The NCG Podcast

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 better for all tee times to be booked? Or is a mix of the two the best way? We've got some strong views on this tricky clubhouse debate. Elsewhere, Tom's got a course you must visit if you're ever in Fife – we can guarantee it won't be the first that springs to mind, while Steve's got a rules poser on halfway house etiquette and how to avoid an unnecessary penalty. 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

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 sixth person to be bestowed the accolade in nearly 120 years and it's proving to be a very special year for David He is currently serving as Captain of The PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, while stewarding Dumbarnie Links in his role as General Manager. A former Director of Golf at Kingsbarns and Director of Operations at the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, David's life has been steeped in the game. He's got some great stories to tell so sit back and enjoy the listen… 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

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 has quite the CV. A former World No. 2 as an amateur, he played in four Walker Cups – holing the winning putt at Ganton in 2003 – and skippered three Great Britain & Ireland sides. Indeed, his victorious team at Lytham 10 years ago was the last time we lifted the trophy on this side of the pond. He has played with and against some of the best players in the game and, in his role at England Golf, has managed a team that has nurtured Georgia Hall, Bronte Law and Lottie Wood to name just three. Nigel has some incredible stories to tell from relaying memories of stalwart Walker Cupper Peter McEvoy to how he almost missed one of the finest days in GB&I amateur history. Enjoy the listen… 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

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 places and the skies look clear for a little while to come. What pressures are course teams under and do we need to rein in our expectations of what golf looks like in the face of climate extremes? Tom's also been putting in a raft of general play scores on his travels across the country. We look at the impact on his handicap and consider if adding a weighting to social scores could lessen the fear of manipulation while also providing the accessibility craved by the game's governing bodies. Steve is also put firmly on his toes by a couple of rules scenarios that could happen in your next competition. Does he have the right answers?   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

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 will talk to figures steeped in the game and who have watched it change over the decades. There couldn't be a better person to start with than Hugh, who played in three Walker Cups and an Open and is one of a tribe of legendary Scottish amateurs from the 1960s and 70s. Recorded in the incredible archive room at Nairn, Hugh reminisces over his career and reveals some engrossing stories about the characters he played with and against, the equipment they used, and the future of the game. 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

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 victory and review their own first competitive golf of the year. But the focus, not for the first time, falls on the World Handicap System. After R&A executive director Grant Moir appeared on the podcast to discuss the governing body's new awareness campaign and much more, you have been writing to us in your droves to express your views. We go through some of the correspondence and weigh up the arguments…   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

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 courses on Instagram, you will know his work. And if you don't you should rectify that quickly. The pair discuss James' journey, the ethos of Manors Golf – looking at the game as one to be explored – and explore a whole other world away from scores, handicaps and competitions. 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

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 Carroll is joined by Grant Moir, The R&A's executive director of governance, to talk about a new awareness campaign reminding players of their responsibilities under the Rules of Handicapping and what's expected of handicap committees. It's a strong line from the governing body and, yes, the C-word is prominent. But we also discuss some of the other concerns golfers have about WHS, and dwell on some of the positives since the introduction of the system in 2020. 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

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. Podcast hosts Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin have both seen the golf course at close quarters. They run through their memories and reveal what makes the tournament so special. What would you shoot round Augusta off the Masters tees? Tom also takes you through his infamous ‘Masters spreadsheet'. He's convinced the winner of this year's Green Jacket lies within. Will Rory McIlroy finally do it? We have the answer. As always, please remember to gamble responsibility. 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  

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 hassle of internet auction sites? This week on The NCG Golf Podcast, Steve Carroll is joined by Murray Winton, co-founder of golfclubs4cash. Aside from sponsoring our episodes, he is also at the helm of one of the UK's leading buyers and re-sellers of pre-owned golf equipment. So if you've ever wanted to off-load some old clubs but didn't know how, if you want some valuable hints and tips on how to get the biggest re-sale value, or if you want to get your hands on a bargain, stay tuned as Murray reveals all… 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

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 worth it? In this week's Fairway or Foul debate Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll argue the case for golf club prices. Steve has almost been crushed under the weight of your rules questions – and he answers a trio of interesting queries – while, with the Masters tantalisingly on the horizon, he also tries to outfox Tom in this week's quiz… 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

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 it. So in this week's episode of The NCG Podcast, our resident scratch golfer outlines what you need to do to make your dreams of improving come true. You'll be surprised how easy some of them are. Steve Carroll, meanwhile, has been on a trip to St Andrews, the Home of Golf. Which course did he say should have windmills on it, and which is one of his all-time favourites? Hint: Neither are the Old 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

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 edition. In this week's Fairway or Foul debate, the pair dive into the long putter argument and debate whether it's got any place in the game. Elsewhere, we talk about the World Handicap System (just for a change) – but this time Steve is quizzing Tom on his knowledge about the global order. We go through your questions, and there have been plenty of them, and Steve's been getting some grief on social media. This podcast doesn't exist without you. Send us your quiz questions, tell us what to debate, give us your rules or WHS queries. We don't mind what it is. Contact Steve 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  

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 discuss whether the game would be better off if we weren't so attached to a number. But how do you sort out players of different abilities and how do you run competitions – the lifeblood of a club season? Tom thinks he has got an ingenious solution that might answer some of these big questions, while Steve considers whether other sports have the same obsession with them. Should they merely be golf's answer to Strava? 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  

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 unfathomable of games? It's the Fairway or Foul debate in this week's episode of The Halfway House, our quizzes and questions episode. Can Tom Irwin win the day once again by asserting that golf is tough enough, or will Steve convince you it's becoming ever easier to play? Steve's also got a rules question that will surprise some of you, and - following his win at The Players - we look ahead to the chances of Rory McIlroy in this year's majors. Surely he has to win one this year? As always, we want you to get in touch. Send us your quiz questions, tell us what to debate, give us your rules or WHS queries. We don't mind what it is. You are in charge. You can contact Steve 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  

Spring is coming, and so are the first events of the 2025 club golf season. Whether it's the Captain's Drive-In, or the opening medal of the year, we'll soon be back in competitive action with trophies on the line. But is it too early? Are our courses ready? After BIGGA chief executive Jim Croxton advised Scottish clubs to delay the start of the new campaign – arguing that committees needed to be realistic with the weather – Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin discuss whether it's time to leave the medal tees in the shed in March and April. And it wouldn't be an NCG Golf Podcast without some chat about the World Handicap System. 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 rest of GB&I in 2026. What difference will it make?

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 your questions, and go head-to-head in a quickfire debate. Whether it's Rules Corner, our new Fairway or Foul feature (which this week asks if clubs should hand money back to members whose courses have been shut for extended periods), or if you've just got something you want to get off your chest, your involvement in this new podcast is crucial. So have a listen and then get in touch with us. Send us your quiz questions, tell us what to debate, give us your rules or WHS queries. We don't mind what it is. You are in charge. You can contact Steve at s.carroll@nationalclubgolfer.com

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 handicap. What are the odds of shooting 40 points? We have the answers. And is The Players the moment when the golf season really gets under way? In the build up to the so-called 5th major at TPC Sawgrass, we get into the golf course, our experiences of playing it, and hear from a key member of the greenkeeping team. We also reveal who is going to win! 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

World Handicap System guidance says regular informal events like roll ups and society scores should be classed as organised competitions and players have a responsibility to ensure they return their scores. But what if they don't? With the principles surrounding social golf still cloudy five years into the new system, are we saying that those who refuse are breaking the laws of handicapping? Are they cheating? Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll examine what the guidance says and evaluate what it means for the club game. Are we a step closer to every score counts? 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    

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 Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll delve deep into golf bags and how they can reveal a lot about who we are as golfers. Do you give yourself shoulder injury by bolting on  100 bag tags? Is a valuables pouch a must have accessory? Do you get giddy about dividers? We'll try not to make this a seedy 60 minutes but if you've ever found yourself staring covetously at a single or double strap in a golf shop then this podcast is for you…  

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 two come together to talk about the driving range experience. Is there an etiquette about turning up to improve our games? What should we wear? Should we block out the world with headphones or take in the whole community experience? Tom's also got some very funny stories about when he worked in a driving range as a younger golfer. The duo don't duck tour matters this week. With LIV Golf now guaranteed spots in the majors, the pair discuss whether the assimilation of the breakaway league into the tour biosphere is now complete. What next for the professional game?

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 Survey, filled in my more than 3,000 of you, and what you told us was really surprising. Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin get stuck into the results, and analyse what they mean, and we also discuss dress codes – after you told us emphatically what you thought about those too. While these two topics may have been oft discussed, your insights shed new light on an always interesting debate – so get listening! NB: There is some explicit language in this week's episode.

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 list of the Top 100 courses in England. Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin are joined by NCG's Top 100s chairman Dan Murphy to assess the risers, fallers, and obviously reveal what we think is the best layout in the country. Who makes up our panel? How do we assess how one course is better than another? Dan and Tom also go through the top 10 in detail and assess what makes them so special. Check out the list in full on our website at nationalclubgolfer.com

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 new season in April. But how many of you are planning to renew? How many of you think you'll be quitting? Are your annual subscriptions going up? Do you think your golf club membership represents good value? We know the answers. As part of a massive survey of club golfers, filled in by more than 3,000 of you, we asked you all sorts of questions about you, your game, and the way you play and think about some of the big questions. In this episode of The NCG Golf Podcast, Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin unpack what you had to say about membership and give their views on what your answers suggest. It's a must-listen for golfers who may not have made up their minds, and for anyone at clubs looking to get a handle on the wider membership picture in 2025…  

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 has been looking at the peak summer green fee prices for all the layouts listed in NCG Top 100s Great Britain & Ireland list and it makes for sobering reading if money is an object. So what does it cost? What is the most expensive course on the list? What's the cheapest? Is the average golfer being priced out of a great experience, or do we just need to accept that good things cost money and that we can always choose whether or not to fork out? Steve is joined by regular co-host Tom Irwin to go through the numbers. If you're planning a golf holiday this year, you simply need to tune in. Apologies for a little bit of background noise in the opening minutes of the podcast. Bear with us, it does get better!  

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 former Royal Marines Commando and Special Forces Soldier turned renowned author and media personality is also hugely keen on golf – having got into the sport after the Covid lockdowns. After partnering recently with clothing company Stromberg, he joins our Matt Chivers to chat about the positive effects golf can have on mental health, what the sport means to him, and how tackling it might be one of the biggest challenges he has taken on… Listeners should note that, at times, some explicit language is used. 

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 back 9 of his favourite holes from the 10 courses that have hosted the Claret Jug. What will he pick? Be warned, there are some pretty famous holes that don't make the cut. What do you think about his selections, and what would you choose? Get in touch with us on X.

Tom Irwin's been on a journey this year. He's somehow managed to blag his way round most of the courses on The Open rota. In honour of the journey, he runs down his favourite holes from the 10 courses that have regularly hosted the Claret Jug. It's an eclectic – so the 1st hole on Tom's list must also be the 1st hole at one of the venues – and so on. It's a meaty task so this week, Tom and host Steve Carroll run through his front nine. We'll tackle the homeward stretch next time. What do you make of his selections? What mistakes has he made and what did he miss?

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 pair go through all their favourites – the best fiction, non-fiction, instruction, and travel books. What are their perfect choices? Tom and Steve believe they've got something for everyone. So if you're still looking for a great gift, or you just want to know what golf books need to be on your shelf, listen in and take notes! Read our comprehensive list of the best golf books: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/best-golf-deals/best-golf-books-list/ Buy one of our best golf books here! The Golf Omnibus: https://geni.us/4oY5W Nice Jumper: https://geni.us/I8w3ORs Chasing The Legends: https://geni.us/JbTc Phil: https://geni.us/QsaQ A Good Walk Spoiled: https://geni.us/Bm4Z The Greatest Game Ever Played: https://geni.us/TflSz0 A Season In Dornoch: https://geni.us/hp9Ua Links From the Road: https://linksfromtheroad.com/products/volume-1 The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses: https://geni.us/qHzLCR The Spirit of St Andrews: https://geni.us/EsRBdg The Golf Courses of the British Isles: https://geni.us/3udja Five Lessons: https://geni.us/qv9qDMB Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect: https://geni.us/RraifBU    

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 people who the galleries flock to see don't benefit financially from the massive biennial event? Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin get stuck into the debate in this week's episode and, as you'd expect, they've got some firm views on the subject. Does it besmirch the competition, or is it only fair? See if you agree with Tom and Steve!

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 that are the most popular, so what if you could pay more to guarantee a spot? What if 7-day fees altered depending on the specific time you wanted to play? In this week's episode of The NCG Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin returns to join Steve Carroll and debate this lively issue. We also talk about England Golf Jeremy Tomlinson's appearance last week, and, yes, we still can't get away from the World Handicap System. We ask whether you should have to submit every score for your handicap.  

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 governing body's chief executive. He addresses the ongoing criticisms of WHS, considers how golf club membership is looking and whether the post Covid boom is now peaking. We also look at whether traditional clubs are being more open to different formats of play and get into the latest on the Respect in Golf movement. 

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 game sand make them better. When it comes to using data to do that, we have never had it so good. And on these week's episode, Steve Carroll is joined by NCG's equipment expert Hannah Holden to show how you can use numbers to your advantage. We've got some fabulous Shot Scope data that can get your golf into shape – without you necessarily having to spend hours on the range. So let's get stuck in!

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 Club Golfer and this week, Steve Carroll is joined by our Top 100s chairman Dan Murphy to talk about our review of the best courses in Great Britain & Ireland. You will find courses in positions that make you happy and courses in positions that make you cross. But join Steve and Dan as they discuss the countdown, pick out some of their favourites, and try to analyse the current trends in courses we all love to visit. Check out the list in full at nationalclubgolfer.com/top100  

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 take. With a set of clubs, his partner, their dogs, and a van, he toured 225 links courses around England, Scotland and Wales. The journey changed his life. Now a well-known podcaster, and an associate golf course architect with Clayton, Devries and Pont, he has branched out into writing. Talking with Steve about the first of a multi-volume set that retraces his steps and details the courses he played, it is quite the conversation. If you love golf courses, you have to listen… The first volume of Links from the Road is launched on October 16. You can pre-order it right now at linksfromtheroad.com  

This week, Steve Carroll is joined by Jim Croxton, chief executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, to talk about the governing body's new issue of Your Course magazine. Your Course aims to give golfers a deeper understanding of what preparing and maintaining a golf course really involves and is available right now in your clubhouse. Focusing on how greenkeepers prepare a course for winter, while also looking at the challenges presented by climate change, Jim and Steve get into everything from winter mats to the future of bunkers. They also talk about BIGGA's new First Green initiative, which goes into schools to tell youngsters about the joys of greenkeeping as a career and ask you to pose your questions for future editions of the magazine.

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 Podcast, Steve Carroll caught up with Coach Lockey to find out all about being a content creator – it's harder than you think! But he has also teamed up with England Golf on their iGolf scheme and has put together a series of videos on his YouTube channel where he gained a handicap. Aside from finding out what it was, Steve also asks whether it has fired up his competitive edge and looks at the benefits of giving non-club members an official World Handicap System index. Is iGolf about to go viral? Pop your headphones on and have a listen! Please Note: Please be aware that Coach Lockey's Handicap Index was only for demonstrative purposes as his rounds did not comply with the Rules of Handicapping and have since been removed from his record.

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 before he became a dad – capping an incredible rise that now sees him ranked around the top 100 in the world. It's a remarkable story, from his home club West Cornwall changing their membership rules so he could join at just 6 (he was already that good!) to getting coaching from Butch Harmon and living in the bright lights of Las Vegas. You'll learn: Why he'd rather win the Masters than the Open How Harmon is taking him to the next level And you'll hear some controversial views on the golf ball roll back So sit back over the next half hour and check out what one of the game's emerging stars has to say...

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. Does the clock stop if you have to halt a ball search to let a group through? Can you manufacture a drop so you're able to place the ball? Will the course and playing handicaps ever be combined? Steve will endeavour to tell you the answers, and a bit more!

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! In this week's episode of The NCG Golf Podcast, Steve Carroll is joined by Dan Murphy to discuss that and the fallout from last week's Championship at Royal Troon. Dan reveals why the Ayrshire layout was the star of the show and we talk about our own favourite course from the rota. We ask if Rory McIlroy can ever conquer the wind, consider if Tiger Woods should be allowed to use a buggy, and grumble about how quickly the major season now comes to an end!  

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 after reports that Colin Montgomerie had questioned whether he could still win. Woods says his belief has never wavered and in this episode of The NCG Golf Podcast, Steve Carroll and Matt Coles debate whether this is fantasy or could still be a reality. The duo also get stuck into shopping, ask whether the Open Arms should be the ‘Up in Arms' because of its drinks prices and Matt – who is on a glorious run of picking the winners of recent tournaments – tells you who is going to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday. NB: Please remember to gamble responsibly.

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 your questions and so, as the best week in the golf calendar gets under way, Steve Carroll and Matt Chivers answer them all in a new episode of The NCG Golf Podcast. NB: This episode was recorded in The Open media centre and there is some background noise.

We wrap up a dramatic day at Open Final Qualifying – where Justin Rose rolled back the years, Matthew Southgate qualified YET again, and Sergio Garcia found himself centre of attention at West Lancs. The Spaniard loves The Open, but was all over the headlines after his group were given a warning for slow play.  Was it more petulance from the former Masters champion? Should we give him props for having a go at qualifying, and did his play justify a spot? Matt Chivers spent all day at the Lancashire venue and joins Steve Carroll to look back at one of golf's most thrilling days.

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 he's also got a couple of important messages to impart – around general play scores and a new policy that could open the way for more clubs to get tee sets rated. If you've got any interests in WHS, you have to listen to this episode…

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 protecting the integrity of competitions? This is a question England Golf have grappled with, and we get stuck into it on this week's episode of The NCG Podcast. Steve Carroll is joined by James Crampton, England Golf's director of championships, and the pair talk about the governing body's competition entry policy, which can deny entry to players where competition and general play scores don't match up. We also get into their new pace of play policy, where checkpoints are now used to monitor round times. Could a similar system speed up the game at your club? And fresh off an eventful Brabazon Trophy, on and off the course, James gives us an insight into the work of his busy department. It's a compelling listen with plenty of talking points!

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 golf? This week's episode of The NCG Golf Podcast reveals all. We've got the latest data from Shot Scope. Tom Irwin, who loves to remind us he is a scratch golfer, and Steve Carroll, who couldn't get near scratch if he played for 100 years, are here to guide you through the findings. Do you know where you miss? Should you fire at pins? What clubs should you use around the greens? Tom will put you in the picture and Steve will probably disagree. Elsewhere on this week's podcast... Should the PGA Championship have been postponed? How did Tom get on in a couple of crunch match play encounters? And… are you allowed to hole out after conceding a putt?

Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are joined this week by special guest Jim Croxton, chief executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association. We look at how golf has navigated an extreme winter, what the impact on our courses has been, and whether we can expect any lingering effects as the year continues. On Mental Health Awareness Week, Jim also discusses the work the association has been doing to support greenkeepers, we ask if they are being paid enough, and discuss the trend of ‘rock star' course managers who are making waves on social media. Also in this episode: In our out? What do you do with the flagstick? And can a hole location be illegal?

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. The sun is finally shining, we're thinking about getting on our summer golf trips, and we're about to unveil our best golf courses in Wales list! To set the scene for our new Top 40, which you can find at nationalclubgolfer.com/top100, NCG Top 100s chairman Dan Murphy joins Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll to talk about all things Welsh golf. What is our best course? Which are must play? And where can you find the best value? We'll reveal all. Elsewhere, as we start our new series: How has the season started for our dynamic duo? Can we imagine a Tiger-less PGA Tour? Rules Corner: Can you be disqualified if you don't enter your score on the club computer?

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 'Respect in Golf' campaign – a movement which aims to promote greater understanding and embrace equality, diversity, and inclusion in the sport. Jeremy also talks about the World Handicap System, membership numbers in the country, iGolf and iPlay, as well as what England Golf have got in store as their Centenary year really gets into gear. We hope you enjoy the chat. Elsewhere as we bring season 2 to a close: We've finally played some golf! Can we put this terrible winter behind us? Why are we so suspicious of data? Check out this week's Readers Whines Steve tries to blind Tom with some tech trivia in Rules Corner

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 out about what it is like to be an Augusta first time, just how long that q is for merch, and yes of course how hilly it REALLY is. They also get stuck into the Scheffler era, the value of yet another Tiger comeback, poor old Rory and Jason Day's clothes. They end by musing on what is next for the endless innovative Masters. It is a great listen from the heart of a fantastic tournament, if you are looking for Masters closure you have come to the right place.

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 the Barbados Legends Championship at Apes Hill, which is kicking off the new Legends Tour season in May and is hosted by the 1991 Masters champ, podcast hosts Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll dig deep into next week's tournament with one of the game's all-time greats. We relive his green jacket victory, get some advice for those of you travelling to the tournament for the first time and, of course, ask him who's going to win! Elsewhere this week: Tom outlines his ‘foolproof' Masters betting system. Please remember to gamble responsibly Are we really going to see Augusta Syndrome at your club this year? We've got a Masters special Rules corner for you to try and solve! The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball