From the Clubhouse: Tom tried to qualify for Hoylake + Who we think is picking up the Claret Jug!
After a summer break (you’ll find out why), Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll are back and they are at Royal Liverpool. Let the duo introduce the ‘best week of the year’
Tom Irwin is at Hoylake – although probably not in the capacity he would have wished. Our stout From the Clubhouse host did his best to qualify for this week’s Open, taking on Alwoodley in Regional Open Qualifying.
Steve Carroll was his caddie and the pair enjoyed an eventful round which they dissect from the confines of the Open Media Centre.
As you might have guessed, Tom didn’t qualify but the pair look at Hoylake, talk about the course and some of their favourite holes, and then each make their pick for the Champion Golfer of the Year.
It’s the week we’ve all been waiting for, so let Tom and Steve get you started in the right way!
From the Clubhouse is a National Club Golfer podcast 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.
