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 Tom Irwin couldn’t let such an anniversary go unmarked. The duo are on familiar ground as they assess half a decade of WHS. What has worked? What hasn’t and what happens next? The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/ X: https://x.com/NCG_com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en    

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 how passionate we all are about the Rules and this week, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll dive headlong into a big debate about the ones they would change. With the Rules on a four-year review, we might see some alterations in time for 2027. What would our duo change? Should we look again at slope on rangefinders? Should there be a big change in stroke-and-distance? And, yes, Tom and Steve get into the divot question too. Check out our changes, see if you agree, and don’t forget to get in touch! The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash. Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/ X: https://x.com/NCG_com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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, Sir Clive’s golf venture. Stryve's three stage process helps you understand the Basics of every shot. Each stage is packed with expert insights and coaching points, delivering the knowledge you need to help refine your technique, increase consistency, and sharpen your golfing IQ. But Tom and Sir Clive also get into the Ryder Cup. What role did leadership play in delivering the outcome? What did he make of fan and player behaviour? Should they have called a temporary halt to proceedings? It’s an intriguing discussion with a man who changed the way we think about sporting performance. Sign up to Stryve here: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6458591313?pt=126265426&ct=ncg_podcast&mt=8 The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash. Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/ X: https://x.com/NCG_com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en  

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 golf’s image has taken a beating. Europe won the trophy but have we lost the spirit of what the near century old event is about? Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll break down the last three days in New York. Why did they ruin a fantastic golf course? Why was anyone surprised some fans went too far? What on earth happens to the Ryder Cup from here – is it too late to dial it back? You might think we’re being downbeat in the wake of an historic away victory but does this competition need to regain its soul? The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash. Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/ X: https://x.com/NCG_com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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 Ryder Cup legend Justin Rose, who’s about to make his seventh appearance in European colours. Tom and Justin talk about his commitment to the sport through the Rose Ladies Series, barriers to participation, as well as his longevity following another successful season. But, of course, they also talk about the Ryder Cup: What does he expect the atmosphere to be like at Bethpage? Should Keegan Bradley have picked himself? He also relives the Miracle of Medinah and Seve’s enduring legacy as a European icon. And, of course, with a vacancy for a skipper at Adare Manor in two years’ time, how does the captaincy look? If that’s not enough, Tom and co-host Steve Carroll also run the rule over golf’s greatest team event. Can Europe defy the New York crowds and bring the trophy back with them? The NCG Golf Podcast is produced in association with GolfClubs4Cash. Website: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/ X: https://x.com/NCG_com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalClubGolfer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalclubgolfer/?hl=en

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 co-host Tom Irwin to chat through some of what you said about WHS. We discuss the results of Golf Ireland’s survey of its handicap allowances pilot – where many clubs surprisingly opted not to change anything. We talk about what needs to happen with general play to make it more palatable to those suspicious it’s open to manipulation. And what is to come? Are gimmes inevitable? Tom and Steve also review the recent Walker Cup, while discussing pathways for juniors and Steve’s fascination with hickory golf! 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

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 a way to get new players started without the pressure of a club environment? Should clubs and courses be set-up differently to encourage beginners and younger golfers to get into the game? And a full-sized golf course is massive! Do we need to take more responsibility in providing short form courses and different options for those who just want to get out and play a few holes? Is slapping down a few green tees enough? Tom and Steve Carroll also break down the Ryder Cup announcements. Is this the best chance for a European win in the United States in years? And Steve delves into a real-life rules incident that involved a ball search and a stopped clock. This relatively unheard of rule might save you some shots out on the 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  

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 Roxburghe, where he was playing on the Challenge Tour, to discuss his career, the pressures of playing at the very elite level, the state of the professional game, and his role as a podcast star on the hugely popular The Chipping Forecast. They also get into the World Handicap System (of course) and Eddie’s got some incredible insight into self-improvement, Rory and playing with Phil Mickelson. 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  

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 finally starting to see his index fall but is surprised it’s not happening quicker, while Tom has played in some challenging conditions only to see the Playing Conditions Calculation remain stubbornly stable. The duo get into a debate about its merits. Tom has been on an incredible trip to Kent to play the Hagen 54, a one-day journey across Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s. We’ll let him reveal all. And Steve has been asked whether finding a lost club on the course could bring a penalty if you’ve already got 14 in your bag. What’s the answer? Listen in to find out! Don’t miss our new NCG Top 100s podcast: https://podfollow.com/1826546061 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 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 his wife and two young children. Does the Championship do enough to engage families? Is it really doing its best to inspire the next generation? He discusses this with co-host Steve Carroll and the pair also dive into Scottie Scheffler’s fourth major victory. Is he simply the dominant force, or is there not a lot to challenge him? And Tom asks Steve about the rules dramas with Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy. Was the punishment too strong in Lowry’s case? It’s an interesting discussion on a situation most of us will have experienced at our clubs. Don’t miss our new NCG Top 100s podcast: https://podfollow.com/1826546061 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