In this episode of Your Golf Podcast by NCG, host PGA Professional Jack Backhouse is once again joined by professional golfer Nicola Slater to break down Rory McIlroy’s incredible Masters victory in 2026 and more importantly, what it actually means for your game.

From course management under pressure to dialing in your mental approach on the biggest stages, Jack and Nicola unpack the key habits, decisions, and mindset shifts that helped Rory get over the line at Augusta. They cut through the highlight-reel moments and focus on the practical takeaways everyday golfers can start using immediately.

Whether it’s smarter shot selection, handling nerves on the tee, or understanding when to play aggressively versus conservatively, this episode is all about turning elite performance into real-world improvement.

If you’ve ever wondered how to think your way around the course like a major champion this one’s for you.

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In this episode of the Your Golf Podcast by NCG, Host PGA Professional Jack Backhouse is joined by professional golfer Nicola Slater to explore how mid-handicap golfers can make the leap to single figures. Using insights from Shot Scope data, they highlight the key differences between mid- and low-handicap players, from approach play and short game performance to smarter course management and practice habits.

Packed with practical, data-driven advice and personal insights, this episode offers a clear roadmap for golfers looking to lower their scores and play more consistent golf.

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In this episode of the Your Golf Podcast, PGA Pro Jack Backhouse and professional golfer Nicola Slater break down exactly how to get ready for your first medal competition of the year. From sharpening your practice routine and structuring your time in the lead-up, to managing those inevitable first-tee nerves, they share practical, easy-to-apply tips to help you feel prepared rather than pressured.

They also dive into course management, mindset, and the small details that often make the biggest difference on competition day. Whether you’re shaking off the winter rust or looking to start your season on the front foot, this episode will help you step onto the tee with confidence and give yourself the best chance of putting a solid score on the card.

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What really separates a scratch golfer from the rest?

In this episode of the Your Golf Podcast, Tom Irwin and PGA Professional Jack Backhouse break down the habits, decisions, and mental approaches that low handicappers use to consistently shoot lower scores and why it’s not what most club golfers think.

From smarter course management and knowing your numbers, to eliminating double bogeys and embracing the “good miss”, this episode focuses on the real difference-maker: golf IQ. As the guys explain, it’s not about hitting it further or flushing it every time, it’s about making better decisions, handling bad shots, and staying in control of your scorecard.

They also dive into:

• Why scratch golfers prioritise position over perfection
• The importance of understanding your distances and playing realistically
• How elite players manage mistakes and avoid big numbers
• The mindset shift that turns missed greens into scoring opportunities

If you’re stuck between handicaps and feel like you’re close to your potential, this episode will show you where those last few shots are really going.

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Training aids are everywhere in golf but do they actually help you improve, or just give the illusion of progress?

In this episode of Your Golf Podcast by NCG, Tom Irwin is joined once again by PGA Professional Jack Backhouse to take a closer look at golf training aids and whether they really deliver on their promises.

They dig into the world of alignment sticks, swing trainers, impact bags and more, exploring which aids genuinely help golfers build better habits and which might just end up forgotten in the garage.

From the psychology of practice to the gap between feel and real improvement, they ask the big question: are training aids a shortcut to better golf, or just another part of the game’s ever-expanding industry?

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Mini drivers, 7-woods and zero-torque putters seem to be everywhere right now — but why does golf equipment go through these waves of popularity in the first place?

In this episode of Your Golf Podcast by NCG, Tom Irwin is joined by PGA Professional Jack Backhouse to explore why certain clubs and technologies suddenly become the must-have items in golfers’ bags.

They look at the factors behind modern equipment trends, from tour influence and social media buzz to genuine performance gains and clever marketing - and ask whether these trends actually help everyday golfers play better, or if they’re simply part of golf’s ever-evolving gear cycle.

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Becoming a scratch golfer has always been the ultimate milestone for many club players - but has the World Handicap System made it easier to get there?

In this episode of Your Golf Podcast by NCG, Tom Irwin is joined by PGA Pro Jack Backhouse to unpack one of the most debated questions in amateur golf: is reaching scratch under WHS actually more achievable than it used to be under the CONGU system?

They also explore the practical side of the journey - what it genuinely takes to get to scratch, the habits and skills that matter most, and whether reaching a handicap of zero is realistically possible for every golfer.

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Drivers are the most exciting club in the bag… but also the one surrounded by the most confusion.

In this episode of Your Golf Podcast by NCG, Tom Irwin is joined by PGA Pro Jack Backhouse to tackle the biggest myths golfers still believe about drivers — and why those misconceptions could be costing you serious distance and accuracy.

Together, Tom and Jack break down common misunderstandings around loft, spin, swing speed, and forgiveness, exploring why many amateurs are using driver setups that don’t actually suit their game.

The conversation also dives into myths surrounding shaft flex, adjustable driver settings, and whether buying the latest model really makes a difference compared to getting the right fit and learning what works for your swing.

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