Golf Club Talk UK

Leighton and Eddie catch up briefly, where Eddie tells us about his recent visit to Marco Simone, venue for the Ryder Cup! Giulia Ferroni or Leeds Golf Design is our first guest and someone who is starting to enhance her reputation as a Golf Course Architect in the UK and Italy. Giulia has been working with Cirencester Golf Club on a course improvement plan and is starting to work with other UK clubs, as well as assisting clubs with their GEO verification. Having worked under Martin Hawtree for five years, Giulia brings a refreshing approach to the industry and explains how she sees sustainability as a crucial ingredient for clubs moving forward. Eddie is then joined by Ashley Pheasant, head of the Golf division of Darwin Golf Escapes, owners of three UK clubs including most recently, Dundonald Links in Ayrshire. Initially from a strong Golfing background, Ashley is guiding Darwin Golf Escapes through a period of growth and building on its Golf portfolio. https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/ https://darwinescapes.co.uk/golf/

Alex Woodward from Walton Heath Golf Club shares insights on hosting the AIG Women's Open, focusing on the venue's preparations, challenges, and collaboration with the R&A. They discuss the comeback of the tournament to a Heathland course, predict winners based on driving accuracy, and share insights on course suitability and playing style differences between male and female golfers.

On our latest GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK, Karen and Kevin are back from BRS to give us an update on what the numbers are saying at the end of quarter 2. There's a look at member rounds played, membership numbers and visitor Golf through Golfnow. Some very surprising numbers in there!! Karen also talks us through the results from the recent Golfnow player survey which gives some good analysis on trends for when people are playing, where people are playing and how much they're spending. All valuable stuff for Golf Club operators! https://www.brsgolf.com/web/blog/ BRS Quarter 2 report Visit the GCMA website for details on why you should be a member: www.gcma.org.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