Golf Club Talk UK

On this session we are speaking to Sami Strutt - Head of Member Development , British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association. Sami has played a major part in developing the personal development /educational programmes for the association - while evolving with significant success the Future Turf Managers Initiative whereby giving future turf managers an intense week of managerial techniques and tactical skills in preparation for their future careers. Sami shares some amazing insights over a twenty seven year career in the golf industry. Marcus Weatherburn who has moulded a career in Golf and formerly of the De Vere group, is now Club Acquisition Manager at Play More Golf covering the UK and Middle East. Play More Golf is a disruptive business that is looking to provide an alternative option to Golfers and Golf Clubs by looking to attract the nomad Golfer. A points based system that also gives players flexibility is growing in popularity. Leighton and Eddie tease out some of the pros and cons while gaining a better understanding of how the system works.

Steve Mills is a renowned marketing and sales expert (and former international Table Tennis player), that has had significant success in helping businesses grow their profile through LinkedIn programmes. Currently Steve is working with numerous Golf Club businesses to optimise their marketing potential. Eddie talks to Steve about ways to increase your exposure, particularly on Linkedin. In the second interview, Leighton and Eddie both speak to Iain Lancaster, the Club Support Manager for England Golf. Iain has a strong background in Golf but also other sports such as Triathlon. There's many initiatives that England Golf are currently tackling including the new World Handicap System, the recently released Governance Guide and Safe Golf among others. Iain explains how clubs can best take advantage of England Golf and their resources. Go to: Home - England Golf

Colin Webber created, owns and operates Portmore Golf Park with his wife Amanda and son Josh near Barnstaple in Devon. The facility, which was formerly a dairy farm was built from the ground up with plenty of blood, sweat and tears invested. Starting from a driving range, it now represents a fantastic community facility for not only Golf but dining, functions and other activities. Colin talks us through the story of Portmore and some of the things that make this place so unique. Check out Portmore Golf Park here Portmore Golf Park Eddie speaks to John Maguire, GM of The Richmond Golf Club in London. John brings a strong background to his role including time in the military. Speaking to Eddie he explains how he creates success at The Richmond and gets the best out of his team. John explores his philosophy behind the food offering at The Richmond but also his own passion for great food and wine along with much more. Check out The Richmond here WELCOME TO THE RICHMOND GOLF CLUB : The Richmond Golf Club

This week Eddie and Leighton are joined by Dr. Roger Hawkes the Executive director of The Golf and Health Project (https://www.golfandhealth.org/), Member of International Golf Federation and formerly with the European Tour. Dr Hawkes talks to us about the benefits that Golf provides to people's health and the fact that club's should be making the public aware of these benefits. He also explains that clubs need to give more support to members who may have health issues and aim to keep them in the game as long as possible. Leighton goes all ecological with James Hutchinson, Members Services Manager for BIGGA (https://www.bigga.org.uk/) and in charge of Ecology and Sustainability. James looks to put some definition around those words in a Golf Course sense and explores some of the initiatives that can make clubs much more ecologically responsible. If you don't know what a Bug Hotel is you may want to listen to this episode!

Episode 12 starts with Eddie and Leighton catching up and reviewing the Open Championship and Women's British Open. The first interview is with Leanne Rice and Dave Vincent of Tourism Northern Ireland. Hot on the heels of the successful Open Championship held at Royal Portrush, Leighton finds out how Tourism NI will look to capitalise on the success and welcome people to NI. They talk about some of the lesser known hidden golf gems in NI but also some great things to do away from Golf. Eddie's latest interview is with Jenni Biggs - also known in the industry as Miss App. Jenni specialises in delivering quality Apps for Golf Clubs, guiding clubs with innovative ideas in how to optimise their technology marketing opportunities, while also finding herself in demand as a published writer within the golf industry.

We are delighted to welcome our first guest on Golf Club Talk UK from California - John Kennaday is the Head Golf Coach at San Jose State University - Having recently been the figurehead behind the new Spartans Golf Complex, which is recognised as the state of the art facilities in the US. John is also the Current Vice President of the Golf Coaches Association of America . John speaks about his background and his continued desire to improve the opportunities for students who are invited to become a part of the San Jose State University Spartans Golf Team. Leighton is joined by Richard Saunders, Head of Sales for Free Trade. A former Pub Owner, Richard has been with Marstons for 12 years and lends his experience and wisdom on the beverage industry, particularly around Golf Clubs. The discussion looks at the history of Marstons which has been based in the midlands for many years. It then delves into some of the drinks trends going on with Beers, Gins and Wines while also giving listeners an idea of how to improve their offer. Marston's Beers and Breweries

Special Bonus Interview with Richard Cutler from La Moye. Enjoy!

Jeremy Dale (https://www.jeremydale.com/) does it all - teaching, trick shows, corporate days, golf trips, radio - you name it! At the heart of it though Jeremy is all about Golf! Having spent so many years in the industry he has built up a great knowledge of the game and golf courses around the world, but more than anything he's about making golf fun whether it be through teaching, trick shots or course architecture. He discusses many issues with Leighton and what he feels clubs should be doing to introduce more fun into the game. After a successful playing career, including college golf in the USA, Vanessa Bell is Head of Fundraising for The Golf Foundation(https://www.golf-foundation.org/) and is tasked with growing awareness of the charity, through initiatives that teaches valuable life skills to youths of all ages throughout the UK, while marketing to golf clubs in order capture their support and appreciation of The Golf Foundation.

This month Leighton and Eddie are joined by Gabriel Aluisy, host of Private Club Radio and founder of the Golf Radio Network. The guys have a chat about the Masters and general issues affecting Golf Clubs both in the UK and USA. They also explore a few current trends. The main interview features Adam Keable from Colt MacKenzie McNair, a leading Executive Search company in the Golf Industry who operate in the UK, Europe, Middle East and USA. This episode will not only benefit those looking at their own employment opportunities, but also give some great advice on what clubs need to be looking at when they are employing staff. Adam explains some of the key differences that influence recruitment now including the generational differences that have become more prevalent over recent years. Check out Eddie's reference to "Why 18 Holes" at http://www.why18holes.com/

This week on episode 7 we have a variety of interviews from all parts of the country. Robin Down from Allendale Golf Club in Northumberland speaks to Eddie about this unique 9 hole course and Robin's even written a book (Golf in the Wild!) about 9 hole courses. Check out Allendale at https://allendale-golf.com/ Leighton then speaks to Gareth Morgan, GM at Long Ashton Golf Club (https://www.longashtongolfclub.co.uk/), about what clubs should be doing to get up to speed with the new rules changes that came into effect on January 1st. Gareth recently completed a qualification with the R&A and is well placed to advise clubs. Lastly, Leighton interviews Euan Grant, GM at JCB club, live from the Club Leadership Summit at Royal Ascot Racecourse back in March. Euan has moved from Course Manager to Club Manager at this unique and recently opened course in the Midlands and is on a fast learning curve.