Golf Club Talk UK – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, Leighton is joined by England Golf regular Matt Draper, Laura Yapp (Junior Development Manager at England Golf), and Martin Crowder (Head of Development at The Golf Foundation) to explore the Junior Journey — a collaborative initiative between England Golf and The Golf Foundation.

Together, they discuss how the partnership is creating opportunities to inspire children and young people to play golf, nurturing a lifelong love for the game. The conversation delves into how clubs can:

• Support juniors to start — and stay — in golf
• Build strong junior sections through workforce and volunteer development
• Grow the game by encouraging more young people to take that first swing

From first lessons to club membership, this episode shines a light on how a united approach can create sustainable junior golf pathways across the UK.  It also includes a wider discussion on Junior Golf at venues across the country

🔗 Learn more: England Golf – Junior Journey

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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

In this episode, Leighton kicks things off with some exciting announcements — including our upcoming Workshop in partnership with Club Benchmarking and a potential tour to the GMA/ASTMA Conference in Melbourne, Australia. Full details are available in the show notes below.

Leighton and Eddie are then joined by James Brockington, General Manager of Henley Golf Club. James might be making more regular appearances on the show going forward — perhaps even stepping in as a co-host or host!

We dive deep into what makes James tick — both as a person and as a GM. From earning his degree in the U.S. and spending time in the finance industry, to developing his leadership philosophy focused on team building and empowerment, James shares valuable insights into his professional journey and management approach.  We also ask James what he would do differently if he could start again with his own club and what some of the challenges are for Golf Clubs currently.

Henley Golf Club is currently undergoing course improvement works and considering a major clubhouse project, so there's plenty on James's plate — and plenty to discuss.

Previous episode including James:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/golfclubtalkuk/Episode_109_final.mp3

🔗 Links & Resources

• GCTUK/Club Benchmarking Workshop – Details & Registration

• GMA/ASTMA Conference Tour – Melbourne – Learn More

• Henley Golf Club – Website

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!

In this episode of our Global Edition, we're joined by Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the Golf Course Association of Europe (GCAE).

Renate brings deep industry experience from her years as a Multi-Course Manager in the Netherlands, a background that now shapes her leadership as she guides the association through an exciting period of growth. Looking ahead, the GCAE Annual Conference will take place in Madeira, 10th–12th November.

Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:

• The diverse golf business models across Europe – from tourism-led operations to traditional member clubs and hybrid approaches.

• How regional dynamics differ between Northern Europe & Scandinavia, Central Europe, and Southern Europe (particularly the Iberian Peninsula).

• The importance of adapting and evolving the game – the central theme of this year's conference.

• Renate's passion for supporting women in golf, and how the industry can create the right environments for women to thrive.

An insightful discussion with a respected leader, offering valuable perspectives for anyone involved in the global golf industry.

https://gcae.eu/

https://www.gcaeconference.eu/gcae-conference/

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!

Tom Brooke joins Leighton for the last blast on Conference, why you should be going and if you are going, what to expect!  There's a great line up of speakers and some cracking content, so book now if you haven't already.

Leighton is then joned by Kevin Fish, one of the keynote speakers, who builds on the benefits of attending conference and what delegates can gain through the fantastic content and networking opportunities.  Kevin is always an entertaining listen.  This is no different, but as always the advice is sound.

https://www.gcma.org.uk/news/gcma-2023-conference-register-now/

https://ccl.services/

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/

On this little in-between episode, we're lucky to be joined by Alex Woodward to give us a unique insight into what goes into preparations for the AIG Women's Open at Walton Heath.  Alex provides some information on how Walton Heath came to host the Open, the preparation involved, working with the R&A and how the members are helping to make it a great experience.  

Thanks to Alex and we wish him luck for the event!

https://www.aigwomensopen.com/

https://www.waltonheath.com/