Golf Club Talk UK

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!

Jeremy Dale (https://www.jeremydale.com/) does it all - teaching, trick shows, corporate days, golf trips, radio - you name it! At the heart of it though Jeremy is all about Golf! Having spent so many years in the industry he has built up a great knowledge of the game and golf courses around the world, but more than anything he's about making golf fun whether it be through teaching, trick shots or course architecture. He discusses many issues with Leighton and what he feels clubs should be doing to introduce more fun into the game. After a successful playing career, including college golf in the USA, Vanessa Bell is Head of Fundraising for The Golf Foundation(https://www.golf-foundation.org/) and is tasked with growing awareness of the charity, through initiatives that teaches valuable life skills to youths of all ages throughout the UK, while marketing to golf clubs in order capture their support and appreciation of The Golf Foundation.

This month Leighton and Eddie are joined by Gabriel Aluisy, host of Private Club Radio and founder of the Golf Radio Network. The guys have a chat about the Masters and general issues affecting Golf Clubs both in the UK and USA. They also explore a few current trends. The main interview features Adam Keable from Colt MacKenzie McNair, a leading Executive Search company in the Golf Industry who operate in the UK, Europe, Middle East and USA. This episode will not only benefit those looking at their own employment opportunities, but also give some great advice on what clubs need to be looking at when they are employing staff. Adam explains some of the key differences that influence recruitment now including the generational differences that have become more prevalent over recent years. Check out Eddie's reference to "Why 18 Holes" at http://www.why18holes.com/

This week on episode 7 we have a variety of interviews from all parts of the country. Robin Down from Allendale Golf Club in Northumberland speaks to Eddie about this unique 9 hole course and Robin's even written a book (Golf in the Wild!) about 9 hole courses. Check out Allendale at https://allendale-golf.com/ Leighton then speaks to Gareth Morgan, GM at Long Ashton Golf Club (https://www.longashtongolfclub.co.uk/), about what clubs should be doing to get up to speed with the new rules changes that came into effect on January 1st. Gareth recently completed a qualification with the R&A and is well placed to advise clubs. Lastly, Leighton interviews Euan Grant, GM at JCB club, live from the Club Leadership Summit at Royal Ascot Racecourse back in March. Euan has moved from Course Manager to Club Manager at this unique and recently opened course in the Midlands and is on a fast learning curve.

Leighton & Eddie start episode 6 off from the Club Leadership Summit at Ascot Racecourse. The Club Leadership Summit is a gathering of 40 of the best Club Managers with education and networking. The first feature interview is with Don McPherson who is a renown mind coach and sport psychologist. Don has worked with works with many world-class sports professionals including F1 racing drivers, Premiership footballers, snooker champions and Ryder Cup golfers. Don looks at some techniques to help anyone in their day to day career. Leighton talks to Adam Lawrence, Editor of Golf Course Architecture magazine, a publication focusing on all things course architecture across the globe. Adam talks about some issues faced by clubs in the UK while highlighting some of his most memorable courses. Find out more at http://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/

Episode 5 and Eddie & Leighton have a catch up and look back on BTME which Eddie attended. The first feature interview this week was Debbie Pern from Deeside Golf Club. Debbie (CCM qualified) oversees a very strong F & B operation and this has gone from strength to strength in the last 14 years. Debbie talks through some of the staffing successes, but also explores some of the decisions that have seen them progress to where they are today. In the second interview, Eddie talks to Matt Parsley from Conwy Golf Club, a true links course on the North Coast of Wales. Matt is a PGA Pro who moved into Club Management. Having worked at several clubs in the UK, Matt is a rising star in the Management world and now looks forward to hosting the Curtis Cup at Conwy in 2020. He also looks at ways in which Conwy is looking to improve the offer to its members.

Nick Solski CCM from "Boomers & Swingers" at Astley Driving Range in Cheshire, talks to Eddie about a driving range with a difference. Nick is also a Fellow with the PGA and brings a wide experience, including time in Russia, to this operation. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment at Boomers and Swingers and they are doing more than their bit in attracting new people to the game. In our second interview John Glendenning, Chief Executive of The Wisley in Surrey, gives us great insight as to what makes this fantastic club tick. Some really interesting ideas and initiatives shows that this is a really forward thinking members club. From re-using grey water to keeping their own bees, John explains how the members really embrace this "thinking outside the box".

In this week's episode Eddie and Leighton provide some information on the GCMA conference announced for 2019, as well as a quick summary of the recent CMAE European Conference held in Marbella. The first interview features Stuart Finlay formerly of Wales Golf who has recently moved into the role of General Manager at Radyr Golf Club in Cardiff. Stuart talks about his time with wales Golf and how he approached his new role which is his first in Management. Eddie will then chat to Alex Keighley a trailblazer of Yorkshire golf. Alex is the Head Professional at Huddersfield Golf Club (Fixby Hall), she also sits on the board of TGI and is a past Captain of the Northern region of The PGA. Alex is doing some sensational initiatives in developing a strong presence at Huddersfield Golf Club, including growing the Ladies and Juniors memberships, she provides more detail on this. Early in the interview Alex also talks about her days on the Tour.