Episodes
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Episode 104 is a spotlight on a club that is doing things very well. Stoneham Golf Club, near Southampton in Hampshire is an excellent club with a Willie Park Jnr designed course. It's seen some rapid evolution over the last 5-10 years with a state-of-the-art practice facility designed and built, much work completed on the course and now a water storage reservoir being constructed. Othe plans may follow including clubhouse renovations.
More than jyst the physical work being carried out, much of the success of the club is down to good governance, but also the creativity and diligence of Matt Plested, Course Manager and Shah Bani-Sadr, General Manager. We talk to them both, on site and hear the story and thought processes that have led to the evolution of the club.
Well worth a listen for anyone looking for inspiration on what is possible.
https://www.stonehamgolfclub.org.uk/
Thanks to our show partner - Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace
https://kkandw.com/international/
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Episode 103 is the second part of our "state of the industry" round table chat with 6 industry experts from different fields. It was an extensive discussion and covered a wide range of crucial and relevant topics. This is part 2 and features discussion on; communication to your members, financial planning and sustainability, investment in your facilities, industry challenges, collaboration in our industry, future innovations and sharing data across the industry.
Thanks to Alastair Sinclair of Play More Golf for coming up with the concept and setting up the session.
The panellists are:
Alastair Sinclair - Play More Golf
Matt Roberts - 59 Club
James Wilkinson - Albatross
Stuart Gillett - Legacy Golf Advisors
Rob Corcoran - Revenue Club
Darren Redwood - Your Golf Marketing
Please feel free to give us your thoughts or open up some debate on what was discussed.
www.golfclubtalk.uk
Thanks to our show partner - Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace
Contact Michael Herd for any of your recruitment needs - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-herd-2686598b/
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Missing episodes?
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It's the last of a series of four episodes on the recently launched - Advanced Management Programme, an exciting new education programme from the GCMA. Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke for a quick introduction before we hear about the two certificate modules in this Award, and why people working in the Golf industry need to get involved. The AMP can be complimentary to other forms of education and takes a deep dive into the key areas of managing a Golf Club or operation. The interviews and guests are:
Building Resilience & Managing Mental Health - Charlotte Wiseman (Charlotte Wiseman Leadership & Wellbeing)
Advanced Leadership and Emotional Intelligence - Biddy Lloyd-Jones & Keith Maynard (Progrezo)
Everything you need to know, including how to register, is right here:
https://www.gcma.org.uk/gcma-amp-certificates/
https://www.charlottewiseman.com/
https://www.progrezo.com/
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Episode 102 features a fascinating "state of the industry" round table chat with 6 industry experts from different fields. It was an extensive discussion and covered a wide range of crucial topics. Due to the recording lasting 2 hours, we are splitting the recording into two parts. This is part 1 and features discussion on; the use of data for revenue generation, enhancing service standards in our industry, marketing, digital media and financial planning and sustainability.
Thanks to Alastair Sinclair of Play More Golf for coming up with the concept and setting up the session.
The panellists are:
Alastair Sinclair - Play More Golf
Matt Roberts - 59 Club
James Wilkinson - Albatross
Stuart Gillett - Legacy Golf Advisors
Rob Corcoran - Revenue Club
Darren Redwood - Your Golf Marketing
Please feel free to give us your thoughts or open up some debate on what was discussed.
www.golfclubtalk.uk
Thanks to our show partner - Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace
Contact Michael Herd for any of your recruitment needs
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It's the third of a series of four episodes on the recently launched - Advanced Management Programme, an exciting new education programme from the GCMA. Leighton is joined by Gareth Morgan for a quick introduction before we hear about two of the three certificate modules in this Award, and why people working in the Golf industry need to get involved. The AMP can be complimentary to other forms of education and takes a deep dive into the key areas of managing a Golf Club or operation. The interviews and guests are:
Health & Safety Management - Jason Peacock (ROSPA)
Employment Law - Carolyne Wahlen (Golf HR)
Everything you need to know, including how to register, is right here:
https://www.gcma.org.uk/gcma-amp-certificates/
ROSPA
Golf HR
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It's the second of a series of four episodes on the recently launched - Advanced Management Programme, an exciting new education programme from the GCMA. Leighton is joined by Gareth Morgan for a quick introduction before we hear about the two certificate modules in this Award, and why people working in the Golf industry need to get involved. The AMP can be complimentary to other forms of education and takes a deep dive into the key areas of managing a Golf Club or operation. The interviews and guests are:
Governance - Kevin Fish (CCL)
Strategic Planning - Keving Fish (CCL)
Everything you need to know, including how to register, is right here:
https://www.gcma.org.uk/gcma-amp-certificates/
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Leighton provides a brief update on what's happening at Golf Club Talk UK, including it's expansion into more podcast episodes, hosting and presenting and the upcoming Educational Filed Trips for Managers. These field trips will include two days of education, networking and a look at the Golf Course and the first one is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March 2025 at Prince's GC and Royal Cinque Ports GC. More details released soon. We also mention Eddie's Leadership Institute. For more information check out the GCTUK events page:
https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/
We also thank our show partners:
https://kkandw.com/international/
Contact Michael Herd for more details.
https://toptracer.com/
Contact Rob Saunders for more details.
A big thank you to all of our listeners and there's plenty more content to come.
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It's the first of a series of four episodes on the recently launched - Advanced Management Programme, an exciting new education programme from the GCMA. Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke for a quick introduction before we hear about the four certificate modules in this Award, and why people working in the Golf industry need to get involved. The AMP can be complimentary to other forms of education and takes a deep dive into the key areas of managing a Golf Club or operation. The interviews and guests are:
Food & Beverage Management - Kevin Fish (CCL)
Marketing Strategy - David Wheatley (Medi8)
Sales and Service Delivery - David Reeves and Matt Orwin (Promote Golf)
Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers - Sami Strutt and Phil Helmn (Bernhards Academy)
For more information, visit:
https://www.gcma.org.uk/gcma-amp-certificates/
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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/
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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
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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/
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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
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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/
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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
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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
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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/
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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/
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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
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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 – Director of Golf Development at R&A
Vicky Cuming – Mentor/Coach
Bee Craft – Golfbreaks.com and delegate from previous cohort
Giulia Ferroni – Leeds Golf Design and delegate from current cohort
The conversation explores the motivations for setting up the programme, what’s involved, how it works and how women can get involved. The delegates tell their stories of success, discovery and how it’s being applied in their careers.
It’s 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 – Top Tracer! www.toptracer.com
Visit our new website!:
www.golfclubtalk.uk
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