Why do we make golf so hard for new players?

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    

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 Chivers sit down to reflect on the third round at Royal Portrush, what they saw and experienced, what they make of Scheffler's dominance and more fun with following Rory McIlroy inside the ropes. Tom isn't entirely happy with what there is to do for youngsters on-site at the Dunluce Links, while Matt has some digressions about some of the main protagonists on day three, such as Keegan Bradley and Lee Westwood. When you listen, make sure to like, subscribe and comment on all of our podcasts, as we count down to the end of another Open and another men's major season.

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 second round at Portrush. The pair talk about the prospect of Rory contending on the weekend at a home major, the absolutely vast crowds that follow his every movement, how Bryson might have cracked the links code and what we can expect from the weekend, as the leaderboard is stacked with world-class quality

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 ‘Rory’ Rory, how long is too long and the overarching sense of relief that The Open is delivering once again.

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 an eve of the Open bonus episode of the NCG Golf Podcast. They run through 6 things you will be sure to see this week:   An Open ruined at the 1st A real challenge from the LIV players Hyperbolic Americans. Rory revelling in the attention Ludicrous Irish crowds cheering on the home favourites. The joyous cliché of Sky’s coverage.   Tune in, if only for the Alan Shipnuk /  Swilcan Bridge analogy.

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 his memories of playing the Dunluce course that will host the championship this week, as well as giving us a behind the scenes tour of some of the town’s highlights. Co-host Steve Carroll passionately argues for the removal of the internal out of bounds that did for Rory McIlroy’s chances in 2019 and tests Tom on his Open rules knowledge. And, of course, we tell you who we think can lift the Claret Jug on Sunday night. Get your Open week off to the best possible start by giving it a 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