Golf Club Talk UK

Kirsten Grobler, a freelance digital marketing specialist at The Social Kode, shares her journey from psychology to enhancing golf clubs' social media strategies. She emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and data analytics for boosting engagement. Tom Scott, General Manager of Harpenden Golf Club, offers insights into his career path and discusses the evolving landscape of golf management. He shares advice for those aspiring to enter the field, focusing on the blend of modern practices and tradition in club management.

In this episode, Leighton and Tom Brooke (GCMA CEO) reflect on their recent experience at the London & Home Counties Regional Meeting, held at the newly transformed Basingstoke Golf Club. They explore the value of regional meetings for GCMA members, sharing insights from this specific gathering. The GCMA’s ongoing commitment to improving regional meetings for their members is also highlighted. Leighton is then joined by Scott Patience and David Green to delve into the fascinating story behind the redevelopment of Basingstoke Golf Club. The conversation covers the disbanding of the original Basingstoke GC, the acquisition, and transformation of Dummer Golf Club into the new Basingstoke GC. Scott shares his experiences as GM during this transition, detailing the challenges faced and how the club evolved through the process. David Green, the new GM, discusses his role in taking the club forward, and the team reflects on key topics such as people, culture, governance, and the determination required to pull off such a unique project. Tune in for a rich discussion on leadership, change management, and the future of the golf industry. Key Topics: The value of regional GCMA meetings The redevelopment journey of Basingstoke Golf Club Scott Patience’s role in the transition process Leadership, culture, and governance in golf clubs David Green's vision for the future of Basingstoke GC Enjoy the conversation and gain insights into one of the most ambitious golf club transformations in recent memory! www.gcma.org.uk https://www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk/ www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com    

Welcome to the first episode of The Greenprint! In this inaugural episode, we dive into the incredible story of Raglan Golf Club in Monmouthshire, Wales—a course that has truly risen from the ashes. After closing its doors following the COVID-19 pandemic, Raglan was purchased in early 2024 by a group hailing from Monmouthshire, and its rebirth is nothing short of inspiring. Lucy, the driving force behind the revitalization, shares her journey in transforming the course from a state of disrepair to one that's ready to open in early April. From rebuilding greens to adding new tees and bunkers, Lucy has tackled every challenge, including restoring irrigation systems and improving drainage. She also discusses the agronomic hurdles of reopening a course after being closed for over two years, including selecting the right grass species for greens that were initially sown with fescue. This episode is a fascinating look at how a struggling venue can be brought back to life with the right vision, support, and the dedication of passionate people. Tune in for an encouraging and insightful story of revival and community focus. https://www.raglangolfclub.co.uk/   The Greenprint on Linkedin  https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintuk/   Subscribe to the show to make sure you receive all episodes as they are released

In this episode of Golf Club Talk UK, we’re thrilled to welcome Daniel Grieve, Head Professional at the prestigious Woburn Golf Club and a Master PGA Professional with a wealth of experience. Daniel has become a standout figure in the golfing world, particularly known for his innovative approach to the short game. Eddie sits down with Daniel to discuss his impressive presence on social media, where he’s been sharing fresh, original techniques that are transforming how golfers approach their short game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Daniel’s philosophy is all about simplifying complex concepts and providing golfers with practical tools to elevate their skills. Daniel’s system, which forms the basis of his widely praised book 3 Releases: The Short Game System, has helped golfers at every level gain a deeper understanding of the short game and improve their performance around the greens.  Eddie guides a fascinating conversation with an influential figure in the game.   https://dangrieve.com/3-releases-the-short-game-system/   https://dangrieve.com/   https://www.youtube.com/@DanGrieveGolf     www.golfclubtalk.uk   golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Nathanael Pietrzak-Swirc, CEO of UGOLF in France, joining us. Nathanael (CCM) has built a stellar reputation in the golf industry and now leads UGOLF, a company specializing in the management and operation of golf courses on behalf of local authorities, associations, and private owners. UGOLF is uniquely positioned as the only operator expanding in both France and Spain. With 58 locations across metropolitan and overseas France, 7 in Spain, and 1 in Rwanda, UGOLF continues to grow its footprint. This conversation delves into the current state of golf in France, UGOLF's efforts to increase participation through its Academy setup, and the company’s exciting plans for global expansion. Tune in to hear about Nathanael's journey as well as the future of golf, UGOLF's innovative initiatives, and their vision for growth on the world stage! https://jouer.golf/en/who-we-are/ Nathanael on Linkedin www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/golfclubtalkuk/  

Joining the conversation are Matt Draper, who offers insights from England Golf's strategy workshops, and Matt Blore, who emphasizes the role of data in planning. Phil Davis and Simon Gardner from the Activation Project provide a structured approach to effective strategic planning. They discuss the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, maintaining momentum, and leveraging data to set impactful goals. The focus on embracing imperfection in plans encourages golf clubs to take actionable steps towards a successful future.

Leighton and Eddie catch up to discuss the current state of Golf Clubs, a look at CMAA World Conference and Eddie's week at AIMG in Montpelier.  Leighton also explains that GCTUK will be commencing some international episodes in late March.  In addition to this Leighton will be starting the new show soon - "The Greenprint", a podcast on Golf Courses including Architecture, Sustainability and Agronomy.  Leighton then joins James Caldwell (Head Professional) and David Addison (GM) of Barassie Golf Club.  James has recently taken over as Head Professional following the tenure of a successful Professional.  We talk about James' journey into the role and some of the things he will have to navigate as he sets up his business and looks to provide the best possible service to members and visitors of the club.  David also gives a view on the decision making process in appointing James and the vision he has for success at Barassie.  It's a relaxed and informative chat and we wish James every success in his role at https://www.kbgc.co.uk/   www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/golfclubtalkuk/   https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/106040189/admin/dashboard/  

With the first four modules of the Advanced Management Programme completed, we catch up with four General Managers who were attendees on the respective courses.  These are; Food & Beverage, Governance, Health & Safety and Marketing. Gareth Morgan, Professional Development Manager for GCMA joins the discussion where we explore the learnings that have come out of the modules and how these can be applied back at club level.  The guests also discuss the huge value in the networking and peer to peer connection. A big thank you to all our guests and their clubs: Food & Beverage:  Chris Cooper (GM at Shooters Hill GC) Governance:  Chris Huggins (GM at Ferndown GC) Health & Safety:  Claire Docker (GM at Robin Hood GC) Marketing:  Roger Hyder (GM at Canterbury GC)  www.gcma.org.uk www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com @golfclubtalkuk 

On this episode of Trending Topics with England Golf, we spend some time with two of the England Golf board - Julia Regis and Jenny Denyer.  The discussion looks to present a picture of the process of becoming a Director, what it's like to be on the board and the role itself and any specialised areas that each Director might take responsibility for.   Julia and Jenny give us an overview of their careers thus far and how that placed them nicely to help the strategic direction of England Golf.  Both come from a leadership, coasching and performance angle and have performed roles on other Boards.   The conversation delves into some challenges facing Golf as a sport and how these might be approached.  They include improving ethnic diversity in Golf and attracting more women and girls to the game.  There's also a look at some of the great opportunities in front of the sport and how these can be exploited.   A great chat and thanks to Julia and Jenny for giving up their time.  https://www.englandgolf.org/ https://www.englandgolf.org/leadership-team    

Alex Woodward, CEO of Walton Heath Golf Club, shares his expertise on high-performance leadership within the private club sector. He emphasizes the importance of service standards and team dynamics in enhancing member satisfaction. James Burns, co-founder of Club Benchmarking, discusses data-driven strategies for financial success, highlighting the critical role of strategic and capital planning for clubs. Together, they explore how effective leadership and benchmarking can ensure long-term sustainability and operational excellence in the golf industry.