From the Clubhouse: Do we really enjoy playing winter golf?
On this week’s From the Clubhouse, a podcast from National Club Golfer, Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin get stuck into winter golf.
Do we actually enjoy it, what are the benefits of teeing it up when the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, and what is our ideal winter’s day out on the course?
Tom and Steve also dive into mats, temporary greens, and winter competitions before answering a winter rules question that might surprise most of you.
If you’ve ever considered braving the snow, ice, and cold weather on an ever-darkening winter’s afternoon, this episode should be right up your street.
What do you think about winter golf? Have a listen to the podcast and then let us know your thoughts in a tweet.
Discussed in the podcast…
- Could your golf course close every winter? Why some clubs are considering it
- Do I have to mark my ball when taking preferred lies relief?
- Can I change my ball when taking relief under preferred lies?
- Can I replace a ball using my club?
- The 5 winter rules all golfers break
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.
