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Country: gb Page generated at: Friday, 27 February 2026 at 12:16:06 Greenwich Mean Time

Author: Steve Carroll

Steve Carroll

Steve Carroll

Fun Fact:

When at Sandburn Hall, Steve snap-hooked his captain’s drive on his inauguration in 2017. It travelled 97 yards – believed to be the shortest in the club’s history.

Handicap:
Twitter

NCG’s man in the clubhouse. No one covers the grassroots game as comprehensively as Steve.

Steve has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist and joined NCG from the York Press in 2016.

Away from golf he supports Middlesbrough and is a keen follower of horse racing. He is a better guitar player than Alex.

Fun fact: When at Sandburn Hall, Steve snap-hooked his captain’s drive on his inauguration in 2017. It travelled 97 yards – believed to be the shortest in the club’s history.

John Jacobs (L) of Cumberwell Park Golf Club looks for his ball in a flooded bunker with Richard Dinsdale of Parc Golf Academy during the Lombard Challenge Regional Qualifier at Cumberwell Park Golf Club on August 6, 2012 in Bath, England | Source: Getty Images

Can a round still count for handicap if bunkers are flooded?

World Handicap System

By Steve Carroll | Feb 26, 2026

Read full article Can a round still count for handicap if bunkers are flooded?
Tiger Woods after chipping in at the 2005 Masters | Source: Getty Images

What Tiger Woods’ iconic Masters chip reveals about golf’s 10-second rule

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Feb 25, 2026

Read full article What Tiger Woods’ iconic Masters chip reveals about golf’s 10-second rule
18th hole at Muirfield | Source: Muirfield

When will green fee prices at elite golf clubs reach their limit?

Courses and Travel

By Steve Carroll | Feb 24, 2026

Read full article When will green fee prices at elite golf clubs reach their limit?
A flooded bunker at Carnoustie | Source: Carnoustie

How long will it take my golf course to recover from the rain?

Features
Greenkeeping

By Steve Carroll | Feb 23, 2026

Read full article How long will it take my golf course to recover from the rain?
wormcast

Can I ‘tee up’ my ball on a wormcast when preferring my lie?

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Feb 18, 2026

Read full article Can I ‘tee up’ my ball on a wormcast when preferring my lie?
golf club survey

Have you seriously thought about leaving your golf club?

Features

By Steve Carroll | Feb 16, 2026

Read full article Have you seriously thought about leaving your golf club?
dollar spot

The devastating disease that golfers spread through their shoes

Club
Features

By Steve Carroll | Feb 11, 2026

Read full article The devastating disease that golfers spread through their shoes
pebble beach green fees

Would you pay the extortionate Pebble Beach green fees?

Courses and Travel

By Matt Chivers, Steve Carroll | Feb 10, 2026

Read full article Would you pay the extortionate Pebble Beach green fees?
Identify your golf ball

Can I turn my club into a cue to get out of trouble?

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Feb 10, 2026

Read full article Can I turn my club into a cue to get out of trouble?

Is golf etiquette really about maintaining standards – or does it just make you feel good?

Features

By Steve Carroll | Feb 9, 2026

Read full article Is golf etiquette really about maintaining standards – or does it just make you feel good?
gimmies

Should gimmies count for handicap? You have delivered a resounding verdict

By Steve Carroll | Feb 5, 2026

Read full article Should gimmies count for handicap? You have delivered a resounding verdict

Here’s how you can save nearly £3,500 playing the best courses in Great Britain

Courses and Travel

By Steve Carroll | Feb 4, 2026

Read full article Here’s how you can save nearly £3,500 playing the best courses in Great Britain
Golfers with scorecard

A staggering number of you say it’s too easy to manipulate handicaps

World Handicap System

By Steve Carroll | Feb 4, 2026

Read full article A staggering number of you say it’s too easy to manipulate handicaps
CONGU

Would you abandon WHS for the old handicap system?

World Handicap System

By Steve Carroll | Feb 3, 2026

Read full article Would you abandon WHS for the old handicap system?
world handicap system

We surveyed more than 3,000 of you – so what did you tell us about the World Handicap System?

World Handicap System

By Steve Carroll | Feb 2, 2026

Read full article We surveyed more than 3,000 of you – so what did you tell us about the World Handicap System?
rules of golf

Will a ball roll back really work at our golf clubs?

Features

By Steve Carroll | Jan 30, 2026

Read full article Will a ball roll back really work at our golf clubs?
ball out of bounds

Another group returned my ball as I was about to drop – is it lost?

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Jan 28, 2026

Read full article Another group returned my ball as I was about to drop – is it lost?
royal birkdale NCG Top 100s England my top three

How much are the green fees to play top 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland in summer 2026?

Courses and Travel

By Steve Carroll | Jan 27, 2026

Read full article How much are the green fees to play top 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland in summer 2026?
course rating

Course Rating or Slope – which one really tells you how tough a golf course is?

World Handicap System

By Steve Carroll | Jan 26, 2026

Read full article Course Rating or Slope – which one really tells you how tough a golf course is?
golf ball roll back

Universal golf ball roll back will reduce distance for everyone

News

By Steve Carroll | Jan 22, 2026

Read full article Universal golf ball roll back will reduce distance for everyone
independent golfer

Could independent golfer schemes become a threat to club membership?

Features

By Steve Carroll | Jan 20, 2026

Read full article Could independent golfer schemes become a threat to club membership?
golf handwarmers

Can I use handwarmers to heat up my golf ball?

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Jan 19, 2026

Read full article Can I use handwarmers to heat up my golf ball?
90% handicap allowance world handicap system

Club committees need to stop using the World Handicap System as a shield

World Handicap System

By Steve Carroll | Jan 15, 2026

Read full article Club committees need to stop using the World Handicap System as a shield
golf club test

Should you have to take a test to get out on the golf course?

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Jan 12, 2026

Read full article Should you have to take a test to get out on the golf course?
identify your golf ball

A ball knocks yours off the green – where do you have to play it?

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Jan 9, 2026

Read full article A ball knocks yours off the green – where do you have to play it?
embedded ball

The embedded ball ruling that drives tour players mad – and what’s changing

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Jan 8, 2026

Read full article The embedded ball ruling that drives tour players mad – and what’s changing
HowDidiDo

Do you now need to pay for HowDidiDo?

News

By Steve Carroll | Jan 8, 2026

Read full article Do you now need to pay for HowDidiDo?
flagstick

‘Golf clubs should be given the right to run their own handicaps’

World Handicap System

By Steve Carroll | Jan 7, 2026

Read full article ‘Golf clubs should be given the right to run their own handicaps’
who will win the open

Has Shane Lowry’s Open penalty sparked a rule change?

Rules of Golf

By Steve Carroll | Jan 6, 2026

Read full article Has Shane Lowry’s Open penalty sparked a rule change?
Pro Shop

5 things you will see at your golf clubs in 2026

Features

By Steve Carroll | Jan 5, 2026

Read full article 5 things you will see at your golf clubs in 2026

Do higher-handicaps have an edge? Irish golfers deliver their verdict

World Handicap System

By Steve Carroll | Dec 15, 2025

Read full article Do higher-handicaps have an edge? Irish golfers deliver their verdict
LPGA Tour 2024 schedule

LPGA Tour 2025 schedule and results

LPGA

By Steve Carroll | Dec 9, 2025

Read full article LPGA Tour 2025 schedule and results

Adidas Tour360 20th Anniversary Golf Shoe Review: Nostalgic design meets modern performance

Shoes

By Steve Carroll | Dec 1, 2025

Read full article Adidas Tour360 20th Anniversary Golf Shoe Review: Nostalgic design meets modern performance

What are the best golf books? You won’t better this fabulous list!

Buying Guides

By Steve Carroll | Nov 18, 2025

Read full article What are the best golf books? You won’t better this fabulous list!
The 2024 open championship

The Open Championship 2026 Preview

The Open

By Ben Roberts | Nov 11, 2025

Read full article The Open Championship 2026 Preview
Suzann Pettersen

Suzann Pettersen: ‘Women’s golf is lagging behind and there is no reason’

LET
LPGA

By Steve Carroll | Oct 9, 2025

Read full article Suzann Pettersen: ‘Women’s golf is lagging behind and there is no reason’

FitVille SpeedEx V3 Golf Shoe review: Wide Feet Win, But There’s a Drawback

Shoes

By Steve Carroll | Oct 9, 2025

Read full article FitVille SpeedEx V3 Golf Shoe review: Wide Feet Win, But There’s a Drawback

Sunderland Typhoon: Is this the best value waterproof jacket out there right now?

Apparel

By Steve Carroll | Sep 25, 2025

Read full article Sunderland Typhoon: Is this the best value waterproof jacket out there right now?
Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup | Source: PGA of America

Will the rowdy New York galleries ruin the Ryder Cup?

Ryder Cup

By Steve Carroll, Dan Murphy | Sep 24, 2025

Read full article Will the rowdy New York galleries ruin the Ryder Cup?
bethpage black

Bethpage Black: The holes that could decide the Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup

By Steve Carroll | Sep 11, 2025

Read full article Bethpage Black: The holes that could decide the Ryder Cup

What’s it like to play Bethpage Black?

Courses and Travel

By Steve Carroll | Sep 11, 2025

Read full article What’s it like to play Bethpage Black?
where is the 2025 ryder cup

Is Bethpage Black the best value municipal course in the world?

Courses and Travel

By Steve Carroll | Aug 29, 2025

Read full article Is Bethpage Black the best value municipal course in the world?
AIG Women's Open tee times

AIG Womens Open Tee Times 2025: Round Two

LPGA

By Steve Carroll | Jul 29, 2025

Read full article AIG Womens Open Tee Times 2025: Round Two
NCG Top 100s: Royal St George's

This 54-hole golf marathon is the best day of the year. Here is why

Courses and Travel

By Steve Carroll | Jul 24, 2025

Read full article This 54-hole golf marathon is the best day of the year. Here is why
The Open Championship Round 4 tee times

The Open Championship Final Round Tee Times 2025

The Open

By Steve Carroll | Jul 19, 2025

Read full article The Open Championship Final Round Tee Times 2025
Open Championship Tee Times Round 3

The Open Championship Tee Times Round 3 2025

The Open

By Steve Carroll | Jul 18, 2025

Read full article The Open Championship Tee Times Round 3 2025

This is how much everything costs at The Open Merchandise Shop

The Open

By Steve Carroll | Jul 18, 2025

Read full article This is how much everything costs at The Open Merchandise Shop

J.Lindeberg Ace High Top golf sneaker review: Forget the look and concentrate on comfort

Shoes

By Steve Carroll | Apr 11, 2025

Read full article J.Lindeberg Ace High Top golf sneaker review: Forget the look and concentrate on comfort

New Balance 574 Greens V2 Golf Shoe review: My go to golf shoe for 2025

Shoes

By Steve Carroll | Apr 7, 2025

Read full article New Balance 574 Greens V2 Golf Shoe review: My go to golf shoe for 2025

Wilson Infinite Bucktown Putter Review: Is this the best value putter on the market?

Putters

By Steve Carroll | Apr 2, 2025

Read full article Wilson Infinite Bucktown Putter Review: Is this the best value putter on the market?
nairn bothy halfway house

Is this the best halfway house in golf?

By Steve Carroll | Feb 17, 2025

Read full article Is this the best halfway house in golf?

Why do drivers cost so much money?

Features

By Steve Carroll | Feb 16, 2025

Read full article Why do drivers cost so much money?
FootJoy StaStof glove review

FootJoy StaSof Golf Glove Review: The best glove in golf?

Accessories

By Steve Carroll | Jan 23, 2025

Read full article FootJoy StaSof Golf Glove Review: The best glove in golf?

How much are the green fees to play top 100 courses in Britain and Ireland in summer 2025?

Courses and Travel
Top 100s

By Steve Carroll | Jan 17, 2025

Read full article How much are the green fees to play top 100 courses in Britain and Ireland in summer 2025?

MacGregor Principal 7 Inch Stand Bag Review: best value bag of 2024?

Accessories
Bags

By Steve Carroll | Dec 18, 2024

Read full article MacGregor Principal 7 Inch Stand Bag Review: best value bag of 2024?
Wilson Duo Soft golf ball review

Wilson Duo Soft golf ball review: Is this the best value golf ball?

Balls
Latest reviews

By Steve Carroll | Dec 16, 2024

Read full article Wilson Duo Soft golf ball review: Is this the best value golf ball?
the yips

Is this a cure for the dreaded yips?

Mental game

By Steve Carroll | Nov 19, 2024

Read full article Is this a cure for the dreaded yips?
golf equipment

Why is new golf gear so expensive?

Features

By Steve Carroll | Jan 26, 2024

Read full article Why is new golf gear so expensive?
Ping ChipR

This might be the best club ever made for average golfers

Features

By Steve Carroll | Dec 21, 2023

Read full article This might be the best club ever made for average golfers
winter golf training

5 reasons why winter training can supercharge your golf game

Fitness

By Steve Carroll | Oct 9, 2023

Read full article 5 reasons why winter training can supercharge your golf game
cobra radspeed

How Cobra’s stronger lofts are transforming my game

By Steve Carroll | Aug 19, 2021

Read full article How Cobra’s stronger lofts are transforming my game
Cobra

The driver that has given me hope – and why I want more…

By Steve Carroll | Jun 2, 2021

Read full article The driver that has given me hope – and why I want more…
marking a golf ball

European Masters betting tips

Betting Tips

By Steve Carroll | Aug 27, 2019

Read full article European Masters betting tips
northern trust betting tips

Who will win the Northern Trust?

Betting Tips

By Steve Carroll | Aug 5, 2019

Read full article Who will win the Northern Trust?
golf warm up

How to warm up like a tour pro

Fitness

By Steve Carroll | Aug 2, 2019

Read full article How to warm up like a tour pro
WGC FedEx St Jude Invitational betting tips

Who will win the WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational?

Betting Tips

By Steve Carroll | Jul 23, 2019

Read full article Who will win the WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational?

The outsiders to keep an eye on at Royal Portrush

Betting Tips

By Steve Carroll | Jul 12, 2019

Read full article The outsiders to keep an eye on at Royal Portrush
short game drills

Revealed: The secrets behind Fleetwood’s stellar short game

Short game

By Steve Carroll | Jun 6, 2019

Read full article Revealed: The secrets behind Fleetwood’s stellar short game
how to chip from a bad lie

How to chip from a bad lie

Tips

By Steve Carroll | May 23, 2019

Read full article How to chip from a bad lie
bunker tips

Get out of bunkers every time with this quick fix

Tips

By Steve Carroll | May 17, 2019

Read full article Get out of bunkers every time with this quick fix
golf tournament preparation

How does a player prepare for a major? We got the inside story

Learn from the pros

By Steve Carroll | May 16, 2019

Read full article How does a player prepare for a major? We got the inside story
chipping tips

Stop knifing through the green with these chipping tips

Learn from the pros

By Steve Carroll | May 10, 2019

Read full article Stop knifing through the green with these chipping tips

The putting aids raising eyebrows on the European Tour

By Steve Carroll | May 7, 2019

Read full article The putting aids raising eyebrows on the European Tour
China Open betting tips

Volvo China Open betting tips

Betting Tips

By Steve Carroll | Apr 29, 2019

Read full article Volvo China Open betting tips
Jon Rahm M5 driver

WGC-Match Play Championship betting tips

Betting Tips

By Steve Carroll | Mar 25, 2019

Read full article WGC-Match Play Championship betting tips
PGA Championship each-way betting tips

Maybank Championship betting tips

Betting Tips

By Steve Carroll | Mar 18, 2019

Read full article Maybank Championship betting tips
Titleist custom fitting

How does a custom fitting affect your golf game?

By Steve Carroll | Aug 30, 2018

Read full article How does a custom fitting affect your golf game?
Titleist 818 hybrids

It’s been a long winter – now the real stuff is about to begin

Features

By Steve Carroll | Mar 8, 2018

Read full article It’s been a long winter – now the real stuff is about to begin
Winter Golf Week practice balls in snow

Winter golf tips to get your handicap down in 2018

Tips

By Steve Carroll | Nov 10, 2017

Read full article Winter golf tips to get your handicap down in 2018
Titleist Velocity golf ball review

Titleist Velocity golf ball review

By Steve Carroll | Jan 1, 1970

Read full article Titleist Velocity golf ball review