Golf Club Talk UK

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.

Michael Herd, from Kopplin, Kuebler and Wallace, discusses the firm's exciting expansion into Australia and New Zealand, stressing the importance of good governance in club management. Jeff Morgan, President and CEO of CMAA, shares insights on the CMAA World Conference, celebrating its impressive growth and the collaboration with CMAE for industry education. The conversation touches on embracing leadership skills, the significance of workplace culture, and the necessity for structured staff training in golf clubs to meet evolving demands.

Gareth Morgan, Professional Development Manager at GCMA, joins Sean Boyle, General Manager of Chesterfield Golf Club, and James McLean, General Manager of Bognor Regis Golf Club, to tackle cost pressures facing golf clubs. They discuss rising business rates and minimum wage impacts while sharing innovative strategies for revenue generation. The trio highlights the importance of member engagement and effective communication during financial challenges and emphasizes long-term growth through collaboration and optimizing resources. Gain insights that could transform club management!

On episode 110 of GCTUK, following a monthly catch up, Leighton and Eddie talk to Simon Hassall, Chairman of Haydock Park Golf Club. Haydock Park is a members club located in the North-west of England. Simon, having come from a strong corporate background, has been in post for 3 years and he provides his views on the industry, but also how he approaches his role. Some of the other areas covered include; Being a director and how Simon views the Chairman role and the industry, how to take the best of the corporate world......into Golf clubs, use of data, challenges of keeping a Board focused on the right areas and what Haydock Park is doing to stay ahead of the curve. https://www.haydockparkgc.co.uk/ Don't forget our Management Field Trip at Princes and Royal Cinque Ports Golf Clubs on 26th, 27th March. For more details or to book click here - Management Field Trip www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com

On the latest Trending Topics, we welcome Matt Draper and Mark Romasiuk from England Golf and David Hawkins, Secretary of the Bedfordshire Golf Union. The discussion is all about mental health and how it can effect anyone in Golf Clubs, both Golfers and those working and volunteering in clubs. David explains why he has such a strong interest in this topic and why he became a mental health first aider and how he now leads a group of mental health first aiders. The three guests explain that it's down to all of us to look out for each other and try to recognise when something's not right. England Golf will be launching its "Fore Your Mind" compaign in early February. Mark explains how it's designed to signpost both Golfers and Golf Clubs to the best place to receive advice and information. A really important topic and thanks to David for sharing his story. https://www.englandgolf.org/ www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com Don't forget our Management Field Trip at Princes and Royal Cinque Ports Golf Clubs on 26th, 27th March. For more details or to book click here - Management Field Trip

A great interview on episode 109 with three outstanding younger managers joining Leighton. We meet James Brockington, GM at Henley GC, Molly Pavey, GM at Bramshaw, Poultons & Newark, and George Tunbridge, GM at St Enodoc. It's not all about their age though and the chat explores their entry into Golf Management and how they view the industry. The wide range of clubs and ownership structures also provides a great perspective and the topics explored include mentorship, communication, investment, current challenges, particularly around cost pressures and how to engage your members. The industry is certainly in good hands and we thank the guests for their time and hope you enjoy an enlightening interview. Don't forget our Management Field Trip at Princes and Royal Cinque Ports Golf Clubs on 26th, 27th March. For more details or to book click here - Management Field Trip www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com