Golf Club Talk UK

In this episode - following a catch up between Eddie & Leighton, Eddie welcomes Joe Kelly, Head of Membership Support at the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Great Britain & Ireland. Joe shares valuable insights into how the role of PGA Members is expanding far beyond the traditional golf professional. As more clubs reassess their operations and restructure their business models, Joe discusses the wide-ranging skill sets that modern PGA Members are acquiring—spanning from business management and coaching to customer service and digital engagement. He provides real-world examples of how clubs can make the most of their PGA professionals and what to look out for during periods of change. Joe also offers key advice for aspiring PGA Members, highlighting the qualities and competencies that will prepare them for success in a rapidly evolving golf industry. Highlights include: The growing diversity in roles and responsibilities of PGA Members How clubs can adapt their structures to thrive in a changing environment Tips for current and future PGA professionals to stay ahead of the curve Whether you're a club manager, PGA pro, or involved in golf operations, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.   https://www.pga.info/   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!

Panel Discussion Series Number 2 - Membership We’re excited to bring back our popular Panel Discussion episodes — and this time, it’s a conversation on membership at Golf Clubs. This Episode’s Panelists: Alastair Siclair - PlayMore Golf Eddie Bullock – Eddie Bullock Golf Consultancy James Wilkinson – Albatross Digital Nick Eden – The Revenue Club Matt Roberts – 59 Club In this insightful panel discussion, we dive deep into the changing landscape of club memberships. Our experts explore what today’s members truly value, how successful clubs are adapting, and what sets thriving communities apart from those that are struggling. Key Topics Covered: The Evolution of Memberships: How expectations and engagement have changed over time. Crafting the Right Offer: What modern members are looking for and how clubs can deliver. Understanding Your Members: Using data, feedback, and real connection to meet members' needs. Building Loyalty & Community: Proven strategies for fostering long-term commitment and a sense of belonging. There's plenty more, so tune in, take notes, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving golf industry! Coming Up: August – The role of AI in golf   https://www.playmore.golf/ https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ https://www.albatross.digital/ https://www.therevenueclub.co.uk/ https://www.59club.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   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 insightful episode, we’re joined by Kate Torgersen and Monina Gilbey of Torgersen Gilbey, who share how their combined expertise in environmental planning and sustainability strategy led to the formation of their consultancy. Together, they support golf clubs through environmental audits, biodiversity planning, and strategic sustainability communication. Kate breaks down what’s involved in an environmental audit or vegetation management plan, and the importance of native planting for course health and playability. Monina explains biodiversity in the golf context, and how courses can become thriving ecological spaces. The duo highlights projects underway in Australia, the wider benefits these initiatives bring beyond the course, and the importance of improving how golf communicates its sustainability efforts. They also explore what golf can learn from other sectors and how these practices can scale globally—both within and beyond the sport. https://www.torgersengilbey.com.au/ Check out Kate and Monina on LinkedIn https://www.glenelggolf.com/cms/   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   A big thanks to our Partner - Toro Click here for more details   Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk   Sign up to our Newsletter here

In this special episode, we’re excited to announce a new partnership between Toro, Golf Club Talk UK, and The Greenprint. Joining Leighton and Eddie is Andy Brown from Toro to discuss the shared vision behind this collaboration: to spark meaningful conversations within the golf industry that drive innovation, development, and growth for both the game and the people in it. Andy shares insights into his background and Toro’s long-standing support for the industry.  We also explore how clubs can make smarter decisions when investing in equipment and infrastructure—highlighting the importance of strong relationships between General Managers, Boards, and Course Managers. We also confront the message that golf must be part of the solution and not considered as part of the problem when it comes to responsible use of resources.  From industry challenges to forward-thinking solutions, we dive into topics like: Labour shortages and workforce strategies The rise of autonomous mowing Smart water management techniques This is just the beginning. Future episodes will explore these themes in greater depth and extend the conversation to a global audience. https://www.toro.com/en/golf   Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ 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 excited to announce the launch of GCMA ASPIRE on July 1st — a brand-new Career Development Series from the Golf Club Managers’ Association. Designed specifically for aspiring and early-career Golf Club Managers, GCMA ASPIRE offers a unique blend of tailored education, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to support your journey in the golf industry. In This Episode: Tom Brooke, CEO gives an overview of GCMA ASPIRE: what it is, why it's launching, and the long-term vision behind the initiative. Natalie McColl, Membership Services Manager takes a look at the benefits of GCMA membership, especially for Affiliate members. She breaks down what's included in the new programme and why joining now matters more than ever. Gareth Morgan, Professional Development Manager takes a deep dive into the ASPIRE Programme itself – including upcoming webinars, events, how to get involved with Career Pathway 1-2-1s, and information about GCMA Accreditation. As we wrap up, hear more about the upcoming GCMA Conference and a special opportunity to celebrate the ASPIRE launch... Special Offer: To mark the launch of GCMA ASPIRE, the association are giving away 25 sponsored Affiliate Memberships — offering free GCMA membership through the end of 2025! Details here:   https://www.gcma.org.uk/conference-2025/   www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com   Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

In our first ever “What’s News” segment, we’re joined by Toby Ingleton, Editor of Golf Course Architecture Magazine, to explore a variety of exciting projects that are shaping the world of golf course design today. Toby shares insights on a range of developments, including: Royal Dornoch and the headline appointment of King, Collins, Dormer Trump Turnberry's renovation work and the new course at Trump Aberdeen Apogee in Hobe Sound, Florida – a high-profile addition to an already golf-rich region The Cliffs on Kangaroo Island – an ambitious and scenic new project in Australia Big Cedar Lodge’s latest par-3 course, featuring a 19th hole tee box dramatically set inside a cave Then in the second half of the episode, we’re joined by Gary Johnston of European Golf Design and Caspar Grauballe of By Caspar. Caspar, the outgoing President of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA), recently handed over the reins to Gary at the organisation’s recent annual meeting held in the north of Scotland.  This meeting also acknowledged the 25th Anniversary of the EIGCA Together, Gary and Caspar reflect on: The EIGCA’s mission to elevate and advocate for the profession of golf course architecture Sustainability as a central theme at the recent Dornoch meeting Royal Dornoch itself and what makes it so special Their current projects and perspectives on the evolving role of architects in the industry This episode features thoughtful insight from two of the most respected voices in the industry.    https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/ https://eigca.org/ https://egd.com/ https://www.bycaspar.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

In this inspiring episode, Leighton is joined by Matt Bloor from England Golf and Becky Kirkby, a qualified Community Golf Instructor (CGI) at Stand Golf Club, Manchester. Together, they dive into the groundbreaking CGI programme – a vital initiative designed to introduce more people to golf and support the wider golfing community. Summary of the conversation: Why the CGI programme was created and who’s been involved How the programme was designed and developed The ethos and format behind the training What CGIs can and can’t do – and how they complement PGA Members Can Community Golf Instructors be paid for their work? Becky’s journey: why she took the course, her experience, and proudest moment as a CGI Ongoing support and the role of the tutor network The R&A’s global rollout of the CGI programme Want to Get Involved? We share details on course locations, costs, and how to book your place. If you’re listening from across the UK or further afield in GB&I – we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a club, coach, or aspiring CGI, this episode offers a fresh perspective on making golf more inclusive and accessible.   https://www.standgolfclub.co.uk/ https://www.englandgolf.org/community-golf-instructor https://www.englandgolf.org/ www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com   Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

Chuck Gallagher, an expert in business ethics and leadership, shares his insights on how AI is transforming the golf industry. He emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making as clubs adopt new technologies. Listeners will discover the opportunities AI presents for efficiency and member engagement, along with potential ethical pitfalls. Chuck discusses balancing innovation with integrity while maintaining transparency and accountability. His engaging style and practical advice provide valuable lessons for anyone in the golf sector navigating the future of technology.

Panel Discussion Series Returns! We’re excited to bring back our popular Panel Discussion episodes — and this time, it’s a special three-part series running over the next three months! With thanks to Alastair Sinclair from PlayMoreGolf, we kick off the series with a deep dive into the Green Fee business, joined by a stellar panel of industry experts: This Episode’s Panelists: Eddie Bullock – Eddie Bullock Golf Consultancy James Wilkinson – Albatross Digital Nick Eden – The Revenue Club Matt Roberts – 59 Club The discussion begins with a look at some of the key performance numbers from the early part of the year — showing just how buoyant this area of the business currently is. But it’s not just about the data — we dig into the player experience too: 🟢 Are golfers leaving the course feeling better than when they arrived? 🟢 What are clubs doing to enhance that experience? We also explore dynamic pricing, and how to avoid repeating past mistakes when it comes to discounting green fees. It’s a lively conversation packed with insights, strategies, and excellent takeaways from some of the most respected names in the game. Coming Up: July – Membership models and trends August – The role of AI in golf Tune in, take notes, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving golf industry! https://www.playmore.golf/ https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ https://www.albatross.digital/ https://www.therevenueclub.co.uk/ https://www.59club.com/   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 Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

In this episode, we’re joined by Cam Ackerman and Aaron Belcher, the talented duo behind Up River Golf Co. – a rising force in golf course videography. With a rapidly growing reputation for cinematic storytelling and stunning visuals, Up River produces high-quality films for both private clients and their YouTube audience. Cam and Aaron share how they founded Up River and their passion for highlighting golf course architecture through compelling narratives. Their films don’t just show a course – they tell its story through the eyes of architects, superintendents, and those who live and breathe the game. Featured projects include: Gamble Sands Mid Pines The Loop Chambers Bay Erin Hills – which will host the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open in late May, something their film proudly celebrates. We dive into the of producing these films – from scouting the location to capturing highly effective drone footage – and hear about their favorite courses to date. The Greenprint and Up River Golf Co. will continue to collaborate, and we’re excited to keep you updated on all their latest work. Huge thanks to Cam and Aaron for joining us – and for continuing to raise the bar in golf storytelling. Check out their incredible videos and subscribe to their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UpRiverGolfCo https://www.upriverfilmco.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