The NCG Golf Podcast

Steve Carroll steps in for Tom Irwin this week, joining Dan Murphy for a deep dive into the World Handicap System and the latest WHS Data Report.
 
With more than 150 million rounds from over 6.5 million golfers included in the report, the pair discuss what the numbers really tell us about handicaps, general play and competition rounds, the ongoing debate around the system, and participation in women's golf.
 
There's also plenty of golf chat, with Dan looking back on a recent trip to Ireland and Steve sharing his experience at Gilling Castle.
 
Is the WHS working as it should? And why does it continue to divide opinion among golfers? Steve and Dan get stuck into the numbers and the debate.

Tom Irwin is joined by St Enodoc Head Professional Nick Williams for a fascinating look back at almost 46 years in golf.
Nick recalls joining St Enodoc in the 1980s, when the club was a very different place, and reflects on how it has grown from a relatively unknown Cornish gem into a thriving golf club. He also shares stories from his career, including the changing role of the club professional, repairing persimmon clubs, setting courses and handicaps, and the evolution of golf coaching.
They also discuss how technology has transformed teaching, whether modern coaching has become too technical, and why Nick still believes getting the basics right is the key to playing better golf.
A fascinating conversation about a lifetime spent behind the counter, on the course and in the coaching bay at one of Cornwall's most renowned golf clubs.

The AIG Women's Open had everything. A dramatic final-day charge, a playoff, and one of the most bizarre moments you'll ever see on a golf course.
Tom Irwin is joined by Steve Carroll and NCG equipment editor Nicola Slater, who was at Royal Lytham, to unpack the championship.
The team also look back on Royal Lytham as a championship venue, the performances of Charley Hull, Lottie Woad and Nelly Korda, and why this year's championship was a brilliant advert for links golf.
In this episode:• The playoff incident everyone is debating• Nicola's view from inside Royal Lytham• Why the course was the perfect major test• Charley Hull's week under the spotlight• The biggest talking points from the final women's major of 2026

Matt Chivers and Nicola Slater are on location at the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes for a special edition of the NCG Golf Podcast.
Nicola shares what it's really like trying to qualify for a major championship, from the pressure of final qualifying to coming agonisingly close to earning a place in the field. The pair also discuss the changes at Royal Lytham ahead of The Open's return in 2028, the record-breaking growth of the AIG Women's Open, rising prize money, why women's golf is becoming more accessible than ever, and which players could thrive in the links conditions this week.
If you're following the AIG Women's Open, this is your essential preview from inside the ropes.

With Steve away, Tom Irwin is joined by NCG Top 100s' Dan Murphy for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest questions facing men's professional golf.
Has LIV Golf already achieved its purpose, even if its future remains uncertain? Are the major championships becoming the only events that truly matter? And what does Rory McIlroy's changing schedule say about the balance of power between players and the tours?
The pair also debate player power, the PGA Tour's signature events, the future of LIV, the role of the DP World Tour, and why golf has become more divided than ever.
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On the day after The Open, NCG Golf Podcast duo Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are joined by Matt Chivers and Dan Murphy in a special episode discussing what they all saw at Royal Birkdale and of course, the winner - Ryan Fox.
 
Another ruling cropped up on the final day which caused controversy including the World No.1 Scottie Scheffler. As is the nature of the laws of the game, this led to a heated debate about how tour players can take advantage of immoveable structures at events.
 
The group discuss Birkdale one last time and how the drastic golf course changes presented a championship test at The Open, based on comments made by players throughout the week. And, there is also one more chat about Bryson DeChambeau, who made headlines throughout with his behaviour.

During the third round of The Open at Royal Birkdale, host Tom Irwin and Matt Chivers discuss the controversial two-shot penalty given to Bryson DeChambeau on the 5th hole in round two. Did the R&A make the correct call? And before The Open, was Sir Nick Faldo fair in his criticism of Bryson’s links approach? From the media centre, Tom and Matt also talk about the fan experience at The Open, the intricacies behind TIO rulings with scoreboards and the incredible grandstand finish at Birkdale which forces the players to play daring shots

NCG Golf Podcast host Steve Carroll is back at Royal Birkdale, and is joined by Matt Chivers in the media centre at The Open, and there has been quite the action in round two. The men's major scoring record has been equalled twice, and there was rangefinder rules confusion amongst all of that.
 
Steve has also been out on the 18th hole to analyse what makes it so incredible. Bob MacIntyre didn't speak glowingly about it, but Matt Wallace said it's the best finishing hole on The Open Rota. Steve and Matt get into this, plus a whole lot more on day two of The Open.