Golf Club Talk UK

In this first of a two-part series, we bring together four leading voices from across the golf industry for an honest and forward-thinking panel discussion. Recorded at Story 94 Oxford Podcast Studios, this conversation explores how the golf industry is evolving and what that means for modern club management. The discussion focuses on the changing landscape of the game, the pressures and opportunities facing clubs today, and how leadership roles are adapting in response. This episode sets the foundation for understanding where golf club management is heading and what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting environment, as well as the rise of "Outsourcing" in clubs and Golf facilities Featured Guests Renate Roeleveld - GCAE Stuart Gillett - Legacy Golf Advisors Rob Corcoran - The Revenue Club Will Hewitt - 59 Club We begin by unpacking the evolution of the golf industry, looking at how traditional club models are being challenged by modern expectations and why adaptability has become essential for long-term success. The conversation then turns to changing management structures and roles within clubs. As the industry becomes more commercially focused, leadership positions are evolving to prioritise customer experience, revenue generation, and operational efficiency. The group discusses how the skillset required of today's club managers is very different from what it once was, and what that means for the future of leadership in golf. This is being complemented by the increased use of external advisors and service providers and we explore outsourcing as a strategy for driving revenue and improving the customer experience. This may include areas such as accountancy, marketing, online revenue, customer service, F&B as well as others. Coming Next (Episode 2) In Part 2, we continue the conversation by looking at the rise of non-traditional golf venues and whether clubs are ready to compete, and how the industry is adapting to meet the expectations of new generations of golfers. Episode 2 will be released in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. Please support the panellists where possible: https://gcae.eu/ https://legacygolfadvisors.com/ https://www.59clubuk.com/ https://www.therevenueclub.co.uk/ Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

Leighton recently attended a Women's Club Growth Workshop at Greetham Valley Golf Club. Following the event, he spoke with Emma Highwood, Head of Women's Development, and Lauren Spray, Women & Girls Manager, who led the day. In this episode, they reflect on the workshop content while exploring some of the wider challenges facing the game. The conversation looks at why female participation in the 18-50 age demographic remains low (currently 2% of total membership numbers), as well as the key barriers that are preventing more women from getting involved in golf. Non-club golf participation among women is much higher and how can clubs start to replicate this? Emma and Lauren also share practical insights into how clubs can create more welcoming, inclusive environments that encourage participation and long-term engagement. They go on to discuss three core areas that clubs can focus on to grow their women's sections, including understanding and making better use of their existing facilities, gaining genuine buy-in from across the club, and putting in place simple but effective actions that can improve the chances of success. The episode concludes with an on-site discussion featuring several of the day's delegates, including James, General Manager at Stratford Oaks, Jenny and Sue, volunteers at Nuneaton Golf Club, and Maggie, Chair of Scraptoft Golf Club. They share their reflections on the workshop, talk about the realities at their own clubs, and outline what they plan to take away and implement moving forward. Women's Club Growth Workshops https://www.englandgolf.org/women-on-par Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

In this episode of GCTUK, Leighton sits down with John Adamson from Ramside Estate to talk about one of the most talked-about new developments in golf entertainment — The Pin at Ramside. We also look at Ramside as a whole Before the interview begins, we open with an introduction featuring James Brockington and Eddie Bullock. This episode marks Eddie's final appearance in this format on GCTUK, and we take a moment to recognise the enormous contribution he has made to the show and the wider GCTUK community. Eddie has been a huge part of the podcast's journey — bringing insight, energy and plenty of memorable moments along the way. His passion for golf and the industry has helped shape the conversations we've had over the years, and we want to say a sincere thank you for everything he has contributed. While this may be his last appearance in this format, his impact on GCTUK will certainly last. Following the intro, Leighton chats with John Adamson about the exciting momentum building around The Pin, a new concept at Ramside that is already creating a buzz within the golf and leisure industry. We also explore John's evolution of Ramside as a total leisure facility.....not just a Golf venue. In the conversation they discuss: The vision behind The Pin at Ramside Why the concept is attracting attention across golf and hospitality How venues like this can help bring new audiences into the game The balance between traditional golf and modern entertainment experiences It's a fascinating look at how golf experiences are evolving and how forward-thinking venues like Ramside are helping push the industry in new directions. A big thank you to John Adamson for joining us — and once again, a huge thank you to Eddie Bullock for his outstanding contribution to GCTUK. Enjoy the episode. https://www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/ https://www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/the-pin/ Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partner: Toro Click here for more information https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:b8e6f408-c079-4f89-ad21-04514017d38c-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton Walker and James Brockington speak with Kris Lynch, founder of the Golf Yourself Healthy podcast, about the relationship between golf and wellbeing. Kris shares how he initially struggled with golf growing up in Aberdeen, often feeling out of place and frustrated with the game. After moving to London and playing more casually with colleagues, his perspective changed and golf became something he enjoyed rather than something he felt pressured to perform in. During a difficult period with his mental health in 2019, golf became an important outlet, giving him space to think and unwind. Following the tragic loss of his son, Kris launched the Golf Yourself Healthy podcast to explore how golf can support mental and physical wellbeing. The conversation explores how golf can provide benefits through time outdoors, social connection, physical activity and moments of solitude. At the same time, the hosts discuss how performance pressure and traditional club structures can sometimes make the game feel less accessible for new players. Kris highlights that many people who play golf don't actually identify as "golfers", often because they feel they are not good enough or don't fit the traditional culture of clubs. The episode looks at how the industry could better welcome different types of players by focusing less on competition and handicaps and more on enjoyment and belonging. Ultimately, the discussion centres on the idea that golf can mean different things to different people, and that prioritising enjoyment and wellbeing — "happiness first, handicap later" — could help more people experience the positive impact the game can have. https://www.golfyourselfhealthy.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@embracetherough Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partner: Toro Click here for more information https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

This episode takes a deep, topic-led look at golf course design for the slower swing speed player. We use this term deliberately, because swing speed is what really determines distance and ball flight, and a large proportion of the golfing population fits into this category. Slower swing speed players can be young or old, male or female, beginners or lifelong golfers. It is also worth remembering that most golf courses are, in reality, home to slower swing speed players. The 7,000-plus yard course is the outlier, not the norm. We are joined by Kari Haug of Kari Haug Planning & Design, alongside Giulia Ferroni of Leeds Golf Design, to explore how course design can better serve this majority of golfers. The conversation goes well beyond simply adding forward tees. We dig into how hazard placement affects playability, realistic carry distances from the tee, and how green complexes can be designed to challenge better players while still remaining accessible for those with slower swing speeds. Kari shares insights from her extensive research into this subject, with a clear focus on how modern course design can better incorporate these principles to improve inclusion, enjoyment, and long-term accessibility for all golfers. Giulia brings a practical knowledge from having helped several courses work through this in their course design. https://www.karihaug.com/ https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/ A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro Check them out here! https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Sign up to our Newsletter here

We're joined by Gavin Anderson of England Golf and Jerry Kilby of Kanda Golf. The conversation focuses on the importance of governance training for board members in golf clubs, highlighting the new initiative by England Golf aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of volunteers. Their new Board Learning online workbook, as outline by Gavin and Jerry, provides the perfect outlet for new or existing Board members, Committee members or volunteers of clubs - to understand what is required within their roles. The discussion covers the need for structured training, strategy v operations, understanding your responsibilities as a Director and how to ensure your club's success through good strategic planning. Key Takeaways from the conversation: The initiative aims to improve governance in golf clubs. 77% of board members have never served on a board before. Training for volunteers is essential for effective governance. The course is designed to be accessible and engaging. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive and numbers are strong. Understanding the general manager's role is crucial for volunteers. The course will evolve based on participant feedback. Engagement from general managers is key to implementation. Future training will focus on specific roles within clubs. Celebrating successes will encourage more participation. https://www.englandgolf.org/training-and-development Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information The Revenue Club - Click here for more information https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

Matt Strutt-Donnelly, Young Student Greenkeeper at Stoneham Golf Club completing Level 2 and passionate about construction and bunker work. Bradley Taylor, first assistant at Beaudesert with an apprenticeship background and turf management studies. Dave Timms, industry pro behind the Toro Student Greenkeeper awards explaining their history and process. They discuss award nominating, judging, prizes, career pathways and hands-on projects.

Leighton is joined by partners of the show, The Revenue Club, with Chris Knight and Rob Corcoran, for a straight-talking conversation that takes on some of the biggest myths around dynamic pricing and using spare tee times to drive additional revenue for golf clubs. Together, they challenge the idea that flexible pricing creates a race to the bottom, attracts the wrong type of golfer, or negatively impacts members, and instead explore how it can be used sensibly to strengthen a club's overall commercial performance. Eddie is then joined by David Scott, Captain of the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland, Honorary Professional of The R&A, and, when he's not doing all that, General Manager of Dumbarnie Links. David talks through his journey in the game, from playing to working in a variety of roles at some outstanding clubs, all leading to his current role at Dumbarnie. He's a respected figure in the industry and his perspective on both golf and club management makes this a really worthwhile listen. As a bonus for GCTUK listeners, The Revenue Club are offering a free benchmarking report on your green fee revenue, along with a visit to walk you through the findings. Just mention that you're a GCTUK listener when you get in touch via www.therevenueclub.co.uk https://www.dumbarnielinks.com/ Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partner: Toro Click here for more information https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

Panel Discussion Episode 3 of 3 Guests: Phil Grice – Custodian Golf and GC Media James Brockington – General Manager, Henley Golf Club & GCTUK Alastair Sinclair – Play More Golf Tony Adams – Hospitality in Golf In the third episode of our three-part series, we take a deep dive into the subject of investment and keeping your facilities fresh. Joined by an expert panel with deep experience across golf operations, marketing, membership, service delivery, and hospitality, we explore what investment truly means in the context of golf clubs and how it can make or break your club. It also moves into some thoughts around the model of your club and how this will affect the ability to invest. The topics explored include: What do the good clubs do and what do the not-so-good clubs do in terms of investing in their facilities? Have you got an investment plan? It all comes down to good governance and planning to ensure investment stays on track Communication to members around investment Are members and Boards still seeing themselves as custodians of clubs? This wide-ranging discussion brings together a panel ideally placed to advise and guide clubs on one of the most important, and often misunderstood, elements of long-term success. Please support the panelists: https://www.custodiangolf.co.uk/ https://www.playmore.golf/ https://www.hospitalityingolf.com/ Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partner: Toro Click here for more information The Revenue Club Click here for more information https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

In this episode, we bring together four leading voices from across the golf and environmental landscape to cut through the noise around water use and sustainability and focus on the facts. We're joined by Tom Brooke, CEO of GCMA, Richard Windows from The R&A, Tom Young from The Environment Partnership (TEP), and Daniel Scarr from Rain Bird to explore why water has become one of the most critical issues facing golf clubs today, and why doing nothing is no longer an option. With so much information circulating, the discussion begins by grounding the debate in reality and an outline of where we are right now. This looks at the current pressures on water resources, the increasing scrutiny on abstraction and usage, and how climate patterns are already affecting golf courses across GB&I. The panel then looks ahead, with the panel painting a clear picture of where the industry could be in ten years' time if meaningful action isn't taken, from tighter regulation to rising costs and reduced resilience. The conversation turns to practical action, starting with what clubs can do immediately. Daniel Scarr shares simple, low-cost steps that clubs can take now to reduce water consumption, focusing on smarter irrigation practices, better system management, and making small changes that quickly add up. From there, the panel expands into longer-term measures, discussing investment in infrastructure, data-led decision making, agronomic and course design considerations, and how sustainability can be built into long-term planning rather than treated as a reactive fix. With wetter winters and heavier rainfall falling in shorter, more intense periods, we examine how golf courses can adapt to cope more effectively, improving drainage, capturing and storing water, and building resilience into course management strategies. The episode also highlights the collective work being done across the industry. Tom Brooke explains how organisations such as the GB&I Golf Forum and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf (APPGG) are working together to represent the sport, influence policy, and drive coordinated action on sustainability and water management. The message that runs throughout the discussion is clear: clubs don't need to have all the answers today, but they do need to start. The panel closes by encouraging clubs to take action now, however small the steps may seem, because early progress, informed decisions, and a willingness to engage will be critical to safeguarding the future of the game. www.gcma.org.uk https://www.randa.org/sustainable-golf https://www.tep.uk.com/ https://www.rainbird.com/ Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!