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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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

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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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