Golf Club Talk UK

An innovation this episode with a Golf Club Talk UK podcast and GCMA webinar taking place at the same time. Gavin Robinson of the GCMA kicks off the session with Leighton and they are joined by Karen Moss and Kevin Murray from BRS. BRS are leading the way in providing relevant and timely data. Kevin and Karen talk through the current trends that are emerging from the Q2 Participation Report. The numbers are vital in helping clubs to continue to make data driven decisions. Q2 still looks healthy but the information suggests that clubs keep their eye on the ball to ensure numbers remain strong. Kevin gives some regional figures as well as touching on membership numbers. An essential listen if you want to stay ahead of the curve. Please note that the Quarterly Participation Report is linked below and can be read in conjunction with listening to the episode: https://www.brsgolf.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BRS-Golf-Quarterly-Report-Q2-2022.pdf BRS Golf GCMA ** Apologies for some sound issues early in the recording

On this episode of GCMA Insights we look at the new accreditation program. This is a big step forward for the association and plays a further role in modernising and professionalising Golf Club Management. This new initiative which launches later in August, will capture members' experience, skills and knowledge in various levels of accreditation. This inevitably will enhance career prospects and standing within the industry. Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke - CEO, Ed Richardson - GM at Hankley Common GC and Board member and Andy Rankin - Board member. The discussion reveals the motications behind the accreditation program, its benefits for GCMA members and how you can become accredited. https://www.gcma.org.uk/

Leighton kicks off with an introduction from St Andrews in the lead up to the Open. He's also joined briefly by Tracey Walker who gives us a quick heads up into BIGGA's role at the Open Championship. This involves a delegation of 55 Greenkeepers raking bunkers with each grouping throughout the tournament. Leighton also speaks to BRS/Golfnow, the show's partners on how to use data to maximise your green fee revenue. With playing numbers just starting to level out, it's important all clubs are utilising available space and data can be a great way to help. Knowing trends on your tee sheet and what competitors might be doing is key. This can help to minimise impact on your membership or if you're a green fee led club - how to ensure you are utilising your asset to the full. Thanks to Stevie and Karen for some really useful information. BRS - https://www.brsgolf.com/web/ Please visit: https://www.scotscraiggolfclub.com/ https://www.bamburghcastlegolfclub.co.uk/

Golf Club Talk UK meets up with Carol Ann Baxter, Executive Director with the PGA of Canada Ottawa. One will discover that Carol Ann is a trailblazer, her entrepreneurship has seen her build one of the most fun loving golf facilities - Archies in Cornwall , Ontario - her passionate leadership and attitude is an inspiration for others. During 2021 she received the accolade of Life Membership with the LPGA . https://www.archiescornwall.com/ Thanks to BRS Golf for their support of the show: https://www.brsgolf.com/web/

For those that attended the GCMA conference back in November they will be familiar with Chris Cook's closing session on his "2 Lengths". This was an inspiring talk that focused on keeping things simple and for Chris, the simple bit was swimming two lengths of the pool as fast as he could! In this episode of GCMA Insights, Olympian Chris Cook expands more on this fascinating mindset and how simplifying things can transform the way you and your team can perform. Richard Palmer-Jones, Owner of PJH Brand Management and a very engaging character, gives a perspective from someone who has worked closely with Chris and has even put the thinking into action. This is a really informative episode with some great tips on how to provide more focus in your life and your Golf Club. Chris Cook - https://www.chriscookgb.com/ Under Armour - https://www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/ GCMA - https://www.gcma.org.uk/

In episode 64 - Leighton is joined by Sam Williams from Cookie Jar Golf, which has risen very quickly in prominence in the Golf space. On top of their Podcast which delves into architecture, history and tour Golf - Sam, Tom & Bruce also host great events, create video content and are now also helping clubs with their marketing. Sam and Leighton chat many things Golf, including architecture, modern marketing, events and Sam's favourite tracks! Check them out if you haven't already at: https://cookiejargolf.com/ Also, please donate to Afriyea Golf Academy's campaign - https://afriyeagolfacademy.com/ Thanks as always to our loyal sponsors - BRS Golf! https://www.brsgolf.com/web/

Golf Club Talk UK share time with Peter Hickling, former Club Manager who developed a successful club business at High Post GC and more recently transferring his knowledge and passion into Ground2Control a cloud based Resource and Safety management system that has been effectively designed for golf club businesses. Peter also shares his entrepreneurial adventure around the development of his glamping business with lambs and alpacas https://www.ground2control.com/

Along with Gavin Robinson of GCMA we welcome Karen and Kevin from BRS to talk Q1 data for member play. Many in the industry will be keen to see how 2022 performs against 2021 but perhaps just as importantly, against pre-COVID 2019. Initially the trends still look very positive but will it continue? This is a must listen for anyone who wants to keep their finger on the utilisation pulse and be able to react for the rest of 2022. Thanks to Kevin, Karen and Gavin for joining. https://www.gcma.org.uk/ https://www.brsgolf.com/web/

In this episode and after a catch up between Leighton & Eddie, Golf Club Talk UK share some time with Richard Leeves [GM Chestfield Golf Club] Richard shares his journey and his first two years in the role as GM at Chestfield GC, including the initial challenges of starting the role through Covid. How he is influencing the change of culture within his team. The challenges of managing a 15th century clubhouse property as well as things he has learned on his career pathway in taking his first role in Club Management . Leighton is then joined by Mark Pearson, Golf Coach and owner of PMG Academies. PMG operate 5 Academies at various Golf venues in the North of the country and it's growing quite rapidly. Working in harmony with the Golf Club or Driving Range they will provide a coaching solution which gives its customers a great experience but can also have a very positive effect on membership retention and recruitment. Mark talks about how and why he started PMG and how he has built the brand. Chestfield Golf Club PMG Academies Thanks to our sponsor - BRS Golf

What a great episode we have for you as we're joined by Isaiah Mwesige from the Afriyea Golf Academy in Uganda. This Golf Academy is changing young lives in Uganda through providing an entry into the game of Golf but much, much more than that.... education, employment prospects and also learning about the environment. Isaiah talks us through his journey into the game as well as the inspiration behind starting the Academy. He also mentions some of the success stories that have arisen and the great people that are helping to contribute the Academy's ongoing success. There's even a partnership that's been struck between Afriyea and the 3 Hammers Golf Complex in the Midlands. This is truly inspirational. Enjoy and please feel free to assist Afriyea by visiting their website to learn more. Isaiah also explains how people how get in touch towards the end of then interview. https://afriyeagolfacademy.com/ Follow on Twitter - @AfriyeaGolf Thanks as always to our sponsor BRS Golf www.brsgolf.com