The NCG Golf Podcast

From the Clubhouse: We ask England Golf if the sport is heading for a cost-of-living crisis + WHS is finally going global!

Tee sheets are still busy, membership remains buoyant and, as the success of England Golf’s independent golfer scheme shows, new players continue to be attracted to our wonderful game.

While the number of rounds played may not be hitting the heights of 2020 and 2021, they remain way above pre-Covid levels – and there has been no sign in this year’s club renewals of a halt in the sport’s popularity.

And yet there are gathering clouds on the horizon. The cost-of-living crisis, spearheaded by huge energy bills that seem certain to come our way later this year, represent a big threat to our disposable incomes and could dramatically change our leisure habits.

So how can golf prepare for this and how can the authorities help? And what about other issues around growing participation for women and girls, sustainability, and the World Handicap System?

To talk about the success of iGolf, and how England Golf are meeting the challenge in some of these areas, our guest on the From the Clubhouse podcast is the governing body’s chief operating officer Richard Flint…

 

The Slam: Falling out about Cam Smith’s controversial rules incident, saving women’s golf, and reigniting the Great Shorts Debate

In this week's episode of The Slam, a National Club Golfer podcast, Alex Perry, George Cooper, Hannah Holden and Tom Irwin discuss Will Zalatoris finally getting over the line on the PGA Tour (despite his "dodgy" putting), Cameron Smith's controversial two-shot penalty (and why it isn't a level playing field, the wonderful ISPS Handa World Invitational (and our plans to get more people watching women's golf), and the Great Shorts Debate (with a completely unnecessary analogy).

There's plenty to go at here, so let's get stuck in.

Enjoy.

The Slam: What we can learn from the Women’s Open champion overcoming her mental demons - with sports psychologist Duncan McCarthy

In this episode of The Slam, a National Club Golfer podcast, Alex Perry, Hannah Holden and George Cooper debrief a wonderful AIG Women's Open, including the much talked about playoff format and late finish at Muirfield, before champion Ashleigh Buhai's mental coach Duncan McCarthy joins for a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to golf and psychology.

Elsewhere, Hannah explains why the increased prize funds we've seen in the women's game this year - particularly at the majors - is not just about paying the LPGA stars what they're worth, but the trickle-down effect it will have on generations to come at grassroots level.

Enjoy. 

From the Clubhouse: Iona Stephen and James Taylor on the physical and mental benefits of golf

In this episode of From the Clubhouse, an National Club Golfer podcast, Steve Carroll is joined by former professional golfer turned broadcaster Iona Stephen to discuss her new documentary focussing on golf and its health benefits, ex-England cricketer James Taylor, who talks about how he turned to golf after a cardiac event ended his international career, and R&A chief development officer Phil Anderson explains how the governing body is galvanising partners around the golf and health message.

The Slam: The curious case of Muirfield hosting the Women’s Open + Should Rory McIlroy have been Ryder Cup captain?

In this week's episode of The Slam, a podcast from National Club Golfer, Alex Perry is joined by Hannah Holden, George Cooper and Tom Irwin to discuss the latest round of LIV Golf, including winner Henrik Stenson's rather sour victory speech, as well as the man who will replace him as Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald.

Is the Englishman the right choice? The team are divided - and there is even a rather out there approach suggested by one. Should it actually have been one of the current superstar crop - namely Rory McIlroy?

The discussion then moves onto this week's Women's Open at Muirfield, a golf club which has been under the microscope for some time due to its controversial stance on women in the game. Should they be hosting the biggest women's competition outside of the US? The team argue for and against the case.

If it's strong opinions on the hottest topics in the game you're after, you're in the right place.

The Slam: Why it’s time to stop criticising players for moving to LIV Golf for the money

LIV Golf continues to dominate the headlines and it's no different on this week's episode of The Slam, a National Club Golfer podcast, where Alex Perry and Steve Carroll discuss the latest developments and, in particular, how they affect the Ryder Cup.

We also explain why we think it's time to stop criticising the players for taking the money, and the fundamental flaws of the breakaway series (so far). 

The Slam: Was that the best Open ever? + Are LIV Golf about to make their boldest move yet?

In this week's episode of The Slam - a National Club Golfer podcast - Alex Perry, Steve Carroll, Hannah Holden and George Cooper are back from a week at The Open - and what an Open it was. 

But did Rory McIlroy blow it? Or was Cam Smith just too good? Hannah was up close and personal with the Northern Irishman for his final round.

Elsewhere, LIV Golf are reportedly about to make a huge announcement that will affect the Ryder Cup in a monumental way. What does the European Tour have to do to counter?

The team discuss this and so much more over the next 55 minutes...  

The Slam: We’ve arrived at The Open! + Graeme McDowell on St Andrews

In this Open episode of The Slam Podcast from National Club Golfer, Alex Perry is joined first by George Cooper to discuss which players we expect to see lift the Claret Jug, then by Steve Carroll and Hannah Holden on the ground in St Andrews to discuss their varying Open memories and what the week ahead holds for them.

Then we have a little treat for you, with former US Open champion and Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell joining Steve for a chat about his love of St Andrews.

Enjoy!

The Slam: Wild Ryder Cup rumours! + LIV Golf has another huge signing and a new format - so what’s next?

In this edition of The Slam podcast from National Club Golfer, Alex Perry, George Cooper and Hannah Holden reflect on another busy week of LIV Golf action, as well as touch on some wild Ryder Cup rumours that have been doing the rounds.

Elsewhere, George says something about Paul Casey that no one on the planet has ever said, and Hannah ponders a potential women's version. 

The Slam: Should we be worried by the latest LIV defections + Rules of Golf deep dive

In this week's episode of The Slam, a National Club Golfer podcast, Alex Perry, George Cooper and Steve Carroll discuss a jam-packed weekend of tour golf which ends up in a debate about etiquette and whether or not the senior tour age needs to be upped.

There's also chat about the second LIV Golf Invitational, which takes place in Portland later in the week, and our resident rules expert Steve Carroll takes us on a fascinating journey from passing interest to doing The R&A Level 3 Rules of Golf exam.

There's a lot to squeeze in one hour. Enjoy!