The NCG Golf Podcast

From the Clubhouse: The good, the bad, and the ugly of golf club committees

How many of our clubs would survive without them? The committee, board, and the various gatherings beneath them are the hubs of our clubs - largely staffed by volunteers who just want to give something back to the place they love the most.
But should so much responsibility be placed in the hands of so few? What happens to the club when decisions aren't being taken properly and what if they won't let the general manager do their job?
On this week’s From the Clubhouse, a podcast from National Club Golfer, Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin, who've both seen their fair share of golf club committees down the years, dive into the topic with relish.
Tom relates his experiences in a marketing sub-committee, while Steve gives you the low down on how proprietary clubs do their business.
It's not doom and gloom by any means. The pair accentuate what makes committees great and Tom puts forward a five-point plan for the perfect golf club decision making body.
So if you've ever hailed or heckled your committee, have a listen and join the debate.
 

The Slam: Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and the Great Open Covid Scare

Yes, we know we said we were going on hiatus for a few weeks but there's just so much to talk about.
So in this week's episode of The Slam, a National Club Golfer podcast, Alex Perry and George Cooper run the rule over the remarkable tale of how Rory McIlroy almost changed the course of 150th Open forever, the latest Cam Smith-OWGR debacle, the Hero Cup teams, and the weekend's other big winners.  
Enjoy!
 

From the Clubhouse: Does the driving range experience stack up?

What does a good driving range experience look like? Do we need fancy technology and an on-demand bar, or will a quiet corner, a bucket of balls, and a nice patch of grass do the job just as well?
On this week’s From the Clubhouse, a podcast from National Club Golfer, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll dive into everything you may have ever considered about getting in a bit of practice.
Tom is in raptures about a recent driving range session with his kids, Steve bemoans the ‘indifferent’ quality of balls you can find at some facilities and the pair recount their best and worst moments.
They look at what makes a great driving range, whether club golf is lagging behind when it comes it providing the best experience for members and visitors, and Tom remembers the weird and wonderful characters who made his own time working at a driving range so memorable.
After mustering a passing score last week, Tom also has to find another level as Steve puts him through the R&A's intermediate Rules of Golf quiz. How will he get on this time?
 

The Slam: How to fix the controversial Race to Dubai standings + Why the OWGR debate is nonsense

In this week’s episode of The Slam, a National Club Golfer podcast, there is plenty to discuss from an incredibly busy week that saw the end of the 2022 seasons for both the DP World and LPGA Tours.
When it comes to the former, something isn't quite right when it comes to how the Race to Dubai standings are calculated, and we think we've come up with the perfect plan to solve it. (Mr Pelley, if you're listening, slide into our DMs.)
As for the latter, it's been another wonderful season for women's golf which, we argue, has never been in better shape, and what Lydia Ko has to do to be in the conversation for GOAT status.
We also discuss the bug OWGR fallout - though we don't necessarily have a fix for this - as well as Cameron Smith and his rather controversial claims about why he moved to LIV, and that phone call with Rory McIlroy.
And we couldn't let Bryson DeChambeau off the hook - so our resident elite amateur athlete has his say on that matter.
There may also be some World Cup chat, so sorry in advance about that.
Enjoy!

From the Clubhouse: Drilling into the best winter formats – why trees are bad – and Tom takes a rules test!

What makes a good winter format? What will get you out of the warm confines of your house and onto the course?
On this week’s From the Clubhouse, a podcast from National Club Golfer, Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin go on a voyage of discovery – discussing everything from greenkeeper’s revenge to winterwinds and one quite incredible competition that would need half an hour in the clubhouse – and probably several pints – to sort out!
Steve gets himself into a state over trees on courses and, if that wasn’t enough light entertainment for you all, he makes Tom do a Rules of Golf quiz.
How do you think he’ll get on? Get clicking and get listening…
 

The Slam: Tour star Ryan Fox joins the pod! + The Great Ryder Cup debate

In this week's episode of The Slam, a National Club Golfer podcast, Alex Perry and George Cooper discuss how LIV Golf will affect the next few years of the Ryder Cup - and pick out there next five captains.
The DP World Tour's in-form player Ryan Fox also joins us to discuss everything from growing up in a ridiculously successful sporting family, his ridiculous season, looking ahead to his Masters debut, what it was like to have Steve Williams on the bag, and an absurd Tiger Woods story.
We don't want to spoil too much, so hit play and enjoy!

From the Clubhouse: Taking you inside the new 2023 Rules of Golf

It has been a big week for club golf with the R&A and USGA announcing new revisions to the Rules of Golf, and which come into force on New Year’s Day.
So in this week’s episode of From the Clubhouse, a National Club Golf podcast, Steve Carroll, who has passed the R&A’s Level 3 Rules of Golf exam, and Tom Irwin go through some of the major changes and give their views on what we can expect when we get out for a round in 2023.
If you are confused by the new back-on-the-line relief rule, need a bit of guidance on putting your handicap on your scorecard, and require an explanation on the new penalties for Stableford – among many others – settle down as Tom and Steve dive right in.

The Slam: Do British golf fans deserve better from the DP World Tour? + Who’s next to make the LIV move?

This week on The Slam, a National Club Golfer podcast, Alex Perry and George Cooper discuss the new DP World Tour schedule which has upset many British golf fans - as well as Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. Do you agree? Elsewhere, George has an idea of who is next to cave in to the lure of Greg Norman's charm, and what would it take to make Alex a LIV Golf fan?
You'll have to hit play and listen in...