Golf Club Talk UK

After a long awaited visit to Royal Norwich, Leighton sits down in the Clubhouse with David Coventry - Chairman, and James Stanley - CEO of Royal Norwich.  After 9 holes and some Lunch, the trio talk through the Royal Norwich story, with David explaining the back-story and James taking us through the present and what’s to come!  David has been at the heart of the move from the former site since the 1980’s.  This is a great story all round and one which all in the industry should listen to, not least for some inspiration as to what Golf Clubs can look like as we move forward.  One of the biggest challenges along the way was the cultural shift once the move was made and both David and James give their take on this. Royal Norwich offers some stunning Golf but it’s much more than this.  The club wants to open its doors wide to the community whether it’s utilising the Clubhouse, Practice Facilities or even Greenkeeper training! We hope you enjoy the interview and apologies for some minor sound issues. www.royalnorwich.co.uk  

GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK covers Wellbeing this time.  One of the three key themes at the GCMA Conference, the wellbeing of those working in the Golf industry is explored by Debbie Kleiner, a workplace wellbeing consultant.  Leighton and Debbie are also joined by Tom Brooke - CEO of GCMA, Craig Cotterill – Commercial Partnerships Manager and Gareth Morgan – GM of Long Ashton Golf Club.  We get some very diverse and honest views on experiences of mental health issues and signs that something is creeping up on someone.  Debbie and the guests also talk about coping strategies and ways of managing stress in the workplace and at home.  This is a really interesting discussion and a topic that all managers should be paying close attention to. GCMA – www.gcma.org.uk www.wellbeing-inwork.co.uk https://wellbeing-inwork.co.uk/introduction-to-mental-health/ https://wellbeing-inwork.co.uk/stress-vs-burnout/

It's our 3rd episode of GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK and the topic is Technology.  Leighton is joined by Gavin Robinson of GCMA, Craig Higgs of Golf Genius and Rob Corcoran from The Revenue Club.   Leading up to the GCMA Conference from 21st - 23rd November, the group give a flavour of how improving your technology can improve the customers experience, but also the experience of those running clubs.   There are questions like - Is Golf behind on technology because the members don't demand it?, and how can you devise a technology strategy? There's some real nuggets in this episode and some discussion to get everyone thinking. Golf Genius - https://www.golfgenius.com/ The Revenue Club - https://www.therevenueclub.co.uk/ GCMA - https://www.gcma.org.uk/

We're back with episode 54 and Leighton Walker has the two interviews this week.  First up is Lesley from BRS talking about EPOS systems, in particular the newly released BRS EPOS system.  David Brimble, owner of Hinksey Heights GC, near Oxford, also joins to talk about his experience utilising the new BRS system and how it integrates perfectly with the membership and tee management software. The second interview is with Gary Stangoe, GM of The Caversham, Home of Reading Golf Club.  Gary walks us through the story of how The Caversham arrived to where it is today.  It was the merger of two Golf clubs located only a few miles from each other but with very different histories, backgrounds and culture.  A very brave move by both clubs, which was not without its issues sees a very healthy club looking ahead to a strong future.  Thanks to our sponsors - BRS Golf  Hinksey Heights GC - https://www.oxford-golf.co.uk/ The Caversham - https://thecaversham.co.uk/  

It's our 2nd episode of GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK and the topic is Sustainability.  Leighton is joined by Gavin Robinson of GCMA, Jonathan Smith of GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf and Liam Greasley of Green Club Energy. After starting at a broad level the discussion moves on to how Golf Clubs in particular can become more aware of sustainability, but also how they can minimise their impact.  This includes getting buy-in from key decision makers.  Liam explains practical measures clubs can take to save costs and conserve energy usage.  Jonathan will be presenting at the GCMA Conference.   https://www.gcma.org.uk/gcma-conference-2021/   Also check out "On Course", a great tool to get clubs started on their journey: https://getoncourse.golf/login   https://sustainable.golf/ https://greenclub.energy/    

After a catch up from Eddie and Leighton we roll into two interviews. Louis Booth is forging a great young career at the age of only 26!  Louis has been in place as General Manager at Lincoln Golf Club for around 18 months and is already making his mark having come through COVID in good stead and now looking to develop the club's facilities, team and service.  Louis talks about his progression from University in Cornwall into the Golf industry.  There's some really impressive words and advice from Louis and he's one to watch in the future! Eddie then welcomes Ian Irving entertainer, comedian and auctioneer. Ian has been a frequent entertainer for many golf clubs. His love for the game has been recognised by his peers when he was invited to be Captain of the Variety Club Golf Society also a Member of the Grand Order of Water Rats. Ian shares some of his stories and how golf has been influential throughout his career.   Thanks as always to our sponsors BRS.  Check out their new EPOS system!   https://www.brsgolf.com/web/ Lincoln Golf Club - https://www.lincolngc.co.uk/ Ian Irving - https://www.topcomic.co.uk/  

A unique episode of Golf Club Talk UK this week with a Europe v USA Ryder Cup preview interview. After Leighton & Eddie catch up for a chat, Eddie is then joined in the blue camp by Gregor Jamieson, Scottish native and Director of Golf at Lake Nona and representing USA in the red camp is Keith Stewart of the Pro Show and former guest of the show. The guys break down the upcoming Ryder Cup to be held at Whistling Straits and argue the merits of both teams chances.  This is a fun episode and we recommend a quick listen to this one to catch it before the event kicks off!      Thanks to our sponsor BRS Golf https://www.brsgolf.com/web/      

Leighton & Eddie have the pleasure of being joined by Jeremy Tomlinson this week for a fascinating interview and an insight into what's happening at England Golf.  Jeremy talks about the early days of his tenure, England Golf's  Strategic Plan, sustainability, the Independent Golfer and much more.  Jeremy is very open and it leads to some great discussion. England Golf - https://www.englandgolf.org/ Thanks to our sponsor - BRS Golf https://www.brsgolf.com/web/

It's episode 50!! After a catch up with Eddie, this week Leighton speaks to Karen and Kevin from BRS about course utilisation and booking trends as they present some numbers for 2020 & 2021.  The data is taken from over 1900 across the UK & Ireland. The  guys look into what can be taken from the data and how clubs can use it to get ahead of the curve.  The numbers are a warning that we are not in the heady days of 2020 anymore!  A must listen for anyone working at Golf Clubs. Thanks to our sponsor BRS - https://www.brsgolf.com/web/    Karl Morris - Brainbooster podcast with Sandy Jamieson https://brainbooster.libsyn.com/finding-true-purpose-in-your-coaching-sandy-jamieson-186

On the first episode of GCMA Insights with Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton hosts a panel interview with four women from the Golf Industry.  The guests are: Natalie McColl, Membership Services Manager - GCMA Wilma Erskine, formerly Secretary Manager - Royal Portrush Nicola Cornwall, Administration Manager - Ross-on-Wye GC Alice Hiluta, PGA Professional - Royal Mid-Surrey GC The panel articulate part of their stories as women working in the industry including how they got their start, some of the challenges and issues facing women in Golf and even how we can make it more attractive for women to start working in Golf or playing the game.  There's some really good information shared and with Women and Girls in Golf Week in mid-flow, the timing is perfect for raising awareness around women in the industry. For more information on how GCMA can help anyone working in golf, visit: www.gcma.org.uk