our in-depth Players preview
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a twin-pronged podcast this week. First Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin discuss the fascinating USGA statistics that reveal the probability of beat...
Are you a handicap cheat if you refuse to enter roll-up scores?
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
World Handicap System guidance says regular informal events like roll ups and society scores should be classed as organised competitions and players h...
What does your golf bag say about you?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trendy canvas bag or huge tour monstrosity? Are you a pencil lumper or someone who couldn’t get round the golf course without a trolley? In this wee...
Is there a ‘proper’ way to behave at the driving range?
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin has been spending a lot of time at the range. Co-host Steve Carroll hasn’t hit a practice ball in about six months. In this week’s podca...
Is it time to admit you like the World Handicap System?
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you really think of the World Handicap System? Tell the truth, because we now know the answer. We asked the question in our massive NCG Club G...
These are the best courses in England!
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Planning a golf trip in England this year? Want to click off a trophy course, or just fancy a day out? Don’t do anything until you’ve looked throu...
How many of you will leave your golf club this year?
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you had your emails yet? Membership renewal time is almost here. You’re either already being asked for cash, or your about to get the news ahea...
Green fee prices are going up – AGAIN!
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you thought about booking your summer golf trip? Are you keen to tick off a Top 100 course on your travels? Prepare to get your wallet out. Steve...
Tougher than terrorists? SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Jason Fox on why golf might be his toughest challenge
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back! For our first episode of 2025, we’re joined by special guest Jason Fox. You’ll know him from the popular TV series SAS: Who Dares Wi...
These are the best golf books ever written!
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re not saying we’re in full on Christmas mode, but in this episode of The NCG Golf Podcast Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin reveal their must-read g...
Should players be paid to play in the Ryder Cup?
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Reports the American players will be paid to compete at Bethpage Black next year have caused quite a stir. Is it beyond the pale, or is it a paradox t...
Would you pay more for membership to guarantee a tee time?
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dynamic pricing has been in the news. Yes, we did pay over the odds for an Oasis ticket. But could it have its place in golf? We all know the weekend ...
Is there any chance we could return to the old handicap system?
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined this week by England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson. It’s a pretty action-packed episode as we discuss a host of club golf top...
Desperate to get better over the winter? Our equipment guru reveals all!
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The weather’s getting colder and the days are getting shorter. But don’t put the clubs away as winter arrives. This is a perfect time to get a g...
What are the best golf courses in GB&I?
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ranking golf courses is risky business. One person’s heaven is another’s hell. Yet we all love a good list, don’t we? We’ve got another one fo...
He's played every links course in Great Britain - and now you can read all about his adventures!
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Carroll is joined by Sam Cooper to talk about his new journal and website project – Links From the Road. Sam went on a road trip we all wish w...
It’s Your Course – so why not learn much more about it?
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Steve Carroll is joined by Jim Croxton, chief executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, to talk about the g...
You’ll never guess Coach Lockey's handicap!
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He has amassed a loyal and passionate band of followers with his focus on coaching, course vlogs, entertainment and fun. In this week’s episode of T...
The remarkable rise of Harry Hall
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve got a special guest this week as Matt Chivers sits down with new PGA Tour sensation Harry Hall. Harry won the ISCO Championship in July – ju...
It’s question time! Your queries answered
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We asked and you delivered. In a departure from the usual podcast theme this week, Steve Carroll answers your Rules of Golf and World Handicap System ...
NCG At The Open: The long wait for an English winner goes on
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Rose came oh, so, close but it was Xander Schauffele who picked up the Claret Jug – extending the barren run of English winners at The Open t...
NCG At The Open: Should Tiger Woods hang up his clubs?
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It seems to have been the talk of Royal Troon this week – is it time for Tiger Woods to retire? The 15-time major champion delivered a six-sentence ...
The Open Special: We answer your questions!
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where does Royal Troon rank in the Open rota? Which course should join the list? Should the playoff go to sudden death? We asked and you delivered you...
Did Sergio Garcia get what he deserved?
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We wrap up a dramatic day at Open Final Qualifying – where Justin Rose rolled back the years, Matthew Southgate qualified YET again, and Sergio Garc...
WHS update: Why your club must not ban general play scores + how are the big changes settling in?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
James Luke, England Golf’s head of handicapping, is back to update us on how the big changes to the World Handicap System have been settling in. But...
Should clubs BAN players with too many general play scores from competitions?
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ll bet this chat is going on right now somewhere in your clubhouse. How can you make golf as accessible as possible but feel confident you’re p...
What DO scratch golfers do that you DON’T?
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is it that sets the best club golfers apart? Why do they make fewer mistakes on the course? What are the habits that help them play consistent go...
How bad has the winter been for our courses – and what’s the impact?
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are joined this week by special guest Jim Croxton, chief executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Asso...
Breaking down the best courses in Wales!
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back. After a week to recharge and put our feet up, The NCG Golf Podcast returns for its third season. And what a start we’ve got for you. T...
England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson joins us!
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are joined by special guest Jeremy Tomlinson, England Golf's chief executive. We discuss in detail the governing body’s ...
Ultimate Masters Review (and Gnomes)
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Live from Augusta Steve and Tom discuss Steve’s debut at Augusta. The boys cover a lot of ground and spend far too much time talking Gnomes. Find ou...
We preview the Masters with Ian Woosnam!
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A major championship needs a major guest and we’ve got one for you as Ian Woosnam joins The NCG Golf Podcast ahead of The Masters. Also previewing t...
The World Handicap System changes are here!
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t misread the date. It’s not an April Fool. The big World Handicap System changes are here and, from April 1, the way you play your club golf ...
The BBC’s Iain Carter joins us!
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you could pick one person to try and explain the madness of men’s professional golf, surely Iain Carter would be top of the list. The BBC’s gol...
The price of a pint: Should we get a members’ discounts on food and drink
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Food and beverage (or F&B as we call it in the trade) can be a financial black hole for your golf club. But we all want good food and a well-price...
We preview The Players!
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We don’t know about you but, for us, The Players is where the golf season really starts. This one is special. It’s the 50th edition and Tom Irwin ...
Are jeans really club golf’s biggest enemy?
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is it about a bit of denim that sends so many club golfers round the twist? Author Clive Agran set our social media alight this week when he aske...
Delving into the price of club golf
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s membership subscriptions time again and maybe some of you are being asked to fork out a little more than last year. Where do those fees go a...
We chat with Open champion Paul Lawrie!
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He had a legendary career that brought worldwide success and a Claret Jug. But Paul Lawrie is also steeped in club and grassroots golf. The Paul La...
Why is golf equipment so expensive?
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New drivers, irons, putters – the big equipment brands are launching their latest products and the prices may not be for the faint-hearted. It doesn...
What makes a great golf course?
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to golf courses. One player’s links paradise is another’s heathland heaven. But even allowing f...
Bubba Watson drops some LIV Golf truth bombs!
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a brave new world for The NCG Golf Podcast. No more From the Clubhouse. We’ve put The Slam to bed, and we’re back with a solitary, singular...