Golf Club Talk UK

After a brief catch-up between Eddie and Leighton, Episode 117 dives into an important and challenging conversation about the underrepresentation of Black and ethnic minority communities in UK golf. Leighton is joined by three powerful voices driving change in the sport: Julia Regis – Consultant and Board Member of England Golf Nicola Bennett – PGA Professional Randy Plowright – African Caribbean...

In this episode of GCMA Insights, the focus is on the upcoming Conference from 16th - 18th November 2025 at the stunning  De Vere Cotswold Water Park, Wiltshire . 🌟 Now rebranded as the Golf Club Management Conference and Exhibition, the show appeals to anyone in Golf, not just GCMA members.   💡 What makes it unmissable? ✅ Game-changing insights from industry experts ✅ Dynamic & interactive se...

In this episode, we're joined by golf course designer and builder  Ryan Van Der Veen  of  Van Der Veen Designs . Growing up in Indiana, Ryan entered the world of construction and design early on—launching his career under the legendary Pete Dye. His time with Dye laid the foundation for a hands-on, design-and-build approach that's remained with him throughout his career. Ryan later joined Norman D...

In this episode, Leighton is joined by Mike Orloff from  Golf Industry Central for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of club life in Australia and New Zealand. Together, they explore what clubs in the region are doing well, with a particular focus on cultural dynamics and modern approaches to governance.  The focus is largely on then clubs in the middle and their need to develop and innovate...

In this episode, Leighton delves into the remarkable transformation of Basingstoke Golf Club, telling the story through the evolution of the course itself. What began as an ambitious project years ago saw the club make a bold move half a mile across the M3 to Dummer Golf Club. The transition included selling the original site for development and acquiring Dummer Golf Course, all while ensuring tha...

In this episode, Leighton & Eddie are joined by Phil Grice – industry veteran and founder of Custodian Golf and GC Media . With deep roots in golf club ownership, management (including the transformation of Royal Norwich), and leadership as former Chairman of the GCMA, Phil brings a data-driven lens to the future of club sustainability. Phil shares insights into why data must lead decision-making...

On this week's episode, Leighton & Eddie are joined by Kirsten Grobler from "The Social Kode." Kirsten, who has been working with Eddie and Leighton for some time now, specializes in helping businesses enhance their social media and marketing strategies. She shares insightful tips on how golf clubs can maximize their social media impact and tell compelling stories to engage their customers.  Leigh...

In this episode, Leighton and Tom Brooke (GCMA CEO) reflect on their recent experience at the London & Home Counties Regional Meeting, held at the newly transformed Basingstoke Golf Club. They explore the value of regional meetings for GCMA members, sharing insights from this specific gathering. The GCMA's ongoing commitment to improving regional meetings for their members is also highlighted. Lei...

Welcome to the first episode of  The Greenprint ! In this inaugural episode, we dive into the incredible story of Raglan Golf Club in Monmouthshire, Wales—a course that has truly risen from the ashes. After closing its doors following the COVID-19 pandemic, Raglan was purchased in early 2024 by a group hailing from Monmouthshire, and its rebirth is nothing short of inspiring. Lucy, the driving for...

In this episode of Golf Club Talk UK , we're thrilled to welcome Daniel Grieve, Head Professional at the prestigious Woburn Golf Club and a Master PGA Professional with a wealth of experience. Daniel has become a standout figure in the golfing world, particularly known for his innovative approach to the short game. Eddie sits down with Daniel to discuss his impressive presence on social media, whe...

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Nathanael Pietrzak-Swirc, CEO of UGOLF in France, joining us. Nathanael (CCM) has built a stellar reputation in the golf industry and now leads UGOLF, a company specializing in the management and operation of golf courses on behalf of local authorities, associations, and private owners. UGOLF is uniquely positioned as the only operator expanding in both Fran...

In this episode, Leighton reflects on the recent Strategy Workshops hosted by England Golf, with the support of BIGGA, GCMA, and the Activation Project. He is joined by Matt Draper and Matt Bloor, who helped lead the workshops, to capture the key takeaways and insights shared during the sessions. They are also joined by Simon Gardner and Phil Davis of the Activation Project, who played an active r...

Leighton and Eddie catch up to discuss the current state of Golf Clubs, a look at CMAA World Conference and Eddie's week at AIMG in Montpelier.  Leighton also explains that GCTUK will be commencing some international episodes in late March.  In addition to this Leighton will be starting the new show soon - "The Greenprint", a podcast on Golf Courses including Architecture, Sustainability and Agron...

With the first four modules of the Advanced Management Programme completed, we catch up with four General Managers who were attendees on the respective courses.  These are; Food & Beverage, Governance, Health & Safety and Marketing. Gareth Morgan, Professional Development Manager for GCMA joins the discussion where we explore the learnings that have come out of the modules and how these can be app...

On this episode of Trending Topics with England Golf, we spend some time with two of the England Golf board - Julia Regis and Jenny Denyer.  The discussion looks to present a picture of the process of becoming a Director, what it's like to be on the board and the role itself and any specialised areas that each Director might take responsibility for.   Julia and Jenny give us an overview of their c...

In this second of two episodes from the CMAA Conference, we bring you two insightful interviews recorded on-site. First, we sit down with James Burns and John McCormack of Club Benchmarking dive into the critical role of data, strategic planning, and capital planning for modern clubs.  Then, Alex Woodward, CEO of Walton Heath, who shares his thoughts on leadership, service and high performance in...

After a quick intro from Leighton, we have two interviews recorded at the Conference in Tampa, to give a flavour of this important event. Michael Herd and Tom Wallace join from Kopplin, Kuebler and Wallace.  There's discussion about KK&W's continuing expansion plans with a move into Australia and New Zealand, Tom and Michael explain why Managers should try and get to the Conference, as well as dis...

On this GCMA Insights we are joined by Gareth Morgan - Professional Development Manager (GCMA), Sean Boyle - GM, Chesterfield GC and James McLean - GM, Bognor Regis GC. The conversation centres on a hot topic of how clubs are dealing with the increasing costs across many areas, particularly following the October budget.  Significant rises on business rates, national insurance and minimum wage have...

On episode 110 of GCTUK, following a monthly catch up, Leighton and Eddie talk to Simon Hassall, Chairman of Haydock Park Golf Club.  Haydock Park is a members club located in the North-west of England.  Simon, having come from a strong corporate background, has been in post for 3 years and he provides his views on the industry, but also how he approaches his role.  Some of the other areas covered...

On the latest Trending Topics, we welcome Matt Draper and Mark Romasiuk from England Golf and David Hawkins, Secretary of the Bedfordshire Golf Union.   The discussion is all about mental health and how it can effect anyone in Golf Clubs, both Golfers and those working and volunteering in clubs.  David explains why he has such a strong interest in this topic and why he became a mental health first...

A great interview on episode 109 with three outstanding younger managers joining Leighton.  We meet James Brockington, GM at Henley GC, Molly Pavey, GM at Bramshaw, Poultons & Newark, and George Tunbridge, GM at St Enodoc.  It's not all about their age though and the chat explores their entry into Golf Management and how they view the industry.   The wide range of clubs and ownership structures al...

As we conclude 2024, Leighton & Eddie catch up for a review of the events and trends of 2024, with a significant slant on investment at clubs and service standards and "experience" for members.  There's also a look at the favourite episodes through the year.  It's then on to a look at what might emerge in 2025.   Thanks to all listeners who have tuned in throughout the year.  If you haven't alread...

On the latest Trending Topics we welcome Matt Draper and delve into two vital areas of Golf Clubs - Safeguarding and Legal Compliance.  The common theme through the discussions centre on good governance practices and having the necessary policies and procedures in place.  The safeguarding department at England Golf are there to educate and inform clubs around ways to keep their members safe, but a...

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 Regio...

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...