What does 2026 hold for the World Handicap System?

England Golf’s decision to postpone any changes to handicap allowances ends another turbulent year for the World Handicap System. With dissent as strong as ever – outlined in the many emails you send to us every week – Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll discuss the latest developments and ask what the next 12 months hold for the embattled calculator. Will WHS finally start to settle down? Does there need to be a more joined-up approach to its implementation? What will it take for people to accept it? 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 sits down with six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo to talk about the remarkable impact of the Faldo Series – an initiative that has helped countless young players reach the top of the game. He also opens up about how equipment has evolved, how modern skill levels compare with his era, and what it takes to succeed today. And, of course, you’ll hear his memories from Augusta and the stories behind his three Masters victories. 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

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 could they be improved? Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll have some experience in this field. Both have served on golf club committees and they debate the pros and cons of these institutions. Who are they meant to serve, and are they achieving that? Do clubs still need committees as we turn into 2026? 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

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? After a new player survey revealed rising costs and affordability continued to be a concern for club golfers, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll discuss whether those fears are perception or reality. Are green fees getting out of control, or is it just market forces? Are we asking parents to pay too much as we coax youngsters into the game, and are we even being priced out on the driving range? 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  

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 Steve Carroll debate whether tech like rangefinders, GPS watches, and lasers have gone too far. Do we rely on them too much? Would the game be more fun – and more traditional – without them? And are the rules around their use too complicated for most golfers to follow? 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

Yes, co-hosts Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll really are talking about some of the ways golfers can manipulate – and outright deceive – the World Handicap System. But this is not a guidebook for any golfer with larcenous intent. The duo discuss how they can be countered and what clubs need to look out for if they suspect players may not be treating the game with the integrity it deserves. Is getting someone you haven’t played with to confirm your scores against the rules? What about cancelling a round if you’ve had a bad start? Should you pick up your ball even if you could possibly have scored slightly better on a single hole? This is a controversial, but enlightening, listen… 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    

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