Episoder
-
The latest episode of Trending Topics focuses on Sustainability but we do it through the lense of the recent England Golf Sustainability conference at Woodhall Spa.
Owen James and Caitlin Mcmillan rolled out a great day's education and thought leadership which included some key figures in the industry and this particular space. The event broke sustainabililty down into four main areas:
Biodiversity Water Management Golf: Everyone's Game InnovationLeighton and Owen run through the intent of the day and the episode is enhanced with contributions taken from panellists on the day. These included Marie Athorn of the RSPB/R&A Partnership, Alyson McKechin of Golfit! and Dr Mark Bloomfield of the Transformation Tour. Owen finishes by summarising some of the key outcomes.
Sustainability doesn't have to be confusing or overwhelming and England Golf can be a great resource as a starting point or guide on your journey.
https://www.englandgolf.org/sustainability/
-
We've reached 100!! It's our 100th episode of GCTUK.
After Leighton & Eddie catch up and look back at 100 episodes, Leighton is joined by Michael Herd, Head of International Search & Consulting - Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace - our new show partner. Michael talks us through what's happening at KK&W, but also some current trends in recruitment including what recruiters should be thinking about, but we also take a look from a candidate point of view. What should you be doing to ensure you are the best chance of securing a role?
As we move into conference season with European Conference, BTME and CMAA Conference around the corner, there's a look at why you should be attending industry conferences and how you can get the best out of your time at the show.
Thanks to our show partners:
Toptracer
Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace
Also, check out Eddie's Leadership Institute Seminar
Eddie Bullock Golf - Leadership Institute Seminar - Thursday 19th September
www.golfclubtalk.uk
-
Manglende episoder?
-
The GCMA's new Advanced Management Program aimed at educating and developing Golf Club Managers - is on the verge of launching. Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke who talks about the motivations behind the program, what it is and why managers should take part. Gareth Morgan, who recently started in his role as Professional Development Manager, also joins the episode.
The program has been in the making for some time and the expertise of the education providers will make this a "must-do" for anyone looking to develop their Golf Club Management careers.
The official launch will take place on Tuesday 17th September.
Leighton then talks to to Gareth about his background leading into taking on the new role, but also his early priorities and future aspirations for where education and development may go for those in the Golf industry
For more information on the Advanced Management Program, please visit:
https://www.gcma.org.uk/advanced-management-programme/
The introductory session will take place on Tuesday 17 September at 2pm, and can be accessed using the link below.
ATTEND NOW -
Leighton & Eddie welcome Monique Landman-Bovenkamp of "Unchain People and Change" to the show. It's a warm and open discussion on Leaders bringing "heart and empathy" to their roles and clubs. Monique has worked inside and outside of Golf and has long pushed for heart in the boardroom with a view that we can't achieve the best results as organisations without it.
Is it time to move away from the ruthless, selfish and agressive style of the 2000's to a place where we lead with heart and in a safe culture where people are happy to speak, make mistakes and be creative? There's also some thinking from other industries that can be introduced to our industry.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquelandman/?originalSubdomain=nl
Thanks to our show partner:
https://toptracer.com/
-
Trending Topics with England Golf is back and on this episode we're talking about the Respect in Golf Campaign with Matt Draper, Ben White - Comms Director and Toni Shelbourn - Brand and Campaigns Manager.
This is a great initiative being led by England Golf and one that looks to improve the image of Golf through showing that Golf belongs to everyone. How do we make Golf a welcoming environment regardless of your background, age, race, gender, ability etc.
Golf can mean many things to many people and we explore how clubs can assist in projecting a more positive image of the game and hopefully along the way increasing participation.
https://www.englandgolf.org/respect-in-golf
-
A thought provoking, inspiring and relevant discussion this week where Leighton is joined by 5 women from different sectors of the Golf Industry:
Natalie McColl - Membership Services Manager - GCMA
Nicole Wheatley - Owner Medi8
Candi Watkins - General Manager - Sharpley Golf Club
Karen Drake - General Manager - Clevedon Golf Club
Claire Docker - Ganerel Manager - Robin Hood Golf Club
The discussion delves into what it's like to be a woman in the Golf industry. We operate in what is still a very male-dominated industry and there are many challenges to being a woman in this industry. Self-confidence and imposter syndrome can be issues, but sometimes it's the language and disrespect that can be damaging. Throw in physiological and life issues and it can often leave women feeling like they are on the back foot.
As well as looking at the challenges, we explore some of the great things that women bring to the industry such as empathy, calmness and lack of ego, and celebrate some good examples of overcoming adversity.
This was a fascinating conversation and we urge all listeners, particularly men to listen, be open, aware and take on board some of the points.
Nicole Wheatley also talks at the end of the show about the upcoming Women in Golf Awards on November 28th. https://womeningolfawards.co.uk/
www.gcma.org.uk
https://medi8ltd.co.uk/
https://www.sharpleygolf.co.uk/
https://www.clevedongolfclub.co.uk/
https://www.robinhoodgolfclub.co.uk/
-
Two interviews on episode 98 with Eddie talking to Matt Nicholson, owner and author at Golf News. Golf News is a dedicated Golf Newspaper in the UK and was started in 1994 by Matt. The publication continues to bring an unrivalled mix of club news, course reviews, exclusive player interviews, equipment reviews, travel features and competitions that has proved such a hit with golfers for the last 30 years. Matt talks through his time at Golf News and the game in general.
Leighton and Eddie are then joined by Alan Plumb, consultant in the valuation team at Savills, Leisure & Trading. Alan brings a wealth of experience to valuations of Golf properties, having worked with some of the best clubs in the country. The discussion looks at why Golf properties need to be valued, how they are valued, but also the motivations behind why someone might want to own a Golf property. An interesting chat and one we've not had before on GCTUK.
A big thank you to our show partner - Toptracer
https://toptracer.com/
https://golfnews.co.uk/author/matt-nicholson/
https://www.savills.co.uk/people/savills-oxford/alan-plumb.aspx
-
A recent workforce survey was carried out by Sporting Insights on the state of the Golf industry workforce. The survey, commissioned and supported by GCMA, R&A, BIGGA, England Golf, Wales Golf, Golf Ireland and Scottish Golf - provides a valuable insight and measure into the health of the workforce across multiple areas.
This information is key to employers, Golfing bodies and employees alike and John Bushell and Erica Healy talk us through the key findings from the report, with the assistance of Kevin Barker - R&A, Tom Brooke - GCMA and Jim Croxton - BIGGA.
A general discussion follows on some of the successes, challenges and opportunities around recruitment and people engagement. Listeners will benefit from viewing the report that accompanies and it can be viewed here
Thanks to all particpants for an informative and thought provoking discussion.
www.gcma.org.uk
www.bigga.org.uk
www.randa.org
https://www.sportinginsights.com/
WORKFORCE & FACILITIES RESEARCH PROJECT OVERVIEW APRIL 2024
-
Leighton is joined by Emma Ballard for a catch up on what's happening at Women & Golf and her take on Golf generally. Emma always has some insightful thoughts on the game and industry and she will also be up at the AIG Women's Open in late August for the last major of the year!
Rob Saunders then joins from our new show partner - Toptracer! Toptracer is revolutionising practice and game play on Driving Ranges and Rob discusses with Leighton the topic that Top Tracer can be for all facilities and clubs. There's conversation around how it can improve engagement, time spent on property, revenue and importantly - membership recruitment and retention. Toptracer also had a strong presence at Royal Troon recently and Rob gives us the lowdown on the scale of this.
Toptracer will become the standard in years to come, so is it a case of when as opposed to if your facility should be looking at it???
https://toptracer.com/
https://womenandgolf.com/
-
On this month's Trending Topics with England Golf, we welcome back Matt Draper and Gavin Anderson for a deep dive into their DNA report which was recently released.
The DNA report is a collection of statistics across many of the key areas of England Golf's remit and the landscape of Golf. The data is being collected on the ground via Club Support Officers as well as the central admin team.
In this chat we talk a little about how the report came about but then move onto the main areas such as; membership statistics, inclusivity, visitor Golf revenue, Golf Club workforce and sustainability.
These reports will be updated and produced more regularly goign forward and will be a useful tool in club's determining their strategy.
England Golf DNA Report
https://www.englandgolf.org/
-
We're joined by the Director of Sustainable Golf from the R&A, Daniel Lightfoot. Daniel who has an impressive resume from the Golf industry and greenkeeping, is currently at the forefront of promoting the R&A's vision for sustainable Golf. Working his way through the five pillars of sustainability for the R&A, Daniel breaks down the aims into simple terms.
On the eve of the Open Championship at Troon (where Daniel happens to be spending the week), the chat is timely and presents a great insight into his role and the subject of sustainability within Golf.
Are you a member of the GCMA? If not, join now:
www.gcma.org.uk
R&A Sustainable Golf
Golf Course 2030
-
In this episode we explore and celebrate the R&A Women in Golf Leadership programme. Leighton and Eddie are joined by four women from the industry who are either driving, mentoring or participating in the programme.
Jackie Davidson â Director of Golf Development at R&A
Vicky Cuming â Mentor/Coach
Bee Craft â Golfbreaks.com and delegate from previous cohort
Giulia Ferroni â Leeds Golf Design and delegate from current cohort
The conversation explores the motivations for setting up the programme, whatâs involved, how it works and how women can get involved. The delegates tell their stories of success, discovery and how itâs being applied in their careers.
Itâs quite an inspirational conversation and one that shines a light on a vital part of our industry.
https://www.randa.org/
www.golfbreaks.com
www.leedsgolfdesign.com
A big thank you to our partner â Top Tracer! www.toptracer.com
Visit our new website!:
www.golfclubtalk.uk
-
A really interesting conversation this week with Anna McLean (Crieff GC), David Gemmell (Brora GC) and David MacFarlane of Caddie Marketing. Crieff is located near Gleneagles and Brora near Royal Dornoch. The chat explores the benefits, downsides and opportunities of being located near a big Golfing venue which attracts a lot of tourist play. Over recent times, we've seen many courses across the UK benefit greatly from being near a Muirfield, St Andrews, Royal St Georges, Troon/Turnberry etc, but is it all it cracks up to be?
We explore how it can grow green fee revenue and improve capital project expenditure, but on the flip side - what knock on effect does that have to the culture and member experience.
David MacFarlane also talks about how clubs can positively use the opportunity to their benefit while also explaining what clubs should be doing in terms of positive promotion of their venue.
Thanks to Anna, David and David.
Check out Crieff, Brora and Caddie Marketing here:
https://crieffgolf.co.uk/
https://broragolfclub.co.uk/
https://caddiemarketing.co.uk/
Thanks to our partner - Leeds Golf Design
https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/
-
In our first episode of Trending Topics, we welcome Matt Draper - Club, County, and Membership Director, Gavin Anderson - Club, County and Membership Operations Manager and Jeremy Tomlinson - CEO
Jeremy gives us his view on where England Golf sees itself currently as well as his thoughts on where the Golf industry sits. He also talks about the "Respect in Golf" campaign.
The team then introduce some of the key areas and people that will be built on and covered in future episodes, such as sustainability, respect in Golf, the independent Golfer and your club's governance to name a few.
If you know people that are governing at your club that would gain some benefit by listening, ask them to tune into future episodes, or to find out more visit the website.
https://www.englandgolf.org/
Matt Draper - Linkedin
Gavin Anderson - Linkedin
-
Eddie and Leighton catch up and amongst other topics, they discuss the success of Eddie's "Lunch & Learn" on World Environment Day.
Eddie then speaks to Kriss Akabusi - Commenwealth Games, European Championships, World Championship and Olympian athlete. Kriss shares his passion for golf , how the game has helped him from a mental health aspect, to his inner competitiveness and how he has also contributed some wise words for those in leadership positions. Tune in and enjoy how the words "I believe in youâ signalled the direction to professional athletics, towards success as a motivational speaker and then how golf found him.
Leighton is then joined by Jim Croxton. It's been a while since the last BIGGA catch up and Jim gives us a "state of the nation" at BIGGA following a tough Winter, as well as talking about some of the current successes, challenges and opportunities facing the Greenkeeping industry. Always a good chat with Jim, enjoy!
https://www.akabusi.com/
https://www.bigga.org.uk/
Thanks to our partner - Giulia Ferroni at Leeds Golf Design
Mention Golf Club Talk UK to get your initial visit free!
https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/
-
A snappy episode this month where we welcome Darren Wood from GCMA and Barry Ersoz from Energy Direct Group. Barry shares some great tips around Energy procurement and how to ensure youy're paying the best possible price, including being aware of commission! There's also some good tips on saving energy and therefore money at your facility, along with working towards carbon neutrality.
Barry also talks about renewable energy and how this can help clubs to save money now and in the longer term.
Gete more information here: https://energydirectgroup.com/
www.gcma.org.uk
-
A jam-packed episode! Leighton and Eddie catch up for a "what's happening" chat.
Leighton is then joined by Stuart Finlay, GM of Prestbury Golf Club in Cheshire. Stuart's appeared on the show previously when in his role at Radyr GC and we have followed hime through his management journey to Prestbury where he, and the club, are doing some good things. Stuart also talks openly about a real personal challenge he has had of late which puts Managing Golf clubs into perspective. Well worth a listen.
Denny Corby of the Private Club Radio podcast joins Leighton for an update on what's happening on PCR since Gabe handed over the reigns. There's a also a look into the US Golf Club scene in 2024. What are the trends, challenges and opportunities for clubs in the US that perhaps we can pull from here in the UK?
https://www.prestburygolfclub.com/#/
https://www.privateclubradio.com/
Thanks to our partner - Giulia Ferroni at Leeds Golf Design
https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/
-
So we're 6 months on from a very successful GCMA conference and what have people taken away?? We get some great guests on to talk about their experience, highlights, but most importantly how they will take the knowledge and experience forward.
Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke (GCMA CEO), Kevin Fish of CCL, Sean Boyle (GM - Chesterfield GC) and Louis Booth (GM - Lincoln GC)
The knowledge gained from Conference only works when you put it into practice and there's some interesting conversation into how this can be done and some examples along the way.
Thanks to all guests.
www.gcma.org.uk
https://ccl.services/
https://www.lincolngc.co.uk/
https://www.chesterfieldgolfclub.co.uk/
-
Leighton is joined by Torbjorn (Toby) Johansson to get a "State of the nation" from Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE) and what's happening with education. He also eludes to the CMAE conference coming up in London in September as well as an update on what's happening in Swedish Golf.
Eddie then finds out how Paul Jansen Golf Design and Himalayas Golf are diversifying on the shift with golf entertainment, in association with Dave Peltz. Paul also shares his career journey, growing up in South Africa working in the United States and now settled in Canada - his two secret golf destinations in the UK are ? Enjoy the listen
https://www.cmaeurope.org/
https://jansengolf.com/about
https://www.himalayasgolf.com/
Thanks to our partner - Leeds Golf Design
https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/
-
After a catch up from Leighton & Eddie, Eddie has the pleasure of speaking to Iain Carter, Golf Correspondent at the BBC. Iain a speaker, writer and author has a fascinating take on Golf through his history around the game and up close with some of the best in the sport.
Iain has also released a new book - "Golf Wars". This is a story about LIV Golf's battle for power in the Golfing landscape, spotlighting some of the key players along the way. It also looks at how the PGA Tour fights back against LIV and how the saga is unfolding. A highly recommended read.
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/golf-wars-9781399410168/
A book recommendation from Eddie:
https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/
- Vis mere
