Episodes
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Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke, Natalie McColl, Gareth Morgan and Darren Wood to take a look back at 2024. The review is carried out through the lens of the GCMA Strategic Plan and like all golf clubs should be doing - reviewing the objectives. After Tom gives an overview of the purpose, vision and values, we take a look at four key pillars of the plan:
Membership and Membership Services Regional Development Professional Development Partnerships and CollaborationsThere's also a brief glimpse into 2025 and some of the opportunities and challenges.
Save the date for your diary! November 16th - 18th 2025 - GCMA Conference. De Vere Cotswold Water Park.
Golf Club Talk UK Management Field Trip - Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March 2025. GCMA members receive a £30 discount. Quote code "GCMAMEMBER"
www.gcma.org.uk
GCMA Strategic Plan
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In episode 107, Leighton is joined by Nicole Wheatley for a chat, ;argely around the recent Women In Golf Awards. Nicole founded the Women in Golf Awards three years ago and it is going from strength to strength. The evening recognises those making a big contribution whether it be through playing or working in the different facets of the industry. The night is a celebration of Women in Golf and an event Nicole should be very proud of.
Bert Mackay, GM of Spey Bay Golf Club on the Moray Firth in Scotland. Spey Bay is a fascinating and very innovative facility. Purchased nearly two years ago on a crowd-funded basis, the club is looking to invest in its course and supporting facilities, while making it a very unique venue for people to play Golf or take part in many other activities. This will even include a reversable layout moving forward! The membership comes from far and wide and includes very local members as well as thousands of international members who enjoy not only Spey Bay but the many reciprocal venues in its scheme.
There's so many good things to take away from what's happening at Spey Bay and we hope you get a bit inspired!
https://womeningolfawards.co.uk/
https://www.links.golf/speybay
Don't forget our Management Field Trip at Princes and Royal Cinque Ports Golf Clubs on 26th, 27th March. For more details or to book click here - Management Field Trip
www.golfclubtalk.uk
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Missing episodes?
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Leighton is joined by Gavin Dear from Shot Scope. Gavin, hailing from Scotland, is a former European Tour and Challenge Tour player and has been with Shot Scope for nearly 10 years. Shot Scope are an innovative, forward thinking company who assist Golfers with game improving shot tracking. Gavin talks through how the technology can help Golfers but also how it can help clubs make better decisions on their Golf Course. With years of data gathered from Golf Courses in the UK and internantionally, this data can help with decisions around design, playability and safety.
Gavin also has some really insightful thoughts on the game of Golf and Golf Clubs in general having grown up with the game and now playing at Bathgate Golf Club on the outskirts of Edinburgh. This was a great discussion.
Check out what Shot Scope have to offer - https://shotscope.com/uk/
Don't forget our Management Field Trip at Princes and Royal Cinque Ports Golf Clubs on 26th, 27th March. For more details or to book click here - Management Field Trip
Thanks also to our show partner - Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace
https://kkandw.com/international/
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Leighton and Eddie catch up for their monthly chat and this includes some information on the upcoming "Management Field Trip" - March 26th, 27th at Royal Cinque Ports and Prince's Golf Clubs. See information below.
Eddie is then joined by Jonathan Gaunt, Golf Course Architect. Jonathan has been plying his trade in the UK and internationally for many years now and has gained an excellent reputation in the design world through Gaunt Golf Design. This includes a huge variety of course styles and courses with a deep history of design through the likes of MacKenzie, Colt and Braid. Starting his career in landscape architecture, Jonathan moved into an area of passion in Golf and the design of courses.
This is a good chat between two proud Yorkshiremen and Jonathan shares the story of his time in the industry.
https://www.gaunt-golf-design.com/about-us/
Management Field Trip information and booking link
www.golfclubtalk.uk
Thanks to our show partner - Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace
https://kkandw.com/international/
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On our latest Trending Topics with England Golf, we explore two key areas of its operations, Championships where we're joined by James Crampton and Rules, with Sam Barker-Sabido.
England Golf run many Championships throughout the year at all levels. James talks about what's involved in applying for an event, hosting an event and the benefits and positive side-effects that can come with hosting one of these tournaments. Not all championships are at elite level and EG also host many handicap events. Towards the end of the episode, we're joined by Simon Williams, GM of Sherwood Forest GC, to tell us what it's like to host an EG Championship. Sherwood Forest have hosted many and Simon gives the inside view, from a club that has done so.
Sam Barker-Sabido also talks to us about the importance of his role within England Golf and stresses why clubs need to continually educate their members on the rules of Golf and what to know when holding competitions. There are many initiatives to assist with Rules education both for Golfers and also those who want to take on a "Rules" role within their club.
https://www.englandgolf.org/rules-of-golf
https://www.englandgolf.org/2024-england-golf-events
https://www.sherwoodforestgolfclub.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescrampton122/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-barker-sabido-a39510153/
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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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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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