Author: 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.
‘I wasn’t aware the rule was changed’: How Rory McIlroy blundered at Pebble Beach
The 50th Players
Rattlesnakes and accidental island greens: The fascinating tale of how Sawgrass was built
News
‘It’s not fair on the other females competing’: Should transgender golfers compete in women’s events?
World Handicap System
The way fourball match play handicaps are worked out is changing
5 things you might not know about Course Rating
Courses and Travel
I shudder to think it – but I might never play the Old Course again
Courses and Travel
The perfect golf trip on a budget? Here’s where our experts say you should go in 2024
I think I’m in a penalty area but it’s not marked – can I get free relief?
Courses and Travel
‘It’s not going to stop’: Expect to pay even more to play GB&I’s top 100 courses
Rules of Golf
The prizes were handed out but the committee got my score wrong – should the results be changed?
Want high standards on your golf course? Pay for them!
World Handicap System
Should clubs get the chance to think again about 95 per cent?
Our two putts have collided on the green – what do we do now?
Martin Slumbers to step down as R&A chief executive
Rules of Golf
How many of these Rules of Golf changes do you still use in your game?
News
How much? Nearly half of golfers say they’re paying more than £1,000 for club membership
Do I HAVE to play from the winter tee mat?
Do these stats show golfers are starting to embrace the World Handicap System?
World Rankings body announces system shake-up
LIV Golf
‘I will never try to chase money’: Ludvig Aberg says he turned down LIV Golf
World Handicap System
I put in every card for handicap for six months – what did I learn?
Are tractor ruts considered ground under repair?
Can I switch my ball when taking preferred lies relief?
Help! I’ve run out of balls – what now?
Courses and Travel
‘I don’t really care what Augusta does’: Do classic courses need protecting from big hitters?
Is golf really broken?
Which balls will be legal when roll back arrives?
World Handicap System
Ignore the critics – there is plenty to like about the WHS changes
Will my golf ball travel as far? Here’s what roll back means to you
Could the golf ball be rolled back for everyone?
Rules of Golf
Ouch! I’ve been hit by a golf ball – why have the Rules put me on the clock?
David Scott to become PGA captain in 2025
England Golf director resigns after “Hitler” row
Nine in a row! Matt Wallace ties world record in epic birdie spree
World Handicap System
So what do we REALLY think about the World Handicap System changes?
World Handicap System
Here’s a (very) quick way to work out your World Handicap System index
“Inappropriate”: Planning chiefs recommend throwing out Wimbledon Park plans
World Handicap System
Here’s why your club may need a new handicap board when WHS changes
World Handicap System
Golf isn’t just 18 holes and 6,000 yards!: Course architects back big WHS changes
News
A sport for the retired? New research shows golfers aren’t as old as you might think
The NCG Podcast
From the Clubhouse: We explain the big World Handicap System changes!
World Handicap System
How many PCC adjustments have there been in England? The answer may surprise you
World Handicap System
Play on a Par 3 golf course? You can put in a score for handicap
World Handicap System
A 14-hole competition? Your club can make it count for handicap
World Handicap System
There is a new way of sorting out when you’ve not played a hole: Explaining ‘Expected Score’
World Handicap System
‘It’s good governance’: Why The R&A carried out a huge WHS review
