Your Golf Podcast by NCG

National Club Golfer

Your Golf by NCG is a weekly deep dive into the biggest gear and instruction topics in golf, hosted by PGA professional Jack Backhouse and professional golfer Nicola Slater.

Jack and Nicola bring a wealth of experience from coaching, playing and equipment testing, offering meaningful, actionable insight to help you improve your game and understand the latest trends in golf.

Whether you’re a club golfer trying to break 80, a beginner looking to hit it straighter, or someone chasing a new personal best, Jack and Nicola cover the equipment, instruction and performance topics that matter to golfers of all levels.

They’ll help you understand not just what to work on, but how to make real progress.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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31 episodes
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Avg 47 min
English

Episodes 31

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Wednesday · 50 min
Are golfers using too much technology?
How much difference can the right distance measuring device make to your game? Are you getting your money’s worth from the technology? In the latest episode of the Your Golf by NCG Podcast, Nicola Slater and Jack Backhouse get stuck into the world of DMDs to find out what golfers use and what they value. Does a deluge of information lead to better scores? Nicola reveals the results of an NCG survey featuring more than 1,300 golfers, which uncovered the most popular devices and what’s dominating the market. The pair also preview our upcoming Best in Class Distance Measuring Device test. With 23 devices lined up for in depth reviews, they discuss what golfers should be looking for before parting with their cash. Are big dollar lasers worth the money? Could a GPS-enabled trolley offer better value? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 7 · 40 min
Inside Srixon’s New Woods Range
Your Golf by NCG host Nicola Slater is joined by Joe Miller from Srixon to take a closer look at the brand’s latest metal woods and hybrid lineup. Joe explains the thinking behind the new range, Srixon’s renewed focus on metal woods, and how the brand is looking to connect more closely with golfers. They also discuss the technology and testing process behind the clubs, including how feedback from tour players and consumers helps shape the final products. Nicola and Joe also look at Srixon’s new “Obsessed With It” philosophy, the importance of continual product improvement, and the different options available across the new woods and hybrid lineup. If you’re considering a new driver, fairway wood or hybrid, this is a deep dive into what Srixon is trying to achieve with its latest equipment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 30 · 1 hr
Are You Making These Golf Equipment Mistakes?
TaylorMade Fitting Explained
September 23 · 52 min
Inside Mizuno: The Technology, Feel & Design Behind Its Latest Clubs
Your Golf Podcast host Nicola Slater chats to George Thompson, Senior Marketing Lead at Mizuno, about the brand’s latest equipment launches and what goes on behind the scenes when developing new products. Nicola and George explore Mizuno’s Japanese heritage and approach to club design, before diving into the technology behind its latest drivers, M.Craft X putters and new Mizuno Pro S-4 irons. George also explains the importance of custom fitting and how the brand's iconic blend of feel, forgiveness and performance has led to the phrase on everyone's lips where the brand is concerned: Nothing feels like a Mizuno. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 16 · 46 min
The Best Wedge of 2026 Revealed
20 wedges went head-to-head. One was crowned the winner. But which one? NCG puts 20 of the biggest wedge names in golf through a serious Best in Class test, with pitching, chipping and bunker testing alongside spin, forgiveness, looks, feel and value. There are some surprising results, some seriously close scores and plenty of disagreement between the testers. But which wedge came out on top? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 9 · 40 min
Why Srixon’s New ZXi5+ Could Be a Game Changer
Srixon’s new ZXi iron range is here, and we’re getting the inside story from Joe at Srixon. Nicola Slater is joined by Joe to take a closer look at the new ZXi irons, including the exciting ZXi5+, how it fits into the range and why it could offer the perfect blend of looks, forgiveness and performance. They also discuss the ZXi5 and ZXi7, building combo sets, Srixon’s Tour V.T. sole, the precision behind Srixon’s forging process and the importance of getting properly fitted rather than simply choosing irons based on loft numbers. Plus, we chat about Ryan Fox putting the ZXi5+ into play and the return of legendary wedge designer Roger Cleveland. What makes the new ZXi range different, and which iron could be right for your game? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 2 · 54 min
Inside NCG’s Best Wedge Test
In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Nicola Slater and Jack Backhouse dive into NCG’s latest wedge testing, with 21 wedges put through their paces at Leeds Golf Centre. They discuss what makes a great wedge, from looks, feel and forgiveness to turf interaction, grind options, green-side performance and spin. They also look at why wedge fitting is often overlooked and what golfers should consider when choosing the wedges in their bag. Plus, Nicola speaks to Toby Graves from Avoda about the brand’s approach to wedge design, its innovative technology and the thinking behind its different wedge options, including varying bounce and length configurations. With some of the biggest names in golf equipment involved in NCG’s test, Nicola and Jack also discuss their early impressions and what makes one wedge stand out from another. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 26 · 33 min
How 3D Printing Is Changing Golf Clubs
How do you design a golf club four years before it reaches the shelves? And what can 3D printing actually do that traditional manufacturing can't? On this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Nicola Slater is joined by Doug Roberts, Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation at Cobra, to go behind the scenes of how Cobra develops its latest golf equipment. Doug explains the thinking behind Cobra's 3D-printed irons, including how the technology allows the company to redistribute weight and create the forgiveness of a game-improvement iron in a more compact, tour-inspired shape. He also reveals how 3D printing is being used in Cobra's putters and why certain designs simply wouldn't be possible using conventional manufacturing. The conversation also covers Cobra's new Optum driver range, the research behind its focus on distance, forgiveness and accuracy, the thinking behind POI technology and how the Future Fit 33 system gives golfers more fitting options. A fascinating look inside the technology, testing and innovation shaping the golf clubs of today and tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 19 · 58 min
The Putting Secret Amateurs Are Missing
What really separates the best putters from the average club golfer? In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Nicola Slater is joined by specialist putting coach and senior AimPoint instructor Jamie Donaldson to break down the fundamentals of better putting. Jamie explains why speed control is arguably the most important part of putting, how swing length and tempo influence distance control, and why so many amateurs struggle with their longer putts. They also discuss putting setup, ball position, eye position, arm structure and the common misconception that your eyes need to be directly over the ball. The pair also look at how professional golfers approach speed control and what club golfers can do to improve their own putting. Jamie also shares insights from working with some of the world's best players, as well as practical drills that golfers can use to improve their distance control and reduce those costly three-putts. If you're looking to become a better putter, this is one episode you won't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 12 · 50 min
Best Putter 2026: Winners Revealed
How do you decide which putter is truly the best? In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Nicola Slater and Jack Backhouse take a deep dive into NCG’s brand-new Best in Class: Putters testing, explaining exactly how the new methodology works. From 36 putters across blades, mallets and zero-torque models to a panel of testers putting each club through its paces, Nicola reveals how NCG has moved away from relying on a single tester’s opinion. The putters were assessed across categories including looks, sound and feel, technology, forgiveness, stability, consistency and value for money. They also discuss some of the biggest surprises from the testing, the putters that stood out in different categories, and why testing golf equipment fairly is far more complicated than it might seem. If you’re interested in putters, equipment testing or finding out which clubs are actually worth your money, this is one to watch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 6 · 49 min
The Putting Innovation That Could Save You Shots
Nicola Slater is joined by PGA professional and inventor Enda McLaughlin, founder of P2 Grips and Trident Align, to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of putting: aim. Enda explains why so many golfers unknowingly suffer from aim bias, how eye dominance affects where you think you're aiming, and why improving your stroke might not be the answer if you're not lined up correctly in the first place. The pair also discuss the inspiration behind Trident Align, the world's first adjustable ball marker, how the product went from a sketch on a napkin to a fully legal on-course training aid, and why Enda is passionate about creating products that genuinely help everyday golfers lower their scores. If you're looking to hole more putts and understand why your putting might be letting you down, this is an episode you won't want to miss. To enter into the giveaway just click this link: https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/giveaways/win-one-of-six-trident-align-full-metal-kits/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 29 · 49 min
What Really Happens Behind the Scenes at The Open?
Nicola Slater is back from a busy week at The Open Championship, and she's giving Jack Backhouse the full behind-the-scenes tour. From media days, tour trucks and brand meetings to watching Rory McIlroy warm up, meeting celebrities, and discovering Wyndham Clark's now-famous coat hanger practice routine, there's plenty to unpack. Jack delivers what might be his most controversial opinion yet, this time involving Tommy Fleetwood. The pair also discuss the latest equipment launches, life inside the media centre, the atmosphere around Royal Birkdale, and what it's really like covering golf's biggest championship away from the TV cameras. It's an episode packed with behind-the-scenes insight, equipment chat, laughs, and a debate that's bound to split opinion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 22 · 37 min
Is This the Future of Putting?
What if everything you've been told about putters is wrong? This week, Nicola Slater is joined by Dan Landman, founder of Spoiler Golf, to discuss one of the most talked-about innovations in golf equipment. Inspired by the way a wedge rolls the ball, Spoiler's unique leading-edge technology challenges traditional putter design in pursuit of a purer, more consistent roll. Dan explains how a lockdown experiment turned into a growing golf brand, the science behind the design, why major manufacturers haven't followed suit, and whether golfers are finally ready to embrace something completely different. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 15 · 44 min
How to play links golf
Ahead of The Open at Royal Birkdale, we're diving into everything you need to know about playing links golf. From controlling your ball flight in the wind to avoiding pot bunkers, mastering bump-and-runs, and choosing the right clubs, we explain the biggest differences between links and parkland golf. We also discuss why the world's best players change their equipment for links golf, how creativity becomes more important than power, and what club golfers can learn from watching The Open at Royal Birkdale. Whether you're heading to the coast this summer or just want to understand links golf better, these tips will help you score lower. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 8 · 52 min
Does the Roll Back Actually Matter?
The golf ball rollback has officially been delayed but should it happen at all? In this episode of the Your Golf Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the biggest debates in modern golf. We discuss why the proposed rollback has been pushed back, hear the views of DP World Tour pro Brandon Robinson Thompson, and ask whether the governing bodies are focusing on the right solution. Is distance really making golf courses obsolete? Would tougher course setups be more effective than changing the golf ball? And has modern equipment reduced the skill needed to compete at the highest level? We also round off the episode by tackling another hot topic in the game: pace of play. Is slow play getting worse, who's responsible, and what can be done to speed up the game for professionals and amateurs alike? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 1 · 40 min
How to Play Better Golf in a Heatwave
The temperatures are soaring but should your scores be? Jack Backhouse and Nicola Slater discuss how extreme heat changes the way golf is played, from longer drives and firmer fairways to club selection, course management and staying hydrated. Drawing on Nicola's experience competing in sweltering conditions, they explain why your normal yardages don't apply, how to adapt your strategy and the mistakes golfers make when the mercury rises. If you're teeing it up during a heatwave, this episode could save you plenty of shots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 3 · 30 min
The Mini Driver Debate: Who Is It Really For?
Mini drivers are everywhere right now, but do most golfers actually need one? In this episode, Jack Backhouse and equipment expert Nicola Slater take a deep dive into one of golf’s biggest equipment trends. They discuss where mini drivers fit between a driver and a fairway wood, who stands to benefit from using one, and whether they genuinely offer more control off the tee. The pair explore why so many tour players are putting mini drivers in play, share their own experiences testing models from TaylorMade, Titleist and Callaway, and examine the data behind fairway-finder alternatives off the tee. They also debate whether mini drivers are simply modern versions of the compact drivers of old, and why some golfers swear by them while others see no place for one in the bag. Plus, a discussion on club fitting, the shaft-versus-head debate, and Nicola’s visit to The Belfry for a fitting experience with Fujikura. Whether you're struggling with your driver, considering a bag overhaul, or just curious about the latest equipment craze, this episode will help you decide if a mini driver deserves a spot in your setup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 27 · 50 min
Why Every Golfer Should Get Fit
Do golfers underestimate the power of getting fitted? In this episode of NCG Your Golf Podcast, Jack Backhouse and Nicola Slater dive into the world of golf fitting after visits to two standout experiences: The Kingdom at The Grove and Under Armour’s shoe optimisation studio at Stoke Park. From premium club fitting and surprising driver gains to biomechanics, custom insoles and whether golf shoes could be the next big performance upgrade, they explore how small changes can unlock results without changing your swing. Plus: should golfers stop buying clubs off the shelf altogether? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 20 · 53 min
The Fastest Way to Improve Your Golf
Want to improve your golf faster? In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, Jack Backhouse and Nicola Slater explore one of the biggest misconceptions in golf improvement. Lessons alone are not the answer. They discuss how to get more value from coaching, the common mistakes golfers make during lessons, and why chasing the “perfect swing” can actually hold you back. From turning up with a clear goal to understanding realistic timelines for improvement, this episode is packed with practical advice for golfers who genuinely want to lower their scores. Inside this episode: • How to get more from every golf lesson • Why hitting more balls does not always mean better results • The biggest mistake golfers make after coaching sessions • Why quick fixes rarely lead to lasting improvement • How to practise with more purpose • Using stats and feedback to improve faster • Why your swing does not need to look perfect to play great If you are serious about improving and want a smarter approach to practice, this episode will help you make better progress and get more out of your time on the range and the course. 🎧 Subscribe to NCG Your Golf and never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 13 · 39 min
Do Women’s Golf Clubs Even Exist?
In this episode of the NCG Your Golf Podcast, host Jack Backhouse, professional golfer Nicola Slater and producer Chris Vodden tackle one of golf’s most debated equipment topics: should there even be such a thing as “women’s golf clubs”? Fresh from a Titleist fitting experience, Nicola explains why she believes golf equipment should be fitted to the player, not labelled by gender. The team dives into package sets, shaft flex, club length, swing speed, custom fitting, and why some brands are moving away from “men’s” and “women’s” categories altogether. They also discuss: Why package sets work for some golfers but not all The hidden problem with “ladies flex” shafts Why taller or athletic women are often badly fitted Whether golf marketing is still stuck in the past The surprising truth about “women’s” golf balls Why custom fitting matters more than labels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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