Golf Club Talk UK

Eddie and Leighton catch up for a chat on several topics, including culture at Golf Clubs as well as Golf Retail and ways of doing it differently.  Retail is the theme for the show as Eddie then shares time with Paul McEvoy , who is the Head Professional at Burnley Golf Club. Paul also has three other retails outlets - ‘McEvoy Golf Shops', based at golf clubs in close proximity to the M65 corridor, where he also operates Elite Golf Performance Centres. Paul shares his entrepreneurial flare and the importance of creating a trusting customer experience . Paul is also a PGA Board member. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mcevoy-77487520/

In this episode of GCMA Insights, we have four guests who dive into the latest iteration of the Golf Governance Guide.  Tom Brooke - CEO, GCMA, Jerry Kilby - Kanda Golf, Gavin Anderson and Matt Draper of England Golf explain why clubs should be using this as a valuable tool to ensure their club's Governance is in the right place.   The fours elements of good club governnace - Recruitment, Structure, Processes and Culture break it down nicely and Managers can really benefit from having this framework and being able to nudge their Committees/Boards. A great listen for anyone in our industry!   www.gcma.org.uk https://kandagolf.com/ Golf Governance Guide

After Leighton & Eddie have a catch up they are both joined by Andy Laing - Course Manager, transitioning into General Manager at Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Worcestershire.  Gaudet Luce hosetd the recent GCTUK Golf Day and there's a lot to like about this unique venue.  Andy tells us about it, but also his own personal role at the club. Eddie is then joined by Chris Cuttler - Managing/Secretary at Dore & Totley GC.  Chris talks with Golf Club Talk UK and shares some of the challenges and directs some personal points with regard to the challenges of operating a modest members club. https://www.gaudet-luce.co.uk/ https://www.doreandtotleygolfclub.co.uk/  

Really interesting look into what clubs might be able to do with surplus land in this episode of GCMA Insights.   Leighton is joined by James Podesta of STRI and James has a strong background in development, but the focus of this chat is around ecologically improving your site, where this might also have financial benefits.  This might even include dipping into Biodiversity net credits!  Please have a listen and get a preview into a fascinating subject and something we'll be hearing plenty more about into the future.   www.gcma.org.uk https://strigroup.com/  

Our April episode of GCMA Insights and Leighton starts by catching up with Tom Brooke, CEO of GCMA.  Tom provides an update on all happenings at the assosication and we recommend you visit the website for more details: www.gcma.org.uk Karen and Kevin then join Leighton for their quarterly look at the numbers.  This includes rounds played and membership numbers.  This is always really informative and should provide listeners with some great information and direction on playing trends.  More details here: https://www.brsgolf.com/web/blog/ www.brsgolf.co.uk  

After Leighton and Eddie catch up for a quick chat, Eddie is Joined by "Jazzy Golfer".  Jasmine- AKA Jazzy Golfer, is all about getting more women and girls into Golf, while improving her own game along the way.  Jazzy is an entrepeneur, content creater and presenter and her views are enlightening and will hopefully inspire not only women, but all those in the industry.  It's a great conversation. Find out more here: https://www.thejazzygolfer.com/  

Episode 77 features an interview with Russell Stebbings, GM at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire.   Russell, CCM talks to Leighton about many topics including his club, projects happening there, his ethos in management and his recent experience in Orlando for the World Conference.  Russell is a great operator with a wealth of experience and some of his thought leadership make this a fascinating listen.   https://www.frilfordheath.co.uk/   Don't forget to enter our Golf Club Talk UK Golf Day in support of Afriyea Golf Academy!   Wednesday 10th May Gaudet Luce Golf Club - Worcestershire First tee time – 11:00am (max 45 players) 3 Ball format with Team and Individual Prizes £45 per person Day includes: Coffee & Bacon Roll on Arrival18 Holes, 2 Course Meal afterwards with Prize Presentation Email: golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com

Tom Brooke (CEO - GCMA) joins Leighton to give an update on the successful accreditation scheme launched in 2022, and now with over 45 Managers accredited. Leighton & Tom are also joined by four accredited people from the industry across the four levels; Rob Climas - North Hants GC, John Jackson - Haydock Park GC, Reece Mayberry - Caldecott Hall and Matt Hart - Hythe GC.  The guests give the reasons and benefits of becoming accredited and also their views on the industry and where it's going. Find out more information by tuning in, or click here for more details: https://www.gcma.org.uk/gcma-accreditation/  

Ryan and Edward talk us through the significant restoration that is taking place at the Addington Golf Club in London.  What was arguably the most notable course in the Country between the two World Wars, was left untouched for a long time before the Altonwood group took it over in more recent times.  Ryan and Edward talk us through the why, what and how of the changes and how they've uncovered some gems along the way.  Edwards also gives us an update as to what CDP (Clayton Devries and Pont) are up to.    https://addingtongolf.com/ http://www.cdpgolf.com/  

Leighton & Eddie catch up for their monthly chat, but this time they are joined by Isaiah Mwisege, CEO of Afriyea Golf Academy, who is currently spending a few months studying in Salford, Manchester.  Isaiah gives us a quick overview of why he is here, but also what is happening with Afriyea Golf Academy in Fort Portal, Uganda.  He also explains that he is keen to catch up with any of his UK contacts while in the country.  Eddie then has a great discussion with Reeves Weedon.  Reeves has a diverse experience within golf, following an outstanding amateur career then becoming Head Professional at Harstbourne Golf & Country Club mainly focusing on his coaching and membership experience. Reeves has become widely recognised as an authority of assisting golfers with back concerns. Reeves shares his research into the modern golf swing - having studied the challenges of golfers with back ailments and he has arrived at a discovery point where he identifies flaws in the modern swing approach, whereby creating 'The Weedon's Way’ in how to develop the sustainable golf swing.    https://afriyeagolfacademy.com/   https://weedonsway.com/