fbpx
traditional golf clubs

From the Clubhouse: Should traditional golf clubs be consigned to history?

Get with the times or protect a much valued history? The From the Clubhouse team consider whether golf clubs need a more modern outlook
 

Should golf be all about fun and frolics or is there still a part to play for the traditional golf club with its historic values?

On this week’s From the Clubhouse podcast, in association with TaylorMade Golf, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll discuss whether the sport is evolving in the face of a new desire to provide entertainment above all else.

Tom is talking from California, where he visited Goat Hill Park – a trendy, celebrity-backed, municipal course which has captured the imagination for its chilled out vibe and focus on atmosphere.

The pair ask whether that’s an option that could find favour in the UK, and consider what traditional clubs are providing for their members and if they need to widen their horizons.

Steve also talks about his through the bag fitting with TaylorMade Golf at The Belfry, with head professional Daniel Warwick explaining what he will be toting around the course this year.

And after an interesting experience Steve had when being asked to play through a fourball, the duo look at the etiquette of when and how you should stand aside.

Listen to our views on traditional golf clubs and playing through on the From the Clubhouse podcast

Hear what we think on the From the Clubhouse podcast, in association with TaylorMade Golf, in the player below, or on your preferred podcast platform

What do you think? Is golf fine as it is, should it make strides to open up to a new audience, or is it not a problem as long as the members are happy? Let us know with a tweet.

More podcasts from National Club Golfer

Steve Carroll

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.

Latest Posts

legends tour

Tour

Legend! Ian Woosnam welcomes return of top class golf to Barbados

By

Read full article about Legend! Ian Woosnam welcomes return of top class golf to Barbados
jon rahm ryder cup

Ryder Cup

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton offered renewed Ryder Cup hope by DP World Tour chief

By

Read full article about Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton offered renewed Ryder Cup hope by DP World Tour chief

Shoes

G/Fore Gallivan2r Tuxedo Golf Shoe Review

By

Read full article about G/Fore Gallivan2r Tuxedo Golf Shoe Review

Launch Monitors

Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor Review

By

Read full article about Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor Review
TaylorMade TP5x golf ball review

Balls

TaylorMade TP5x golf ball review

By

Read full article about TaylorMade TP5x golf ball review
Nine hole competitions

The NCG Podcast

England Golf chief: ‘There are not nearly enough female members of golf clubs’

By

Read full article about England Golf chief: ‘There are not nearly enough female members of golf clubs’
frankie capan III

PGA Tour

Not another one! Korn Ferry star storms to sub-60 scorecard in Texas

By

Read full article about Not another one! Korn Ferry star storms to sub-60 scorecard in Texas
clutch pro tour

News

54-hole mini tour beats LIV Golf to world ranking points

By

Read full article about 54-hole mini tour beats LIV Golf to world ranking points
tommy fleetwood caddie

DP World Tour

Role reversal! Tommy Fleetwood slips on caddie bib for Challenge Tour event

By

Read full article about Role reversal! Tommy Fleetwood slips on caddie bib for Challenge Tour event