From the Clubhouse: Is this really the future of golf?
The R&A’s new concept facility, Golf It!, has opened promising a new way for people to get into the sport. But will it make any difference? The From the Clubhouse team discuss
With its pizza oven, street food, a colourful driving range, and 9-hole course, Golf It! is being described as the sport’s new approach – an accessible and inclusive way to get into golf.
The facility, which is based at the former Lethamhill Golf Course in Glasgow, boasts a range of introductory golf formats and Steve Carroll went along to see it ahead of its launch.
He takes Tom Irwin through the new centre step-by-step and the pair ask whether it will actually change the way people engage with golf.
Meanwhile, some of Tom’s new shiny new TaylorMade kit remains unwrapped and so the duo get into the origins of the 14 club rule and whether we really need to use that many. Would golf be better with less, or even more clubs?
It’s thought provoking as always so have a listen and get involved.
From the Clubhouse is produced in association with TaylorMade Golf
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
