Golf Club Talk UK

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 Rate & Review 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!

A shorter episode this week, but packed with exciting news and great conversation! We start with an announcement about our upcoming interactive workshop on “Effective Budgeting Using Data,” hosted by Golf Club Talk UK in collaboration with Club Benchmarking EMEA. This hands-on session will use real club data (gathered from delegates ahead of time) to explore the financial health of clubs and how data can drive smarter budgeting decisions.  Why not bring your Chairman or a Board member along! Workshop Details: 📅 Wednesday, 29th October 🕥 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (includes lunch) 🎓 Presenters: James Burns, John McCormack & David Holmes 👉  Click here for more information and to book your place We’re then joined by Doug Poole, CEO of the UK Golf Federation. Leighton caught up with Doug at the Golf Business Expo at Whittlebury Hall, where they discussed the current state of the game, the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in golf, and several of the most topical issues being debated across the industry today. Doug leads a thriving members’ association that provides information, education, and networking opportunities for its members—many of whom represent proprietary-owned golf venues and have a vested stake in seeing the industry and the game of Golf, prosper. https://www.ukgolffederation.com/ https://www.clubbenchmarking.eu/   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, brought to you in partnership with Toro, we sit down with Andy Johnston — General Manager, Director of Agronomy, and Head of Design at Sentosa Golf Club. A hugely respected figure in the world of golf, Andy shares an inside look at Sentosa GC, discussing its unique agronomic and climatic challenges and how he has helped shape both the courses and the wider infrastructure to world-class standards. Drainage is a constant topic in course management — but at Sentosa, it’s absolutely critical. Andy explains how the club tackles these issues and the innovative design approaches that keep the courses in peak condition year-round. We also dive into Sentosa’s forward-thinking sustainability initiatives, from waste management and rainwater capture to the use of Toro’s machinery and advanced irrigation systems — all designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of play. https://www.sentosagolf.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

On this episode of GCMA Insight on Golf Club Talk UK, we welcome Tom Brooke, CEO of GCMA, along with Dave Reeves and Matt Orwin of Promote People. The conversation focuses on one of the most important topics in the industry right now: people, recruitment, and the welfare of employees at golf clubs. This issue has come to the forefront recently, ranking highly in a Golf Club Talk UK poll on the most pressing challenges facing golf. Tom Brooke supports this with valuable insights from a recent survey carried out by Sporting Insights. We take a look at how employees and employers can make sure that "the right fit" is found for both parties.  This can enhance the satisfaction, perfomance and tenure of employees while delivering great results for clubs. David and Matt share advice for employees on how to position themselves as the best possible candidates for employers, while also discussing effective recruitment strategies for golf clubs. The conversation also highlights the importance of employee well-being and self-care—an area that is becoming increasingly critical in the industry.  Does "work-life balance" exist?? Lastly, Tom talks about the partnership with Promote People and the services being offered in conjunction with the GCMA for its members. This is a fascinating and timely discussion that offers practical takeaways for both employees and employers alike. https://promotepeople.co.uk/ https://www.gcma.org.uk/conference-2025/   Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/   Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

This episode takes us to The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa – the home of England Golf. Leighton is joined by Matt Draper, along with Peter Moore (Courses Director) and Lisa Brown (Operations Manager), to explore this world-class venue that remains highly accessible and relevant to golfers everywhere. With two outstanding courses – including the renowned Hotchkin, ranked 58th in the world – plus excellent practice facilities and a brand-new clubhouse on the horizon, Woodhall Spa is setting a great standard for the future of golf in England. Through its strong membership packages, coaching programs, and course initiatives, The National Golf Centre is not only raising the bar for its own members and visitors but also demonstrating to clubs across the country how to grow membership and elevate the overall customer experience.  Come and check it out for yourself! https://www.woodhallspagolf.com/england_golf   We're also joined by Nicole Wheatley to give us an update on the ever-growing Women in Golf Awards, but also to provide a reminder that nominations close on September 30th.   England Golf is proud to sponsor one of the awards. https://womeningolfawards.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 partner  - 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 partnership with Toro, we’re delighted to be joined by Andrew Wilson, Director of Agronomy at Bethpage State Park Golf Course, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare a Ryder Cup venue.  Together with Mike Hadley, Course Superintendent of the famed Black Course, they will ensure the course is tournament ready, providing the perfect stage for one of golf’s greatest competitions. From managing turf under climatic challenges to assembling a world-class team and ensuring equipment is Ryder Cup ready, Andrew and Mike share what goes into getting the course in perfect condition—often before the sun even rises. We also dive into the rewarding moments that come with such a prestigious role, and what it truly means to host golf's premier team event on one of the world’s toughest courses. If you’re a fan of championship golf—or just curious about the incredible preparation behind the Ryder Cup—this episode is guaranteed to get your competitive juices flowing. A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro Check them out here!   https://www.bethpagegolfcourse.com/   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

Eddie and Leighton are delighted to be joined by two incredible leaders in Canadian golf: Kevin Thistle, CEO of the PGA of Canada, and Scott Kolb, President of the PGA of Canada. In this wide-ranging conversation, Eddie, who has been working with the PGA on the customer service side of their education program, explores how the PGA is evolving its vision for the future, supporting professionals through education, and adapting to the challenges facing golf in Canada today. Topics Covered in This Episode: The PGA of Canada’s forward-thinking vision and strategic direction Scott Kolb’s perspective on recruitment trends and what’s changing across the industry The unique climatic challenges for golf in Canada and how the game is adapting Why the industry has shifted away from self-employment models How education and career pathways are shaping the next generation of Canadian golf professionals The influence of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) on the golf industry Why customer experience delivered by golf professionals is critical to a club’s success This is an enlightening discussion packed with insights from a high-performing organization. Whether you’re in the golf industry, a club leader, or simply passionate about the future of the game, this episode has something valuable for you. https://www.pgaofcanada.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!

Leighton and Toby Ingleton of Golf Course Architecture Magazine join Martin and Allan to share their first-hand experience of playing the newly refurbished Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry, while also reflecting on the wider golf course. Widely regarded as one of the greatest courses in the world, the Ailsa has recently undergone significant changes — particularly to holes 7 and 8 — that further elevate its reputation. Recorded in the Champions Suite at Turnberry, this conversation explores: The more recent history of changes made since new ownership in 2016 The motivations behind the Trump Organisation’s and Martin Ebert's redesign work on the Ailsa The unique situation of ownership being so directly involved in shaping the changes How the redesign enhances both the playing experience and the walk The strategic use of the coastline and its impact on the course’s design Future ambitions and plans for the course — and more Even if you’ve never played Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course, this episode offers a fascinating look at how thoughtful design and engaged ownership can redefine both quality and experience. https://www.turnberry.co.uk/   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

In the final episode of our mini-series featuring General Managers from clubs across the UK, we sit down with our fourth guest, Rob Climas, GM of North Hants Golf Club in Hampshire. Famous as the home club of Justin Rose – and with this conversation recorded in the Justin Rose Room itself – North Hants offers members a truly complete package: a superb golf course, a welcoming clubhouse, and first-class supporting facilities. Leighton and Rob discuss the advantages of bringing experience from a commercial background into the private members’ world, and why long-term planning – sometimes looking as far ahead as 30 to 40 years – is critical to the continued success of a modern golf club. They also touch on some of the recent course improvements overseen by architect Tom McKenzie, most notably a major bunker reconstruction project. Rob is a deep thinker and an experienced GM who, alongside his Board and excellent team, is steering North Hants in an exciting direction. This episode provides valuable insight into what it takes to balance tradition with progress and ensure a club thrives for generations to come. https://www.northhantsgolf.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 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!