Golf Club Talk UK

First up this month, the show takes on an International flavour with Leighton interviewing Rod Morri, Journalist and host of several well-known podcasts in Australia on the Talkin Golf Network (https://talkingolf.com/about/).    Rod is a journalist by trade, now writing for Golf Australia magazine, but more lately has expanded his Podcast network which includes shows such as The Good Good Golf podcast, State of the Game and Feed The Ball.    As well as this Rod talks to us about some trends in clubs in Australia along with some things that are working well and things that are not.  There's also a chat on the importance of Community in Golf Clubs.    Leighton also speaks to Deana Rushworth (Golf Lessons, Witney, Oxfordshire - Deana Rushworth PGA Golf Pro & Mind Factor Coach).  Deana recently gained the "Advanced PGA" status and this is a testament to her time in the industry and contribution to teaching.    The discussion moves from Teaching to how perhaps clubs can introduce more ladies to the game and even the "Mind Factor" seminars that Deana delivers to Golfers on Golf psychology.    Originally from Yorkshire and now teaching out of Witney Lakes Golf Club, Deana is an engaging character who has a lot of energy and a lot of great ideas.

This week Golf Club Talk UK are delighted to share some time with “the voice of golf” - Peter Alliss . Peter has always shared his direct views and has much during the programme to surprise our golf listeners. Enjoy the stories .

Alan Tait is renowned in Scotland - having represented his country and in 1994 came to golf prominence as holding the course record at Carnoustie while also partnering Tiger Woods . He has since developed his skills into golf management and is a regular presenter on BBC Radio Scotland as their man of golf, while also recognised as a prominent after dinner speaker. His passion for the game has seen him recently become an ambassador for Golphin delivering participation into golf for children. Gabe Aluisy also joins us. Gabe's company the Private Club Agency (http://aluisy.com, http://privateclubagency.com) has recently become a sponsor of the show and Gabe talks to Leighton about Membership Marketing and Strategy into the 2020's, particularly about how to tell your story as a club. Gabe will presenting this in much more detail in July at the CMAE England seminar at Villa Park - https://www.cmae-england.uk/ Get in touch with Leighton or Eddie from GCTUK: email - golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com Twitter - @golfclubtalkuk

On this session we are speaking to Sami Strutt - Head of Member Development , British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association.   Sami has played a major part in developing the personal development /educational programmes for the association - while evolving with significant success the Future Turf Managers Initiative whereby giving future turf managers an intense week of managerial techniques and tactical skills in preparation for their future careers.    Sami shares some amazing insights over a twenty seven year career in the golf industry.   Marcus Weatherburn who has moulded a career in Golf and formerly of the De Vere group, is now Club Acquisition Manager at Play More Golf covering the UK and Middle East.    Play More Golf is a disruptive business that is looking to provide an alternative option to Golfers and Golf Clubs by looking to attract the nomad Golfer. A points based system that also gives players flexibility is growing in popularity.   Leighton and Eddie tease out some of the pros and cons while gaining a better understanding of how the system works.

Steve Mills is a renowned marketing and sales expert (and former international Table Tennis player), that has had significant success in helping businesses grow their profile through LinkedIn programmes. Currently Steve is working with numerous Golf Club businesses to optimise their marketing potential.  Eddie talks to Steve about ways to increase your exposure, particularly on Linkedin. In the second interview, Leighton and Eddie both speak to Iain Lancaster, the Club Support Manager for England Golf.  Iain has a strong background in Golf but also other sports such as Triathlon.  There's many initiatives that England Golf are currently tackling including the new World Handicap System, the recently released Governance Guide and Safe Golf among others.  Iain explains how clubs can best take advantage of England Golf and their resources.  Go to: Home - England Golf

Colin Webber created, owns and operates Portmore Golf Park with his wife Amanda and son Josh near Barnstaple in Devon.  The facility, which was formerly a dairy farm was built from the ground up with plenty of blood, sweat and tears invested. Starting from a driving range, it now represents a fantastic community facility for not only Golf but dining, functions and other activities.  Colin talks us through the story of Portmore and some of the things that make this place so unique.  Check out Portmore Golf Park here Portmore Golf Park Eddie speaks to John Maguire, GM of The Richmond Golf Club in London.  John brings a strong background to his role including time in the military.  Speaking to Eddie he explains how he creates success at The Richmond and gets the best out of his team.  John explores his philosophy behind the food offering at The Richmond but also his own passion for great food and wine along with much more.  Check out The Richmond here WELCOME TO THE RICHMOND GOLF CLUB : The Richmond Golf Club

This week Eddie and Leighton are joined by Dr. Roger Hawkes the Executive director of The Golf and Health Project (https://www.golfandhealth.org/), Member of International Golf Federation and formerly with the European Tour.   Dr Hawkes talks to us about the benefits that Golf provides to people's health and the fact that club's should be making the public aware of these benefits.  He also explains that clubs need to give more support to members who may have health issues and aim to keep them in the game as long as possible.   Leighton goes all ecological with James Hutchinson, Members Services Manager for BIGGA (https://www.bigga.org.uk/) and in charge of Ecology and Sustainability.  James looks to put some definition around those words in a Golf Course sense and explores some of the initiatives that can make clubs much more ecologically responsible.  If you don't know what a Bug Hotel is you may want to listen to this episode!

Episode 12 starts with Eddie and Leighton catching up and reviewing the Open Championship and Women's British Open.   The first interview is with Leanne Rice and Dave Vincent of Tourism Northern Ireland.  Hot on the heels of the successful Open Championship held at Royal Portrush, Leighton finds out how Tourism NI will look to capitalise on the success and welcome people to NI.  They talk about some of the lesser known hidden golf gems in NI but also some great things to do away from Golf.     Eddie's latest interview is with Jenni Biggs - also known in the industry as Miss App. Jenni specialises in delivering quality Apps for Golf Clubs, guiding clubs with innovative ideas in how to optimise their technology marketing opportunities, while also finding herself in demand as a published writer within the golf industry.

We are delighted to welcome our first guest on Golf Club Talk UK from California - John Kennaday is the Head Golf Coach at San Jose State University - Having recently been the figurehead behind the new Spartans Golf Complex, which is recognised as the state of the art facilities in the US. John is also the Current Vice President of the Golf Coaches Association of America . John speaks about his background and his continued desire to improve the opportunities for students who are invited to become  a part of the San Jose State University Spartans Golf Team. Leighton is joined by Richard Saunders, Head of Sales for Free Trade.  A former Pub Owner, Richard has been with Marstons for 12 years and lends his experience and wisdom on the beverage industry, particularly around Golf Clubs.  The discussion looks at the history of Marstons which has been based in the midlands for many years.  It then delves into some of the drinks trends going on with Beers, Gins and Wines while also giving listeners an idea of how to improve their offer. Marston's Beers and Breweries

Special Bonus Interview with Richard Cutler from La Moye. Enjoy!