Golf Club Talk UK

Leighton and Eddie have their monthly catch up followed by two interviews.  Eddie speaks to Kevin Murray of Kevin Murray Golf Photography.  Kevin has a long history in providing some of the most stunning Golf photography in the game.  The total of courses shot, tallies around 450 and this is not just UK based but globally and includes players as well as courses.  Eddie explores Kevin's journey and how he comes up with some of these great images. Leighton is then joined by Rob Bristow of Booth Golf & Leisure.  Booth design, plan and build Golf spaces (as well as other leisure) through landform or what we might have previously known as landfill.  These are often re-invented spaces and can include Practice areas as well as full Golf Courses.  Leighton and Rob have a fascinating discussion which includes topics such as mixed use for Golf Courses, enhancing flora and fauna and the Biodiversity net gain scheme (yes, check this scheme out!).  Well worth a listen. https://www.kevinmurraygolfphotography.com/ https://boothgolfandleisure.co.uk/   Thanks to our sponsors BRS Golf!  https://www.brsgolf.com/web/  

While talking about Governance might not float everyone's boat, it can be a fascinating subject and so crucial to everything we do as people working in the Golf industry. Jerry Kilby of Kanda Golf, is certainly well qualified to advise us all on good governance.  He joins Leighton to talk about how you create a good governance platform to ensure you achieve success, retain and attract good staff and allow Managers and leaders to get on and do what they are there to do! This is a really good chat and we urge you to grab some good takeaways for your club.   Find Jerry Kilby at Kanda Golf

Leighton and Eddie catch up for a yarn at the start of the show.  Plenty has happened in the last month or so including.....you got it - Cam Smith winning the Open!  The guys then welcome Emma Ballard to Golf Club Talk UK for a good old chat!  Emma is the Editor of Women & Golf, an online publication focusing on well.....Women and Golf!   Topics range from Emma's experience at the recent AIG Women's Open at Muirfield, including playing the course the day after as well as, obtaining her first handicap and what might help to engage women at your club.  Really intersting discussion with one of Golf's good people.   Women and Golf - https://womenandgolf.com/ Emma Ballard - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaballard/  

An innovation this episode with a Golf Club Talk UK podcast and GCMA webinar taking place at the same time.  Gavin Robinson of the GCMA kicks off the session with Leighton and they are joined by Karen Moss and Kevin Murray from BRS.  BRS are leading the way in providing relevant and timely data.  Kevin and Karen talk through the current trends that are emerging from the Q2 Participation Report.  The numbers are vital in helping clubs to continue to make data driven decisions. Q2 still looks healthy but the information suggests that clubs keep their eye on the ball to ensure numbers remain strong.  Kevin gives some regional figures as well as touching on membership numbers.  An essential listen if you want to stay ahead of the curve. Please note that the Quarterly Participation Report is linked below and can be read in conjunction with listening to the episode: https://www.brsgolf.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BRS-Golf-Quarterly-Report-Q2-2022.pdf BRS Golf GCMA ** Apologies for some sound issues early in the recording

On this episode of GCMA Insights we look at the new accreditation program.  This is a big step forward for the association and plays a further role in modernising and professionalising Golf Club Management.   This new initiative which launches later in August, will capture members' experience, skills and knowledge in various levels of accreditation.  This inevitably will enhance career prospects and standing within the industry. Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke - CEO, Ed Richardson - GM at Hankley Common GC and Board member and Andy Rankin - Board member. The discussion reveals the motications behind the accreditation program, its benefits for GCMA members and how you can become accredited. https://www.gcma.org.uk/  

Leighton kicks off with an introduction from St Andrews in the lead up to the Open.  He's also joined briefly by Tracey Walker who gives us a quick heads up into BIGGA's role at the Open Championship.  This involves a delegation of 55 Greenkeepers raking bunkers with each grouping throughout the tournament. Leighton also speaks to BRS/Golfnow, the show's partners on how to use data to maximise your green fee revenue.  With playing numbers just starting to level out, it's important all clubs are utilising available space and data can be a great way to help.  Knowing trends on your tee sheet and what competitors might be doing is key.  This can help to minimise impact on your membership or if you're a green fee led club - how to ensure you are utilising your asset to the full.  Thanks to Stevie and Karen for some really useful information. BRS - https://www.brsgolf.com/web/ Please visit: https://www.scotscraiggolfclub.com/ https://www.bamburghcastlegolfclub.co.uk/  

Golf Club Talk UK meets up with Carol Ann Baxter, Executive Director with the PGA of Canada Ottawa.  One will discover that Carol Ann is a trailblazer, her entrepreneurship has seen her build one of the most fun loving golf facilities - Archies in Cornwall , Ontario - her passionate leadership and attitude is an inspiration for others. During 2021 she received the accolade of Life Membership with the LPGA .    https://www.archiescornwall.com/   Thanks to BRS Golf for their support of the show:   https://www.brsgolf.com/web/

For those that attended the GCMA conference back in November they will be familiar with Chris Cook's closing session on his "2 Lengths".  This was an inspiring talk that focused on keeping things simple and for Chris, the simple bit was swimming two lengths of the pool as fast as he could!   In this episode of GCMA Insights, Olympian Chris Cook expands more on this fascinating mindset and how simplifying things can transform the way you and your team can perform.  Richard Palmer-Jones, Owner of PJH Brand Management and a very engaging character, gives a perspective from someone who has worked closely with Chris and has even put the thinking into action.   This is a really informative episode with some great tips on how to provide more focus in your life and your Golf Club.   Chris Cook - https://www.chriscookgb.com/ Under Armour - https://www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/ GCMA - https://www.gcma.org.uk/  

In episode 64 - Leighton is joined by Sam Williams from Cookie Jar Golf, which has risen very quickly in prominence in the Golf space.  On top of their Podcast which delves into architecture, history and tour Golf - Sam, Tom & Bruce also host great events, create video content and are now also helping clubs with their marketing.   Sam and Leighton chat many things Golf, including architecture, modern marketing, events and Sam's favourite tracks!   Check them out if you haven't already at: https://cookiejargolf.com/   Also, please donate to Afriyea Golf Academy's campaign - https://afriyeagolfacademy.com/ Thanks as always to our loyal sponsors - BRS Golf!  https://www.brsgolf.com/web/

Golf Club Talk UK share time with Peter Hickling, former Club Manager who developed a successful club business at High Post GC and more recently transferring his knowledge and passion into Ground2Control a cloud based Resource and Safety management system that has been effectively designed for golf club businesses.   Peter also shares his entrepreneurial adventure around the development of his glamping business with lambs and alpacas     https://www.ground2control.com/