The Count Back

Who holds up a golf course more: a slow scratch golfer or a fast 24 handicapper? Barry did the maths, and Sigma didn’t believe him. This week Barry and Sigma get into slow play: the worst offences, what clubs could do about pins and rough, how to deal with the Jimmy in your club, and whether a shot clock would fix the pro game. Plus Higher or Lower, powered by ApexGolf, and some easy ways to keep things moving. What’s the slowest round you’ve ever played? Tell us in the comments. And let us...

Every golfer has had one. This week Barry and Sigma get into meltdowns: first tee nerves, the chipping yips, the lost ball injustice, a 10 on the last hole of a Break 80 round, and what Rory, Seve and Spieth can teach the rest of us. Plus how to help a playing partner over the line (never say “steady the ship”), unsolicited swing advice, AimPoint, and the one thing that works when your head goes. Seen a proper meltdown on the course? Tell us in the comments. 0:00 Cold open 0:36 This week: mel...

The handicap system, and the people who game it. The first Count Back ramble. Barry knows of a man who broke 100 four times in twelve months. All four were captain's prize rounds. He won it twice. Sigma shot two 66s in a captain's prize and finished seventh. Episode 4 of The Count Back, weekly discussions on Irish golf with Barry and Sigma. No course this week and no score, just the handicap system, bandits, and whether anything can be done about either. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - The handicap s...

Strandhill in Co. Sligo. A par 70 links under Knocknarea, sitting between Enniscrone and Rosses Point and rarely mentioned in the same breath as either. Episode 3 of The Count Back, weekly discussions on Irish golf courses with Barry and Sigma. Every course gets a verdict and a score on The Count Back Index. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Strandhill 00:01:08 - The hidden gem 00:02:31 - What the Americans said 00:04:49 - Is it easy? 00:06:47 - The dress code 00:08:09 - Sigma's first time 00:09:48 - The...

Carton House in Co. Kildare. Two courses, a Fairmont hotel and half an hour from Dublin. A long way from Enniscrone in every sense. Episode 2 of The Count Back, weekly discussions on Irish golf courses with Barry and Sigma. Every course gets a verdict and a score on The Count Back Index. New episode every Wednesday. Follow the show and it comes to you. thecountback.com Instagram and TikTok: @thecountback New episode every Wednesday. Website: thecountback.com Instagram and TikTok: @thecoun...