Golf Club Talk UK

Episode 84 features a great interview with Marcus Lovelock following a catch up from Eddie and Leighton. Marcus is steering the ship as GM at Huntercombe Golf Club, an architectural gem in Oxfordshire and a club with a great history, but also a unique feel. There's some great take-aways in here in how he provides a first class experience for the members at Huntercombe, while bringing his team along with him. Marcus also talks us through what makes Huntercombe unique, not least the Willie Park designed Golf Course. The interview provides a really relaxed and entertaining view on Golf Management, but also into what makes Marcus tick. https://www.huntercombegolfclub.co.uk/

We're back for a date episode with Karen and Kevin from BRS. The positive trend continues despite some numbers being fractionally down, but the bottom line is.....people are still playing a lot of Golf! There's discussion around using this data in your decision making, some questions around whether clubs need to look at member numbers if increasing rounds continues and also the Ryder Cup effect. Important stuff for anyone managing clubs or Golf operations. www.brsgolf.com www.gcma.org.uk

Two insightful interviews this episode following a catch up from Leighton & Eddie. Rob Spurrier joins Eddie and Leighton to talk about his journey with Orbis Golf Academies. Orbis operate Golf Academies, but also provide training and development to PGA Professionals. Their main aim is to grow club's revenue but also enhance the customer experience. The reveniue growth is driven by growing membership numbers. Rob is from the UK, but the company has seen great success in the US. Attention now turns to the UK & Europe. Eddie is then joined by Eddie (Reid). Eddie is the Managing Director of TGI, a retail services group that helps PGA Professionals to succeed in their own businesses. After telling us a little about his own journey, sgtarting back in Glasgow, Eddie tells us how TGI has become so successful through supporting PGA Pro's for nearly 40 years! https://orbisgolfacademies.com/ https://tgigolf.com/

Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke, Natalie McColl and Darren Wood from GCMA as they give a sort of state of the nation. Topics include membership initiatives, strategic plan, partnerships and topical matters in Management. We then give an overview of why all GCMA Managers should be attending conference. A great line up of key note and break out sessions has been organised, but also it's a great opportunity to network and share best practice with your peers. The theme of "Team Culture" promises to be a fascinating one. Should be a great few days! https://www.gcma.org.uk/news/gcma-2023-conference-register-now/

Leighton and Eddie catch up briefly, where Eddie tells us about his recent visit to Marco Simone, venue for the Ryder Cup! Giulia Ferroni or Leeds Golf Design is our first guest and someone who is starting to enhance her reputation as a Golf Course Architect in the UK and Italy. Giulia has been working with Cirencester Golf Club on a course improvement plan and is starting to work with other UK clubs, as well as assisting clubs with their GEO verification. Having worked under Martin Hawtree for five years, Giulia brings a refreshing approach to the industry and explains how she sees sustainability as a crucial ingredient for clubs moving forward. Eddie is then joined by Ashley Pheasant, head of the Golf division of Darwin Golf Escapes, owners of three UK clubs including most recently, Dundonald Links in Ayrshire. Initially from a strong Golfing background, Ashley is guiding Darwin Golf Escapes through a period of growth and building on its Golf portfolio. https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/ https://darwinescapes.co.uk/golf/

Alex Woodward from Walton Heath Golf Club shares insights on hosting the AIG Women's Open, focusing on the venue's preparations, challenges, and collaboration with the R&A. They discuss the comeback of the tournament to a Heathland course, predict winners based on driving accuracy, and share insights on course suitability and playing style differences between male and female golfers.

On our latest GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK, Karen and Kevin are back from BRS to give us an update on what the numbers are saying at the end of quarter 2. There's a look at member rounds played, membership numbers and visitor Golf through Golfnow. Some very surprising numbers in there!! Karen also talks us through the results from the recent Golfnow player survey which gives some good analysis on trends for when people are playing, where people are playing and how much they're spending. All valuable stuff for Golf Club operators! https://www.brsgolf.com/web/blog/ BRS Quarter 2 report Visit the GCMA website for details on why you should be a member: www.gcma.org.uk

Eddie and Leighton catch up for a chat on several topics, including culture at Golf Clubs as well as Golf Retail and ways of doing it differently. Retail is the theme for the show as Eddie then shares time with Paul McEvoy , who is the Head Professional at Burnley Golf Club. Paul also has three other retails outlets - 'McEvoy Golf Shops', based at golf clubs in close proximity to the M65 corridor, where he also operates Elite Golf Performance Centres. Paul shares his entrepreneurial flare and the importance of creating a trusting customer experience . Paul is also a PGA Board member. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mcevoy-77487520/

In this episode of GCMA Insights, we have four guests who dive into the latest iteration of the Golf Governance Guide. Tom Brooke - CEO, GCMA, Jerry Kilby - Kanda Golf, Gavin Anderson and Matt Draper of England Golf explain why clubs should be using this as a valuable tool to ensure their club's Governance is in the right place. The fours elements of good club governnace - Recruitment, Structure, Processes and Culture break it down nicely and Managers can really benefit from having this framework and being able to nudge their Committees/Boards. A great listen for anyone in our industry! www.gcma.org.uk https://kandagolf.com/ Golf Governance Guide

After Leighton & Eddie have a catch up they are both joined by Andy Laing - Course Manager, transitioning into General Manager at Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Worcestershire. Gaudet Luce hosetd the recent GCTUK Golf Day and there's a lot to like about this unique venue. Andy tells us about it, but also his own personal role at the club. Eddie is then joined by Chris Cuttler - Managing/Secretary at Dore & Totley GC. Chris talks with Golf Club Talk UK and shares some of the challenges and directs some personal points with regard to the challenges of operating a modest members club. https://www.gaudet-luce.co.uk/ https://www.doreandtotleygolfclub.co.uk/