Golf Club Talk UK

Great to be back for 2022 and we kick off then year with two interviews. Following a catch up with Eddie and Leighton, Eddie speaks to Doug Poole, Chief Executive of the UK Golf Federation. The UK Golf federation represent proprietary and commercial minded clubs and driving ranges across the UK https://www.ukgolffederation.com/home Doug gives us a run down of what's happening at the federation as well as his own time at the helm following an interesting career in the Golf Industry. Leighton then chats to Andrew Gibbins and Damien Urwin from Your Golf Travel. Like all aspects of the Golf industry, it's been a tough time for Golf Travel, particularly on the International front. Damien tells us why this might change this year, and Andrew who is UK based tells us what's been happening locally. He also delves into what clubs can do to get their share of the UK Golf travel market, especially with the increased travel at home. https://www.yourgolftravel.com/ Thanks again to our sponsors BRS Golf - www.brsgolf.com

On the last episode for 2021, Eddie and Leighton have a good catch up and a look back at 2021 including favourite episodes. They then pull their crystal balls out for a look forward to 2022. Following the intro, we're joined by our sponsors BRS. Karen Moss and Kevin Murray provide some hugely valuable data on member utilisation numbers. This is on the back of the August episode where visitor play was covered. Numbers of member rounds are compared with 2020, but more importantly 2019 which is a more typical comparison. Well worth a listen for anyone who wants to keep their finger on the pulse. www.brsgolf.com Thanks to all of our listeners and Merry Christmas! Twitter - @golfclubtalkuk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com

On this episode of GCMA Insights, we feature a recap of the GCMA conference held at Wyboston Lakes in November. Leighton attended the conference, not only for some education but also to carry out some interviews with attendees, suppliers and presenters. The event was a big success and Tom Brooke starts the show by giving us his views on why it was so successful. The three key topics of sustainability, wellbeing and technology hit the mark with attendees with a great education program. We were also inspired by people such as John Paramor, Catriona Matthew, Danielle Brown and Chris Cook. The interviews offer some highlights and short bites from the guests and they include: Jim Croxton – BIGGA Steve Carroll – GCMA Magazine and National Club Golfer Jimmy Sandison – Rainbird Michael Herd – Colt Mackenzie McNair James McLean – GCMA Manager of the Year & GM Bognor Regis GC www.gcma.org.uk https://www.rainbird.com/eur https://coltmm.com/ https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/ https://www.bognorgolfclub.co.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/