Golf Club Talk UK

In this episode of Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton Walker is joined by Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of Details – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure, to discuss his journey through golf, hospitality and resort management, and his vision for the future of golf across Portugal and southern Europe. Nuno's route into golf was almost accidental. Originally intending to study landscape architecture, he ended up studying turf science and golf course management at Myerscough College. His career has since taken him through agronomy, golf course construction, management and resort development, including six years at Costa Navarino in Greece before joining Details. Nuno explains how his experience at Costa Navarino shaped his approach to five-star hospitality, working across different cultures and developing golf destinations in areas without an established golf infrastructure. He also discusses the opportunity that brought him back to Portugal and the rapid growth of Details, which now manages golf courses, hotels and leisure assets across several countries. A major theme is leadership and building the right team. Nuno talks about drawing on 26 years of industry experience, bringing in people with different skills and nationalities, and why surrounding yourself with people who are better than you is essential when growing a business quickly. The conversation also explores Details' investment philosophy and its focus on repositioning existing golf and resort assets rather than simply building new courses. Nuno discusses the transformation of Costa Ragusa in Sicily and the wider opportunity to bring ageing or underused golf destinations back to life through significant investment. Customer experience is another key focus. Nuno explains how 59club UK&Ireland has become an important strategic tool for Details, using regular mystery visits and detailed customer feedback to identify weaknesses and continually improve standards across its properties. He also discusses the shift from selling a golf product to creating a complete experience. Finally, Nuno looks at the future of golf tourism, the growing importance of family participation and why Portugal, Spain and Italy are well positioned for continued growth. An insightful conversation about leadership, investment, hospitality and the changing golf experience – with one of the people helping to shape the future of golf and resort development in southern Europe. Visit Details – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure here Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ Thanks to our partners Toro – Click here for more information Himalayas Golf – Click here for more information 59club UK&Ireland – Click here for more information Support the podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people shaping the future of golf.

In the first episode of Golf Club Talk UK Stories, and a Himalayas Golf partner episode, Leighton is joined by Eddie Pelz, son of legendary golf instructor, inventor and innovator Dave Pelz, for a fascinating conversation about a lifetime spent around the game of golf. The interview took place in Scotland around the Scottish Open. Eddie shares the story of growing up around his father's work, from helping test early short-game concepts with golfers including Tom Kite to becoming a mechanical engineer, product developer and eventually a key part of the Pelz Golf operation. He explains how his father's scientific and analytical approach helped shape many of the principles that are still central to short-game instruction today. A major theme of the conversation is the importance of the short game, with Eddie explaining why the Pelz philosophy places such emphasis on wedges, putting, chipping and bunker play. He discusses why golfers should balance their practice rather than simply hitting balls on the range, and explains how building a structured practice framework can help golfers understand their game and improve more effectively. Eddie also looks back at some of the innovations developed by Dave Pelz, including the 60-degree wedge, learning aids, putting technology and work examining grooves and equipment performance. He explains how his own role evolved from engineer and product developer to supporting the wider Pelz teaching operation, including the famous three-day schools that remain central to the business. The conversation then moves into one of the most fascinating projects in the Pelz story: Pelz Backyard. Designed to create a serious short-game practice environment at home, the backyard incorporates green complexes inspired by some of the world's most famous holes, including Augusta National, TPC Sawgrass, Pebble Beach, St Andrews and Whistling Straits. Eddie explains the thinking behind the design, how the facility performs and why it has proved so popular with both elite players and recreational golfers. Eddie also discusses the development of artificial turf and the patented Shot Stopper technology created through the Pelz Backyard project. Working with Himalayas Golf, he is now helping explore how smaller, high-quality practice facilities can be used to make golf easier to access, reduce barriers to practice and ultimately help grow participation in the game. The episode also takes us behind the scenes of a more recent project with Sir Nick Faldo, where Eddie and his team helped create a substantial home practice facility in Montana. From short-game areas and revetted bunkers to multiple tee positions and longer shots, Eddie explains how the facility gives a player of Faldo's calibre the opportunity to practise seriously without even leaving home. Alongside the technical discussion, Eddie reflects on the wider appeal of golf — its social side, the physical benefits of walking the course, the characters within the game and the importance of making golf more enjoyable and accessible. From following professional golfers around a tournament (including Patrick Reed) to understanding the mental and physical demands of elite short-game play, this is a wide-ranging conversation with someone who has spent his life looking at golf from a very different perspective. Golf Club Talk UK Stories is a new sub-series exploring the people, personalities, experiences and stories behind the game. And what better way to begin than with Eddie Pelz — someone whose family has played such an important role in changing the way golfers understand and practise the game. Pelz Golf Himalayas Golf Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: Leighton Walker Thanks to our partners Toro Himalayas Golf Support the podcast Buy Me a Coffee – Golf Club Talk UK Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people, stories and ideas shaping the future of golf.

Emma Highwood, Head of Women’s Development at England Golf, discusses the future of women’s and girls’ golf. Topics include the Women and Girls Summit, attracting younger women through golf, yoga and Pilates, and redefining clubs as hubs for wellbeing and community. She explores lessons from independent women’s groups, flexible formats, leadership, the 40-club pilot and the renewed Women in Golf Charter.

Scott Weale, General Manager at Tandridge Golf Club and former Course Manager, shares his journey from greenkeeping to leading an entire club. He discusses restoring Harry Colt’s bunkers, major tree and irrigation projects, and the storm that reshaped investment plans. Scott also explores food and beverage, team empowerment, member expectations, and learning to step back from greenkeeping.

In this GCMA Insights episode of Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton Walker is joined by Tom Brooke, CEO of the GCMA, Scott Reeves, Membership Director at BIGGA, Kirsten McEvoy, Head of Sustainability at England Golf, Mike Gray from Castle Water and Andrew Tucker from Thames Water, for an in-depth discussion about water security and the future challenges facing golf clubs. The conversation begins by exploring why water management has become one of the most important issues facing the golf industry. Tom explains why he believes water security is the single biggest challenge facing golf, with wetter winters, increasingly dry summers, rising costs and greater restrictions all placing pressure on clubs and their ability to keep courses playable. Scott provides insight from the greenkeeping community, discussing hand watering, ageing irrigation infrastructure and the agronomic challenges of managing increasingly unpredictable conditions. Kirsten explains how water has become the biggest sustainability topic raised by golf clubs with England Golf. She discusses the organisation's Water Security Toolkit and the importance of clubs taking a case-by-case approach to understanding their water requirements, infrastructure and potential solutions. The discussion also considers opportunities to work with neighbouring landowners and communities, particularly where water storage could provide wider environmental or flood management benefits. A key part of the conversation looks at the relationship between golf and the wider water industry. Andrew explains the unprecedented pressure being placed on water resources and why golf is particularly visible within that debate. He outlines the need for the industry to move away from reliance on potable, drinking-quality water for irrigation and towards alternative water sources and greater on-site storage, while emphasising that golf is not being singled out but has an opportunity to lead by example. The panel also examines the UK's national water target and the drive to reduce business water consumption. Smart water metering is discussed in detail, with Mike addressing misconceptions around the technology and explaining how better data can help clubs understand their consumption, identify leaks and improve billing accuracy. The conversation also highlights simple measures that can make an immediate difference, from fixing leaking toilets and dripping taps to improving irrigation efficiency. A major theme throughout the episode is the need for better data and greater collaboration. The GCMA, BIGGA, England Golf and the water industry are working together through the Retailers and Wholesalers Group to build a clearer picture of how golf clubs currently use, source and store water. A new industry survey and "State of the Nation" report are also discussed, with clubs being encouraged to participate so that future policy, regulation and investment decisions can be based on robust evidence. The discussion also focuses on how clubs can plan for the future without necessarily committing immediately to major expenditure. The panel considers the importance of taking short-, medium- and long-term steps, from improving irrigation systems and reducing clubhouse consumption to investigating reservoirs, water harvesting and alternative supplies. Kirsten and Tom also highlight the importance of starting this process early, as planning, approvals and funding for larger projects can take several years. The conversation concludes with a clear message for golf club boards, committees, managers and greenkeepers: water needs to become a much higher priority within business resilience planning. While the panel provides reassurance that golf clubs are not facing an immediate loss of their water supplies, the direction of travel is clear. Clubs that start planning now will be better positioned to manage future droughts, restrictions and changing water availability. Whether you're a General Manager, course manager, greenkeeper, board member or committee member, this episode provides an important insight into the future of water management in golf and the practical steps clubs can take to improve their resilience. Useful Links GCMA: https://gcma.org.uk/ England Golf: https://www.englandgolf.org/ BIGGA: https://www.bigga.org.uk/ Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Golf Club Talk UK: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: Leighton Walker A big thanks to our partners Toro: Toro Himalayas Golf: Himalayas Golf Support us here Buy Me a Coffee Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review, subscribe to Golf Club Talk UK and share the episode with your colleagues, board members and wider golf network.

Leighton Walker is joined by David Addison, General Manager at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club, and Steve Neilson, Chair of the club, for an in-depth conversation about governance, leadership and the relationship between a golf club's board and management team. David returns to the podcast for a third time, and Steve explains his route into the chair role and how his background in business, construction and dispute resolution has influenced his approach to club governance. A major focus of the conversation is the governance structure that has helped transform Barassie. The club moved away from a traditional model of the captain effectively overseeing everything to a structure that separates the business responsibilities of the council from the golf and social responsibilities of the captains' committee. David and Steve explain how that has created clearer lines of responsibility, greater accountability and a stronger platform for long-term development. The pair also discuss the importance of trust, communication and empowerment in the relationship between chairman and general manager. Rather than becoming involved in day-to-day operations, Steve's role is one of oversight, challenge and support, allowing David and his senior management team to get on with running the club while ensuring decisions are properly tested and reported. Strategy has also become increasingly important. David and Steve explain how the club brought together its senior management team and past chairs to develop a longer-term strategy, supported by data, external facilitation and member engagement. They also discuss the importance of educating incoming volunteers about the club's history, financial position and governance structure so that new board members understand what they are inheriting. The conversation explores the benefits of professional development and engagement beyond the club, with David explaining how Barassie has increasingly encouraged its management and greenkeeping teams to attend industry events, visit other clubs and share ideas. The aim is to bring new thinking back to the club while ensuring that investment in development delivers a measurable return. Leighton, David and Steve also discuss some of the key appointments that have helped move Barassie forward, particularly the recruitment of and excellent Course Manager, alongside the development of a strong senior management team. With greater investment in staffing, the club has been able to strengthen its course, professional operation, clubhouse and wider member experience. The conversation isn't without its challenges. David and Steve reflect on previous course redevelopment proposals that narrowly failed to secure member approval and the lessons learned about communication, engagement and avoiding an "us and them" mentality between members and the club's volunteers. Looking ahead, Barassie has an ambitious programme of investment, including a major refurbishment of the men's locker room, bunker redevelopment, potential changes to three of the course's weaker holes, improvements to practice facilities and plans for a new swing room. Irrigation and water security are also becoming increasingly important considerations for the club. Throughout the conversation, David and Steve return to the same themes: good people, clear responsibilities, trust, transparency, accountability and continual improvement. This is a fascinating look at how a chairman and general manager can work together effectively while maintaining the right balance between governance and management. For anyone involved in golf club boards, committees or management teams, this is a practical and honest conversation about building a successful governance structure, empowering professional staff and creating the conditions for a club to keep moving forward. Please support David, Steve and Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club – website Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ Thanks to our partners Toro – Click here for more information Himalayas Golf – Click here for more information Support the podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people shaping the future of golf.

Leighton Walker is joined by Richard Flint, COO of England Golf, Joshua Reynolds, Data and Insights Manager, and Matt Draper, Development and Memberships Director, to discuss England Golf's latest research into participation – The Golfers' Journey. Originally undertaken in 2018, the research has been refreshed to look at the full spectrum of golf participation, from leisure golfers playing crazy golf, adventure golf, driving ranges and simulators through to recreational and regular golfers and golf club members. The research estimates that more than 12 million adults in England participated in some form of golf in the previous 12 months, including around five million leisure golfers and more than 4.5 million recreational golfers. The figures highlight the enormous potential market for golf beyond traditional club membership. One of the most striking findings is that 73% of leisure golfers are female, while female representation falls significantly as participation moves towards regular on-course golf and club membership. The panel discusses what this, alongside other findings around ethnic diversity and disability, tells us about the opportunities – and barriers – facing the industry. The discussion also explores why people play golf, with enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, fun and entertainment, relaxation and wellbeing all featuring strongly. The panel considers whether golf does enough to communicate these wider benefits and whether the industry needs to talk about the game differently. For golf clubs, the research raises important questions around membership. With more than two million people playing an 18-hole course at least once a month but not currently taking up membership, could more flexible membership options, shorter formats and stronger links with off-course facilities provide a route into club membership? Richard, Joshua and Matt also look at the importance of using data to challenge perceptions of golf, the environmental and economic contribution of the sport, advocacy and word of mouth, and how England Golf intends to build on The Golfers' Journey through further research into areas including membership, women in golf, coaching, wellbeing, technology and AI. The overriding message is a positive one: there are millions of people already engaging with golf – the opportunity now is to understand their journey better and make it easier for more of them to take the next step. To find out more about England Golf click here Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partners: Toro – Click here for more information Himalayas Golf – 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!

Leighton Walker is joined by Candi Watkins, General Manager at Ponteland Golf Club in Newcastle, for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey into golf club management, the lessons she has learned across more than 14 years in the industry, and her approach to leading a modern members' club. Candi's route into golf was far from conventional. Originally working in business development within vehicle finance, she moved into golf through an administration role at her local club after having her first child. That opportunity has developed into a career spanning several different clubs and roles, including City of Newcastle Golf Club and Sharpley Golf Club, before taking on the General Manager role at Ponteland just over a year ago. The conversation explores how that varied experience has shaped Candi's approach to management, from finance, marketing and business development to building strong teams, putting effective systems in place and understanding that every golf club requires a different operating model. At Ponteland, Candi inherited a club with enormous potential, a strong and passionate membership and a great golf course. The club is now at full membership with a waiting list for the first time in more than 25 years. She explains what has driven that growth and why clubs cannot afford to become complacent when things are going well. Leighton and Candi discuss changing member expectations and why golf clubs need to look beyond the industry for ideas, particularly when it comes to hospitality, customer service, communication and technology. They also explore leadership, staff culture, the importance of being visible around the club and how to deal with difficult decisions when not everyone agrees. The conversation also looks at the longer-term challenges facing golf clubs, including sustainability, water security, investment, automation and renewable energy. Candi talks about Ponteland's new borehole, the potential of its large practice ground and the opportunities to attract the next generation of golfers. Membership models also come under the spotlight, with Candi arguing that clubs should consider more flexible pathways into full membership while continuing to strengthen the value of the core membership proposition. With Ponteland approaching its centenary year, Candi shares her vision for the club and why she believes it is possible to respect a club's history without allowing tradition to prevent progress. From leadership and culture to membership, governance, sustainability and the increasingly complex role of the modern General Manager, this is a practical and honest conversation about running a successful members' golf club and preparing it for the future. Please support Candi and Ponteland Golf Club Ponteland Golf Club – https://www.ponteelandgolfclub.co.uk/ Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ Thanks to our partners Toro – Click here for more information Himalayas Golf – Click here for more information Support the podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people shaping the future of golf.

In this GCMA Insights episode of Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton Walker is joined by Gareth Morgan, Professional Development Manager at the GCMA, for an in-depth conversation about professional development, career planning and why continuous learning has become essential for today's golf club managers. The discussion begins by reflecting on how opportunities for education within the golf industry have evolved over the past two decades. Gareth shares his own experiences of entering club management at a time when structured development opportunities were limited, before exploring how today's managers have access to a far broader range of qualifications, learning pathways and professional support. A central theme throughout the episode is the importance of taking ownership of your own development. Gareth explains why every manager's career journey is different, how identifying long-term aspirations can help shape meaningful learning opportunities, and why education should be viewed as an ongoing investment rather than something undertaken only when problems arise. Leighton and Gareth discuss the value of creating a personal development pathway, recognising individual learning preferences and combining formal education such as that on offer through GCMA - with informal learning through networking, mentoring, podcasts, webinars and shared experiences. The conversation highlights how continuous development helps managers become more effective leaders while adapting to the changing demands of modern golf club management. The episode also explores the practical challenge of securing support for professional development within clubs. Gareth shares advice on planning education well in advance, incorporating development into annual budgets and helping boards and committees understand the long-term value that investment in people delivers to both individuals and their clubs. A significant part of the discussion focuses on aspiring managers and those beginning their careers within the industry. Gareth explains why future leaders should openly communicate their ambitions, seek guidance from experienced professionals and build strong networks, while encouraging General Managers to actively support and develop the next generation of club leaders. The conversation concludes with practical advice on ensuring learning translates into meaningful action. Gareth outlines his "Three Pledges" approach, encouraging delegates to identify tangible actions immediately after completing a course, helping transform new ideas into lasting improvements within their clubs. Whether you're an experienced General Manager, an aspiring leader or a committee member looking to better support your management team, this episode provides valuable insight into building a culture of continuous learning and investing in the long-term development of both people and golf clubs. Useful Links GCMA: https://gcma.org.uk/ https://gcma.org.uk/advanced-management-programme/ Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Golf Club Talk UK: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: Leighton Walker A big thanks to our partners Toro: Toro Himalayas Golf: Himalayas Golf Support us here Buy Me a Coffee Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review, subscribe to Golf Club Talk UK and share the episode with your colleagues, board members and wider golf network. .

Before introducing Part Two of our expert panel discussion, Leighton Walker is joined by regular co-host James Brockington to reflect on a few of the current topics affecting golf clubs. They discuss the challenges of another exceptionally dry summer, the increasing impact of weather extremes on golf course management, and some of the responses to a recent LinkedIn discussion asking what the biggest challenges facing golf clubs are today. The conversation provides the perfect lead-in to the main discussion, which focuses on the future of golf clubs over the next decade. Recorded at Story Ninety-Four Podcast Studios in Oxford, Leighton is joined by an expert panel featuring: John McCormack – Club Benchmarking EMEA Paul Mould – Accountancy Matters Gavin Anderson – England Golf Will Hewitt – 59club Ben Laing – Branston Golf & Country Club Together they tackle one of the biggest questions facing the industry: What will a successful golf club look like in five to ten years' time? Building on the foundations laid in Part One, the panel explores how clubs can position themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. They discuss the importance of having a clear identity, strong governance and a long-term strategic vision, while examining how clubs can balance member expectations with commercial sustainability. The conversation also explores how changing customer behaviours, workforce challenges, technology, participation trends and environmental pressures are reshaping the industry. The panel shares practical insights on capital investment, diversification, customer experience, staff culture, benchmarking performance and why understanding data should underpin future decision-making. From flexible membership models and driving range technology to climate resilience, leadership and club culture, this episode is packed with practical advice for golf club managers, owners, directors and committee members looking to build resilient, successful clubs for the next generation. Please support our panellists Club Benchmarking EMEA – https://www.clubbenchmarking.eu/ Accountancy Matters – https://golfaccountancymatters.co.uk/ England Golf – https://www.englandgolf.org/ 59club – https://www.59club.com/ Branston Golf & Country Club – https://branstonclub.co.uk/ Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ Thanks to our partners Toro – Click here for more information Himalayas Golf – Click here for more information Support the podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people shaping the future of golf.