Golf Club Talk UK

Panel Discussion Episode 2 of 3 Guests: Darren Redwood – Your Golf Marketing James Brockington – General Manager, Henley Golf Club & GCTUK Alastair Sinclair – Play More Golf Sarah-Jane (SJ) Shepherd – 59 Club Tony Adams – Hospitality in Golf In the second episode of our three-part series, we take a deep dive into your club's brand and image. How is your club really perceived, and what are clubs doing to present themselves in the best possible light? Joined by an expert panel with deep experience across golf operations, marketing, membership, service delivery, and hospitality, we explore what brand truly means in the context of golf clubs and how it shows up at every touchpoint. What does brand mean in the context of golf clubs How do you define your club's style of delivery and service, and what role does service play How can clubs become more authentic in their messaging and member experience How important are physical spaces such as the clubhouse, course, and practice facilities in defining your brand What role does social media play in projecting your club's image and story This wide-ranging discussion brings together a panel ideally placed to advise and guide clubs on one of the most important, and often misunderstood, elements of long-term success. Please support the panelists: https://www.yourgolfmarketing.co.uk/ https://www.playmore.golf/ https://www.59clubuk.com/ https://www.hospitalityingolf.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!

We're delighted to welcome The Revenue Club as our newest partner on GCTUK. In this episode, we take a deep dive into how The Revenue Club supports golf clubs in maximising their online revenue through a combination of dynamic pricing, digital marketing, and insightful performance reporting. Founders Rob Corcoran and Chris Knight join us to discuss why online sales have become increasingly critical for golf clubs, and how better use of data can help clubs shape a stronger and more profitable visitor strategy. We explore what dynamic pricing really means in a golf club context, how it can be implemented effectively, and the common challenges clubs face when moving away from traditional pricing models. The conversation also covers how golf clubs can make better use of their online marketing channels to drive demand, convert bookings, and build long-term value, as well as the evolving trends we're seeing in online bookings and consumer behaviour. Finally, Rob and Chris share insights on what comes next once clubs feel they've "cracked the basics" and are ready to take their online revenue strategy to the next level. We look forward to future discussions with Rob, Chris, and the wider team at The Revenue Club as we continue working together to help clubs maximise their online revenue. https://www.therevenueclub.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!

In this episode, we recap both 2025 so far and the Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition held in November. First, we're joined by the GCMA team — Tom Brooke, Gareth Morgan, Darren Wood, and Natalie McColl — as we explore the key areas of the association. They highlight recent successes and provide an update on the value GCMA membership offers. The conversation covers professional development, partnerships, membership benefits, and new initiatives designed to support golf club managers. We're then joined by Lisa Harrop of Marton Meadows Golf Club and Rhys Morgan of Newport Golf Club to reflect on the conference itself. Both were finalists in the awards, with Lisa and the team at Marton Meadows proudly taking home the Team of the Year award. They share their highlights, favourite moments, and key takeaways from the event. Even if you couldn't attend the conference — or if you're not currently a GCMA member — this episode is well worth a listen. www.gcma.org.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!

Episode Description Brought to you by Toro In this episode, we head to the striking Island of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal located off the northwest coast of Africa. While Madeira isn't traditionally thought of as a golf destination, it carries nearly 100 years of golfing history and features three courses across two islands—Palheiro, Santo da Serra, and Porto Santo. The islands have also played host to the Madeira Open on the European Tour for many years. And with a fourth course under construction at Ponta do Pargo, Madeira's golf future looks brighter than ever. (Stay tuned for an upcoming episode on that spectacular project.) This episode focuses on "Golf in Madeira"—both the golf experience itself and the company of the same name. Our first guest, Andre Rodriguez, owner of Golf in Madeira, shares insights into: The unique character of golf on the island What makes each course distinct Why Madeira offers much more than a stand-alone golf holiday Beyond golf, Andre highlights Madeira's incredible range of activities, including whale and dolphin watching, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, and more. We're then joined by Henrique Duarte of Irrimac, the Toro distributor for the region, and Ricardo Abreu, CEO of Santo da Serra. They take us through the story of Santo da Serra's history and the extraordinary challenge they faced when trying to create an irrigation solution for the course—and the surrounding community—when it was believed no workable solution existed. Together with Toro, they found one. If you're searching for an exciting, evolving, and authentic golf destination, Madeira deserves a spot on your map. https://www.golfinmadeira.com/ https://www.palheironatureestate.com/palheiro-golf.html https://santodaserragolf.com/ https://portosantogolfe.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

As 2025 closes out and 2026 approaches, Leighton, James and Eddie sit down for a reflective year-end conversation. The trio shares personal takeaways from 2025, highlights the GCTUK episode that resonated most, and looks ahead to what trends might shape the golf industry—both in the UK and globally—as we move into 2026 and beyond. It's an easy, insightful, and genuinely enjoyable discussion. The episode then shifts as Eddie interviews Geoff Swain. Geoff, a former World Trick Shot Champion, has built a global career as an entertainer through his trick-shot shows, clinics, presenting, and corporate appearances. Geoff's story is both inspiring and candid—he talks openly about the significant health challenges he has faced, how he pushed through them, and how he continues to deliver world-class entertainment. A great conversation with a great storyteller. https://www.geoffswaingolfunplugged.com/ Favourite episodes mentioned in our review: Rob Climas - 128 Tony Adams - 124 Joe Kelly - 123 Andy Brown - 121 PGA of Canada - 129 Inclusivity in Golf - 117 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!

Panel Discussion Episode 1 of 3 Guests: Darren Redwood – Your Golf Marketing James Brockington – General Manager, Henley Golf Club & GCTUK Alastair Sinclair – Play More Golf Sarah-Jane (SJ) Shepherd – 59 Club Tony Adams – Hospitality in Golf In this first episode of our three-part series, we take a deep dive into the culture of golf—both at the club level and across the wider sport and industry. Together with an expert panel immersed in golf operations, marketing, membership, service delivery, and hospitality, we explore: Where the culture of golf currently stands What the sport does well What needs to evolve to meet modern expectations How clubs can build environments that fit a range of demographics, age groups, and golfing ethos Why getting the offer, service, arrival experience, and welcome right is more important than ever Part of the conversation focuses on inclusivity, especially within the women's game. We discuss the opportunities the industry is missing, the size of this underserved market, and what meaningful improvements could look like. This is a fascinating, insightful discussion with people who shape the game and live club life every day. A must-listen for anyone invested in the future of golf. Please support the panelists: https://www.yourgolfmarketing.co.uk/ https://www.playmore.golf/ https://www.59clubuk.com/ https://www.hospitalityingolf.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!

In this episode, we dive into one of the standout industry events of the year: the GCAE Conference in Madeira (9-12 November). We're joined by Renate Roeleveld, CEO and organiser of this exceptional gathering, to explore event highlights and unpack some of the biggest themes shaping the future of the game. From mindset and psychology, to technology, evolving business models, driving ranges, and the ever-relevant discussion of AI vs. humans, Renate shares valuable insights into how the industry is adapting and driving change. To round out the episode, we feature three conversations recorded on-site, with key presenters from the conference: Jay Karen – CEO of the NGCOA Bartel Berkhout – CEO & Founder of SportsInq Monique Landman – Chief Empathy Officer at Unchain Each guest brings thoughtful, practical takeaways from their sessions—ideal for anyone looking to better understand where the industry is headed. Whether you attended the conference or missed it this year, this episode is packed with perspectives you won't want to miss. https://gcae.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, Leighton and James kick things off by catching up and reflecting on a number of recent conferences and educational events that they've attended. We're then joined by a returning guest: Ben Laing of Branston Golf & Country Club. Ben first appeared on the podcast back in February 2021 (link to that episode below), when he shared the story of the management buyout of Branston completed in December 2019. Since then, the business has navigated a turbulent COVID period and emerged stronger than ever. Branston is now expanding and thriving, with growth coming from new ventures such as Adventure Golf, Padel, and major enhancements across the wider club. In this conversation, we dive into: How Ben maintains exceptional standards across a broad, high-headcount operation How ownership makes decisions around capital expenditure The impressive success of Adventure Golf and Padel at the club The mindset and operational approach that underpin Branston's ongoing growth Ben is truly at the top of his game as an operator, and he articulates brilliantly what drives both his own success and that of Branston Golf & Country Club. Learn more about Branston Golf & Country Club: https://www.branstonclub.co.uk/ Ben Laing episode 37 - February 2021 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!

We're really lucky to be joined by Clyde Johnson of Cunnin' Golf Design. Clyde brings an extensive knowledge of golf course design and construction, built through his time working with Tom Doak at Renaissance Golf Design and, for the past decade, through his own practice. Learning from and collaborating with some of the best in the business, Clyde takes great pride in crafting natural golf courses on great sites—and in helping clubs enhance their existing layouts through thoughtful master planning. In this episode, we explore Clyde's career journey, as well as some of the courses that have shaped him—and those he's helped shape in return. These include: Tara Iti in New Zealand The Hotchkin at Woodhall Spa St Enodoc in England Old Petty at Cabot Highlands, where Clyde served as lead designer/associate This is a great conversation with one of the most insightful and talented voices in modern golf course design. https://www.taraiti.com/ https://www.woodhallspagolf.com/hotchkin_course https://www.st-enodoc.co.uk/ https://cabothighlands.com/golf/old-petty 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

Every golfer remembers the view — that one hole, that perfect light, that feeling you never forget. Leighton & Eddie catch up for a monthly review, and Eddie is then joined by Graeme Baxter who has turned Golf and Golfing memories into art for over 30 years. His oil paintings have captured the most iconic scenes in golf — from the Swilcan Bridge to many Ryder Cup venues — " it's golf culture on canvas." Awarded the British Empire Medal by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, World renowned Golf Artist Graeme Baxter BEM captures the beauty of golf landscapes in his Original Oil Paintings and low volume Giclee editions. Born in Scotland in1958 he discovered his love of drawing followed by his love of golf. His talents led to a long and successful career capturing and recording in his paintings, the design history of the most iconic Golf Courses around the World. His work is Internationally celebrated and displayed in the most prestigious Golf Clubs and at Touring events including The Ryder Cup, Open Championship, The Presidents Cup, PGA Tour, and European Tour. Each piece reflects his passion and history for the game adding worldwide investment value to his art.​​​​​​​ https://www.graemebaxter.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!