POPULARITY
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
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 today's episode we have Steve Carroll, CEO and Co-Founder of Kelso Industries, join us to share his journey from a small-town construction background to leading a 25-acquisition HVAC roll-up. We dive into his Walmart days scaling EBITDA from $15M to $250M, his views on where PE firms get it wrong, and how Kelso's long-term partnership model is flipping the script on traditional roll-ups.[00:00] Steve Carroll joins to discuss Kelso Industries' growth from 1st to 25th acquisition [00:27] Background: Walmart experience and scaling from $15M to $250M EBITDA [00:54] Early years: rural Oregon, construction, MBA, and entrepreneurial itch [01:50] Lessons from Walmart and foundation of Kelso [02:21] Mistake PE firms make: copying each other, bidding up same assets [03:05] Advice: PE should pursue untapped markets and take first-mover risks [04:21] Kelso's differentiator: deep focus on one long-term strategy [05:49] “All in” mindset and scaling Kelso as one big platform [06:18] First acquisition story: moving to AZ, transition challenges [07:46] Struggles, COVID, and lessons learned from initial takeover [08:43] Pivot to partnership model after burnout and realization [09:42] Defining partnership: skin in the game, shared long-term vision [11:08] Case study: Pancho in Idaho becomes the blueprint for future deals [13:03] Criteria for Kelso partnerships and alignment with long-term goals [14:00] Integration learnings: then vs. now at deal #25 [14:50] Kelso now offers finance, legal, HR, recruiting, and systems support [17:44] Operational push: MEP+ and one-call solution model [18:43] Scale enabling better integration and centralized resources [19:12] Raw Selection salary reports plug [20:11] Top 3 learnings: partnership, finance investment, data center boom [23:23] Walmart story: monetizing eyeballs, retail media, Sam's Club success [26:17] Building a $250M EBITDA business unit through creative thinking [27:42] Why HVAC: passion, mission-critical systems, smartest people on site [28:49] Key influence: Brad Jacobs and “How to Make a Few Billion Dollars”Connect with Steve Carroll on LinkedIn. Thanks for tuning in.Subscribe for more episodes on iTunes & SpotifyGot feedback or questions? Email Alex at alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com. Until next time—keep smashing it!
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
Aly Lozoff, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Winnipeg Jets from Canada Life Centre.
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
Aly Lozoff, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Minnesota Wild from Xcel Energy Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Los Angeles Kings from Crypto.com Arena.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Calgary Flames from Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Edmonton Oilers from Honda Center.
Aly Lozoff, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks from Rogers Arena.
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
Aly Lozoff, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Calgary Flames from Scotiabank Saddledome.
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
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the San Jose Sharks from Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs from Honda Center.
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
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the New York Rangers from Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Boston Bruins from Honda Center.
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
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes from Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Nashville Predators from Bridgestone Arena.
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
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Dallas Stars from American Airlines Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the St. Louis Blues from Enterprise Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Nashville Predators from Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Utah Hockey Club from Delta Center.
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?
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Washington Capitals from Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the New York Islanders from Honda Center.
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
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the St. Louis Blues from Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks at Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks at Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
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
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.
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?
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Dallas Stars at Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Montreal Canadiens at Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Florida Panthers at Honda Center.
Alexis Downie, Emerson Etem and Steve Carroll get us ready for Anaheim's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.