The GBQ Podcast By The PGA

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Paul Armitage, Director of Development at Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort. During their discussion, we learn:  How Terre Blanche is striving to be recognised as one of the premier golf destinations in Europe  How his leadership style is all about finding and placing the right people in the right roles  And how t...

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Tom Reid and Kristian Baker, PGA Members both and co-owners of Sunningdale Heath and Merrist Wood. During their discussion, we learn: Why identity, culture, and inclusiveness are at the heart of what Tom and Kristian are trying to create How they have evolved their coaching style as they’ve got to grips with the rigours of running...

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Seamus Coen, General Manager of Rusacks St Andrews Hotel. During their discussion, we learn:  The importance of hospitality, leadership, and teamwork in creating a world-class experience for guests  How communication and recognition empowers his team to deliver exceptional service  How focusing on attitude and a wil...

As a multi-major winning player and Solheim Cup captain, Suzann Pettersen was one of the most recognisable female golfers on the planet. But while other women’s sports are breaking down barriers – just look at the reaction to England’s football and rugby union squads over the summer – can the same be said for golf? As she retired from tour life, Pettersen set up VOXA – a company entirely dedicated...

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Amir Malik, founder of the Muslim Golf Association. During their discussion, we discover:  Why it’s unrealistic to expect new players to jump from taster sessions into membership  Why clubs should focus on serving their communities   How more could be done to embed new players into a club from a price point per...

This episode of GBQ TV comes from The PGA Partners’ Event 2025 at Slaley Hall where host Sarah Stirk is joined by an expert panel to discuss some of the pressing issues in the golf industry.  Richard Barker, The PGA’s executive director – business development; Phil Craghill, director of golf marketing agency GMS; Chris Eigelaar, managing director of The Belfry Hotel & Resort; and Nuno Sup...

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Donegal General Manager Lynn McCool and Witney Lakes Head Professional Deana Rushworth to talk about the evolving role of women in the golf industry. During their discussion, we discover:  How The WPGA empowers and supports women professionals in the game – and how its profile can be raised  How PGA Excel can help suppor...

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Alyson Mckechin PGA, head of Golf It! in Glasgow. During their discussion, we discover: How the success of The R&A’s community-based facility in Glasgow might take the concept global  How to meet the challenge of converting women and girls into golf club members   The crucial support Alyson received from The PGA...

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Anders Mankert, owner of Leicester Golf Centre and The PGA’s newest Master Professional. During their discussion, we discover: How he risked everything to pursue his ambition of owning and running a golf facility where he could set the standards – and how that has blossomed beyond his wildest dreams Why respect and consideration a...

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Elisa Gaudet, founder of Women’s Golf Day. During their discussion, we discover: Why golf needs to invest if it really wants more women and juniors to play the game How the “tough” UK market needs to step up and embrace the Women’s Golf Day concepT How Women’s Golf Day plans to develop over its next 10 years and what the ‘unicorn’...

In this episode of The GBQ Podcast, host Sarah Stirk sits down with Dr Alan Hocknell, Titleist’s Vice President of Advanced Research and Innovation. During their discussion, we discover: How his career has taken him to the biggest OEMs in the world – including Callaway and Acushnet How the science of designing ever-improving golf equipment works The evolution of technology he has seen during his p...

In this month’s podcast, host Sarah Stirk meets Martin Ebert, one of the world’s foremost golf course architects. During their discussion, we learn:  How he works with course owners and members to get the best results  Could practice areas move into simulators or domes?  Is there is room in golf for shorter courses – and a game that’s done within three hours?  What is Golf Busi...

In this month’s podcast, host Sarah Stirk meets industry stalwart, now education director at Bernhard Academy, Sami Strutt. Over the course of their discussion, we learn: Why greenkeeping teams deserve far more recognition How three pillars of education – agronomy, leadership and management, and technical and equipment management – will be the foundations of Bernhard Academy’s content an...

In this month's podcast, host Sarah Stirk meets the TGI buying group’s managing director, Adele McLean. Over the course of their discussion, we get to learn: How Adele has been steeped in the game from a young age  Her expert take on the landscape of post-pandemic golf retail  How she views her experiences of being a woman in a male-dominated industry  What is Golf Business Quarterl...

Sarah sits down with Dumbarnie Links general manager and PGA Master Professional David Scott. In a fascinating discussion, we get to learn:  How David views the golf tourism landscape with the pandemic in the rear-view mirror What it means to him to be awarded coveted PGA Master Professional status  His learnings and memories from his high-profile career in golf What is Golf Business Qua...

He guided a key strand of one of golf’s biggest businesses for nearly a quarter of a century. Neil Howie built Odyssey into Europe’s No. 1 brand before being appointed MD of Callaway Golf Europe in 2002. He’s looking back at his incredible career on the first episode of The GBQ Podcast. Hosted by Sky Sports Golf presenter Sarah Stirk, each month The GBQ Podcast will bring you in-depth interviews a...