Your Golf Podcast by NCG

20 wedges went head-to-head. One was crowned the winner. But which one? NCG puts 20 of the biggest wedge names in golf through a serious Best in Class test, with pitching, chipping and bunker testing alongside spin, forgiveness, looks, feel and value. There are some surprising results, some seriously close scores and plenty of disagreement between the testers. But which wedge came out on top? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Srixon’s new ZXi iron range is here, and we’re getting the inside story from Joe at Srixon. Nicola Slater is joined by Joe to take a closer look at the new ZXi irons, including the exciting ZXi5+, how it fits into the range and why it could offer the perfect blend of looks, forgiveness and performance. They also discuss the ZXi5 and ZXi7, building combo sets, Srixon’s Tour V.T. sole, the precision behind Srixon’s forging process and the importance of getting properly fitted rather than simply choosing irons based on loft numbers. Plus, we chat about Ryan Fox putting the ZXi5+ into play and the return of legendary wedge designer Roger Cleveland. What makes the new ZXi range different, and which iron could be right for your game? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Nicola Slater and Jack Backhouse dive into NCG’s latest wedge testing, with 21 wedges put through their paces at Leeds Golf Centre. They discuss what makes a great wedge, from looks, feel and forgiveness to turf interaction, grind options, green-side performance and spin. They also look at why wedge fitting is often overlooked and what golfers should consider when choosing the wedges in their bag. Plus, Nicola speaks to Toby Graves from Avoda about the brand’s approach to wedge design, its innovative technology and the thinking behind its different wedge options, including varying bounce and length configurations. With some of the biggest names in golf equipment involved in NCG’s test, Nicola and Jack also discuss their early impressions and what makes one wedge stand out from another. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you design a golf club four years before it reaches the shelves? And what can 3D printing actually do that traditional manufacturing can't? On this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Nicola Slater is joined by Doug Roberts, Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation at Cobra, to go behind the scenes of how Cobra develops its latest golf equipment. Doug explains the thinking behind Cobra's 3D-printed irons, including how the technology allows the company to redistribute weight and create the forgiveness of a game-improvement iron in a more compact, tour-inspired shape. He also reveals how 3D printing is being used in Cobra's putters and why certain designs simply wouldn't be possible using conventional manufacturing. The conversation also covers Cobra's new Optum driver range, the research behind its focus on distance, forgiveness and accuracy, the thinking behind POI technology and how the Future Fit 33 system gives golfers more fitting options. A fascinating look inside the technology, testing and innovation shaping the golf clubs of today and tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really separates the best putters from the average club golfer? In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Nicola Slater is joined by specialist putting coach and senior AimPoint instructor Jamie Donaldson to break down the fundamentals of better putting. Jamie explains why speed control is arguably the most important part of putting , how swing length and tempo influence distance control, and why so many amateurs struggle with their longer putts. They also discuss putting setup, ball position, eye position, arm structure and the common misconception that your eyes need to be directly over the ball. The pair also look at how professional golfers approach speed control and what club golfers can do to improve their own putting. Jamie also shares insights from working with some of the world's best players, as well as practical drills that golfers can use to improve their distance control and reduce those costly three-putts. If you're looking to become a better putter, this is one episode you won't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you decide which putter is truly the best? In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Nicola Slater and Jack Backhouse take a deep dive into NCG’s brand-new Best in Class: Putters testing, explaining exactly how the new methodology works. From 36 putters across blades, mallets and zero-torque models to a panel of testers putting each club through its paces, Nicola reveals how NCG has moved away from relying on a single tester’s opinion. The putters were assessed across categories including looks, sound and feel, technology, forgiveness, stability, consistency and value for money. They also discuss some of the biggest surprises from the testing, the putters that stood out in different categories, and why testing golf equipment fairly is far more complicated than it might seem. If you’re interested in putters, equipment testing or finding out which clubs are actually worth your money, this is one to watch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicola Slater is joined by PGA professional and inventor Enda McLaughlin , founder of P2 Grips and Trident Align, to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of putting: aim. Enda explains why so many golfers unknowingly suffer from aim bias, how eye dominance affects where you think you're aiming, and why improving your stroke might not be the answer if you're not lined up correctly in the first place. The pair also discuss the inspiration behind Trident Align, the world's first adjustable ball marker, how the product went from a sketch on a napkin to a fully legal on-course training aid, and why Enda is passionate about creating products that genuinely help everyday golfers lower their scores. If you're looking to hole more putts and understand why your putting might be letting you down, this is an episode you won't want to miss. To enter into the giveaway just click this link: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/giveaways/win-one-of-six-trident-align-full-metal-kits/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicola Slater is back from a busy week at The Open Championship, and she's giving Jack Backhouse the full behind-the-scenes tour. From media days, tour trucks and brand meetings to watching Rory McIlroy warm up, meeting celebrities, and discovering Wyndham Clark's now-famous coat hanger practice routine, there's plenty to unpack. Jack delivers what might be his most controversial opinion yet, this time involving Tommy Fleetwood. The pair also discuss the latest equipment launches, life inside the media centre, the atmosphere around Royal Birkdale, and what it's really like covering golf's biggest championship away from the TV cameras. It's an episode packed with behind-the-scenes insight, equipment chat, laughs, and a debate that's bound to split opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you've been told about putters is wrong? This week, Nicola Slater is joined by Dan Landman, founder of Spoiler Golf, to discuss one of the most talked-about innovations in golf equipment. Inspired by the way a wedge rolls the ball, Spoiler's unique leading-edge technology challenges traditional putter design in pursuit of a purer, more consistent roll. Dan explains how a lockdown experiment turned into a growing golf brand, the science behind the design, why major manufacturers haven't followed suit, and whether golfers are finally ready to embrace something completely different. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of The Open at Royal Birkdale, we're diving into everything you need to know about playing links golf. From controlling your ball flight in the wind to avoiding pot bunkers, mastering bump-and-runs, and choosing the right clubs, we explain the biggest differences between links and parkland golf. We also discuss why the world's best players change their equipment for links golf, how creativity becomes more important than power, and what club golfers can learn from watching The Open at Royal Birkdale. Whether you're heading to the coast this summer or just want to understand links golf better, these tips will help you score lower. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The golf ball rollback has officially been delayed but should it happen at all? In this episode of the Your Golf Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the biggest debates in modern golf. We discuss why the proposed rollback has been pushed back, hear the views of DP World Tour pro Brandon Robinson Thompson, and ask whether the governing bodies are focusing on the right solution. Is distance really making golf courses obsolete? Would tougher course setups be more effective than changing the golf ball? And has modern equipment reduced the skill needed to compete at the highest level? We also round off the episode by tackling another hot topic in the game: pace of play. Is slow play getting worse, who's responsible, and what can be done to speed up the game for professionals and amateurs alike? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The temperatures are soaring but should your scores be? Jack Backhouse and Nicola Slater discuss how extreme heat changes the way golf is played, from longer drives and firmer fairways to club selection, course management and staying hydrated. Drawing on Nicola's experience competing in sweltering conditions, they explain why your normal yardages don't apply, how to adapt your strategy and the mistakes golfers make when the mercury rises. If you're teeing it up during a heatwave, this episode could save you plenty of shots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mini drivers are everywhere right now, but do most golfers actually need one? In this episode, Jack Backhouse and equipment expert Nicola Slater take a deep dive into one of golf’s biggest equipment trends. They discuss where mini drivers fit between a driver and a fairway wood, who stands to benefit from using one, and whether they genuinely offer more control off the tee. The pair explore why so many tour players are putting mini drivers in play, share their own experiences testing models from TaylorMade, Titleist and Callaway, and examine the data behind fairway-finder alternatives off the tee. They also debate whether mini drivers are simply modern versions of the compact drivers of old, and why some golfers swear by them while others see no place for one in the bag. Plus, a discussion on club fitting, the shaft-versus-head debate, and Nicola’s visit to The Belfry for a fitting experience with Fujikura. Whether you're struggling with your driver, considering a bag overhaul, or just curious about the latest equipment craze, this episode will help you decide if a mini driver deserves a spot in your setup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do golfers underestimate the power of getting fitted? In this episode of NCG Your Golf Podcast, Jack Backhouse and Nicola Slater dive into the world of golf fitting after visits to two standout experiences: The Kingdom at The Grove and Under Armour’s shoe optimisation studio at Stoke Park. From premium club fitting and surprising driver gains to biomechanics, custom insoles and whether golf shoes could be the next big performance upgrade, they explore how small changes can unlock results without changing your swing. Plus: should golfers stop buying clubs off the shelf altogether? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to improve your golf faster? In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Jack Backhouse and Nicola Slater explore one of the biggest misconceptions in golf improvement. Lessons alone are not the answer. They discuss how to get more value from coaching, the common mistakes golfers make during lessons, and why chasing the “perfect swing” can actually hold you back. From turning up with a clear goal to understanding realistic timelines for improvement, this episode is packed with practical advice for golfers who genuinely want to lower their scores. Inside this episode: • How to get more from every golf lesson • Why hitting more balls does not always mean better results • The biggest mistake golfers make after coaching sessions • Why quick fixes rarely lead to lasting improvement • How to practise with more purpose • Using stats and feedback to improve faster • Why your swing does not need to look perfect to play great If you are serious about improving and want a smarter approach to practice, this episode will help you make better progress and get more out of your time on the range and the course. 🎧 Subscribe to NCG Your Golf and never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, host Jack Backhouse, professional golfer Nicola Slater and producer Chris Vodden tackle one of golf’s most debated equipment topics: should there even be such a thing as “women’s golf clubs”? Fresh from a Titleist fitting experience, Nicola explains why she believes golf equipment should be fitted to the player, not labelled by gender. The team dives into package sets, shaft flex, club length, swing speed, custom fitting, and why some brands are moving away from “men’s” and “women’s” categories altogether. They also discuss: Why package sets work for some golfers but not all The hidden problem with “ladies flex” shafts Why taller or athletic women are often badly fitted Whether golf marketing is still stuck in the past The surprising truth about “women’s” golf balls Why custom fitting matters more than labels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Your Golf Podcast by NCG , host PGA Professional Jack Backhouse is once again joined by professional golfer Nicola Slater to break down Rory McIlroy’s incredible Masters victory in 2026 and more importantly, what it actually means for your game. From course management under pressure to dialing in your mental approach on the biggest stages, Jack and Nicola unpack the key habits, decisions, and mindset shifts that helped Rory get over the line at Augusta. They cut through the highlight-reel moments and focus on the practical takeaways everyday golfers can start using immediately. Whether it’s smarter shot selection, handling nerves on the tee, or understanding when to play aggressively versus conservatively, this episode is all about turning elite performance into real-world improvement. If you’ve ever wondered how to think your way around the course like a major champion this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Your Golf Podcast by NCG , Host PGA Professional Jack Backhouse is joined by professional golfer Nicola Slater to explore how mid-handicap golfers can make the leap to single figures. Using insights from Shot Scope data, they highlight the key differences between mid- and low-handicap players, from approach play and short game performance to smarter course management and practice habits. Packed with practical, data-driven advice and personal insights, this episode offers a clear roadmap for golfers looking to lower their scores and play more consistent golf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Your Golf Podcast, PGA Pro Jack Backhouse and professional golfer Nicola Slater break down exactly how to get ready for your first medal competition of the year. From sharpening your practice routine and structuring your time in the lead-up, to managing those inevitable first-tee nerves, they share practical, easy-to-apply tips to help you feel prepared rather than pressured. They also dive into course management, mindset, and the small details that often make the biggest difference on competition day. Whether you’re shaking off the winter rust or looking to start your season on the front foot, this episode will help you step onto the tee with confidence and give yourself the best chance of putting a solid score on the card. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really separates a scratch golfer from the rest? In this episode of the Your Golf Podcast , Tom Irwin and PGA Professional Jack Backhouse break down the habits, decisions, and mental approaches that low handicappers use to consistently shoot lower scores and why it’s not what most club golfers think. From smarter course management and knowing your numbers, to eliminating double bogeys and embracing the “good miss”, this episode focuses on the real difference-maker: golf IQ. As the guys explain, it’s not about hitting it further or flushing it every time, it’s about making better decisions, handling bad shots, and staying in control of your scorecard. They also dive into: Why scratch golfers prioritise position over perfection The importance of understanding your distances and playing realistically How elite players manage mistakes and avoid big numbers The mindset shift that turns missed greens into scoring opportunities If you’re stuck between handicaps and feel like you’re close to your potential, this episode will show you where those last few shots are really going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.