Shows / The NCG Golf Podcast
The NCG Golf Podcast
The NCG Golf Podcast, by National Club Golfer, brings stories from the world of golf to life. Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll chat about everything from the clubhouse game, to tour, equipment, and courses, and welcome special guests from the world of golf along the way. Available on your preferred podcast platform.
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Episodes
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Is it a Happy Birthday for the World Handicap System?
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 Steve Carroll and…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
These are the Rules of Golf we would change
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. It shows…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Sir Clive Woodward: ‘I would have stopped the Ryder Cup’
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 discuss Stryve…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Europe won the Ryder Cup but did golf lose?
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 like…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Exclusive: Justin Rose speaks to NCG ahead of Ryder Cup showdown
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 down with…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Where does the World Handicap System go from here?
We asked your thoughts about the World Handicap System and you responded in huge numbers – almost breaking Steve Carroll’s email. In today’s episode he joins…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Why do we make golf so hard for new players?
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 journey. Is iGolf…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
A Life in Golf: Eddie Pepperell
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 together at…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Moaning about the PCC, the Hagen 54, and is there a penalty for picking up a lost club?
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 System. Steve is…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Is the fan experience at The Open all that good?
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 Open with…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Day Three Wrap of The Open
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 Matt…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Day Two Wrap from The Open
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 in the…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Day One Wrap from The Open
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, a very…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
The eve of The Open
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 him for…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
It's our 2025 Open Championship preview show!
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 Irwin recounts…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
The best holes at The Open: Part 2
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 discuss the…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
These are the best holes at The Open: Part 1
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. In honour of…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Is golf really in danger of ‘dying out’?
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 findings…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
You MUST do these 8 things at your next custom fitting
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 something…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Competition and casual golf aren't the same – we need to understand that
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 too. Steve…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Are golf’s record participation numbers all they seem?
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 industry…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Online bookings or a free-for-all: How should golf clubs deal with tee times?
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 golf? Is it…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
A Life in Golf: David Scott, Honorary Professional of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
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. He is only…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
A Life in Golf: England Golf Performance Director Nigel Edwards
Steve Carroll sits down with the esteemed Walker Cup player and captain who has helped bring through some of England’s biggest golfing talents. Nigel Edwards…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Should general play scores be weighted to lessen their WHS impact?
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 in weeks in many…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
A Life in Golf: Walker Cup hero Hugh Stuart
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 Golf…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
You have your say on the World Handicap System!
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 Masters…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Is this the best job in the world? And how to plan the perfect golf trip
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 pictures of golf…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
What are players who manipulate WHS? The R&A say they’re cheats!
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 week Steve…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
This is our ultimate Masters preview!
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 National…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Got some old clubs to sell? Here’s how you can cash in!
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 bothered with…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
The Halfway House: Is a driver ever worth £500?
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 new equipment…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
How to get better at golf. Our scratch player reveals all!
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 getting better at…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
The Halfway House: Should the long putter be banished from golf?
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 questions…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Should we get rid of handicaps?
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 Steve Carroll…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
The Halfway House: Is golf becoming too easy?
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 most…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
These World Handicap System changes are MASSIVE but will they make a difference?
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’s coming to…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
The Halfway House: Should members get a discount if their course is closed?
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, they answer…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Are low handicappers being screwed by WHS? + Our in-depth Players preview
It’s a twin-pronged podcast this week. First Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin discuss the fascinating USGA statistics that reveal the probability of beating your…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Are you a handicap cheat if you refuse to enter roll-up scores?
World Handicap System guidance says regular informal events like roll ups and society scores should be classed as organised competitions and players have a…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
What does your golf bag say about you?
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 week’s episode…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Is there a ‘proper’ way to behave at the driving range?
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 podcast, though…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Is it time to admit you like the World Handicap System?
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 Golf…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
These are the best courses in England!
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 through our new…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
How many of you will leave your golf club this year?
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 ahead of the…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Green fee prices are going up – AGAIN!
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 Carroll…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Tougher than terrorists? SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Jason Fox on why golf might be his toughest challenge
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 Wins. But the…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
These are the best golf books ever written!
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 golf books…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Should players be paid to play in the Ryder Cup?
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 that the…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Would you pay more for membership to guarantee a tee time?
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 tee times…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Is there any chance we could return to the old handicap system?
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 topics with the…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
Desperate to get better over the winter? Our equipment guru reveals all!
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 grip on our golf…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
What are the best golf courses in GB&I?
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 for you at National…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
He's played every links course in Great Britain - and now you can read all about his adventures!
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 we could…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
It’s Your Course – so why not learn much more about it?
This week, Steve Carroll is joined by Jim Croxton, chief executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, to talk about the governing…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
You’ll never guess Coach Lockey's handicap!
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 The NCG Golf…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
The remarkable rise of Harry Hall
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 – just a few days…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
It’s question time! Your queries answered
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 queries…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
NCG At The Open: The long wait for an English winner goes on
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 to 32 years!…
- The NCG Golf Podcast
NCG At The Open: Should Tiger Woods hang up his clubs?
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 zinger…