Golf Club Talk UK

Leighton provides a brief update on what's happening at Golf Club Talk UK, including it's expansion into more podcast episodes, hosting and presenting and the upcoming Educational Filed Trips for Managers.  These field trips will include two days of education, networking and a look at the Golf Course and the first one is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March 2025 at Prince's GC and Royal Cinque Ports GC.  More details released soon.  We also mention Eddie's Leadership Institute.  For more information check out the GCTUK events page: https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/   We also thank our show partners: https://kkandw.com/international/ Contact Michael Herd for more details.   https://toptracer.com/ Contact Rob Saunders for more details.   A big thank you to all of our listeners and there's plenty more content to come.

It's the first of a series of four episodes on the recently launched - Advanced Management Programme, an exciting new education programme from the GCMA.  Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke for a quick introduction before we hear about the four certificate modules in this Award, and why people working in the Golf industry need to get involved.  The AMP can be complimentary to other forms of education and takes a deep dive into the key areas of managing a Golf Club or operation.  The interviews and guests are: Food & Beverage Management - Kevin Fish (CCL) Marketing Strategy - David Wheatley (Medi8) Sales and Service Delivery - David Reeves and Matt Orwin (Promote Golf) Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers - Sami Strutt and Phil Helmn (Bernhards Academy)   For more information, visit: https://www.gcma.org.uk/gcma-amp-certificates/  

The latest episode of Trending Topics focuses on Sustainability but we do it through the lense of the recent England Golf Sustainability conference at Woodhall Spa. Owen James and Caitlin Mcmillan rolled out a great day's education and thought leadership which included some key figures in the industry and this particular space. The event broke sustainabililty down into four main areas: Biodiversity Water Management Golf: Everyone's Game Innovation Leighton and Owen run through the intent of the day and the episode is enhanced with contributions taken from panellists on the day.  These included Marie Athorn of the RSPB/R&A Partnership, Alyson McKechin of Golfit! and Dr Mark Bloomfield of the Transformation Tour.  Owen finishes by summarising some of the key outcomes.   Sustainability doesn't have to be confusing or overwhelming and England Golf can be a great resource as a starting point or guide on your journey.  https://www.englandgolf.org/sustainability/  

We've reached 100!!  It's our 100th episode of GCTUK.   After Leighton & Eddie catch up and look back at 100 episodes, Leighton is joined by Michael Herd, Head of International Search & Consulting - Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace - our new show partner.  Michael talks us through what's happening at KK&W, but also some current trends in recruitment including what recruiters should be thinking about, but we also take a look from a candidate point of view.  What should you be doing to ensure you are the best chance of securing a role? As we move into conference season with European Conference, BTME and CMAA Conference around the corner, there's a look at why you should be attending industry conferences and how you can get the best out of your time at the show.   Thanks to our show partners: Toptracer Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace   Also, check out Eddie's Leadership Institute Seminar Eddie Bullock Golf - Leadership Institute Seminar - Thursday 19th September   www.golfclubtalk.uk  

The GCMA's new Advanced Management Program aimed at educating and developing Golf Club Managers - is on the verge of launching.  Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke who talks about the motivations behind the program, what it is and why managers should take part.  Gareth Morgan, who recently started in his role as Professional Development Manager, also joins the episode.  The program has been in the making for some time and the expertise of the education providers will make this a "must-do" for anyone looking to develop their Golf Club Management careers.   The official launch will take place on Tuesday 17th September. Leighton then talks to to Gareth about his background leading into taking on the new role, but also his early priorities and future aspirations for where education and development may go for those in the Golf industry For more information on the Advanced Management Program, please visit: https://www.gcma.org.uk/advanced-management-programme/ The introductory session will take place on Tuesday 17 September at 2pm, and can be accessed using the link below. ATTEND NOW  

Leighton & Eddie welcome Monique Landman-Bovenkamp of "Unchain People and Change" to the show.  It's a warm and open discussion on Leaders bringing "heart and empathy" to their roles and clubs.  Monique has worked inside and outside of Golf and has long pushed for heart in the boardroom with a view that we can't achieve the best results as organisations without it.   Is it time to move away from the ruthless, selfish and agressive style of the 2000's to a place where we lead with heart and in a safe culture where people are happy to speak, make mistakes and be creative?  There's also some thinking from other industries that can be introduced to our industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquelandman/?originalSubdomain=nl   Thanks to our show partner: https://toptracer.com/    

Trending Topics with England Golf is back and on this episode we're talking about the Respect in Golf Campaign with Matt Draper, Ben White - Comms Director and Toni Shelbourn - Brand and Campaigns Manager.  This is a great initiative being led by England Golf and one that looks to improve the image of Golf through showing that Golf belongs to everyone.  How do we make Golf a welcoming environment regardless of your background, age, race, gender, ability etc.   Golf can mean many things to many people and we explore how clubs can assist in projecting a more positive image of the game and hopefully along the way increasing participation.  https://www.englandgolf.org/respect-in-golf  

A thought provoking, inspiring and relevant discussion this week where Leighton is joined by 5 women from different sectors of the Golf Industry: Natalie McColl - Membership Services Manager - GCMA Nicole Wheatley - Owner Medi8 Candi Watkins - General Manager - Sharpley Golf Club Karen Drake - General Manager - Clevedon Golf Club Claire Docker - Ganerel Manager - Robin Hood Golf Club   The discussion delves into what it's like to be a woman in the Golf industry.  We operate in what is still a very male-dominated industry and there are many challenges to being a woman in this industry.  Self-confidence and imposter syndrome can be issues, but sometimes it's the language and disrespect that can be damaging.  Throw in physiological and life issues and it can often leave women feeling like they are on the back foot.   As well as looking at the challenges, we explore some of the great things that women bring to the industry such as empathy, calmness and lack of ego, and celebrate some good examples of overcoming adversity. This was a fascinating conversation and we urge all listeners, particularly men to listen, be open, aware and take on board some of the points.   Nicole Wheatley also talks at the end of the show about the upcoming Women in Golf Awards on November 28th.   https://womeningolfawards.co.uk/ www.gcma.org.uk https://medi8ltd.co.uk/ https://www.sharpleygolf.co.uk/ https://www.clevedongolfclub.co.uk/ https://www.robinhoodgolfclub.co.uk/      

Two interviews on episode 98 with Eddie talking to Matt Nicholson, owner and author at Golf News.  Golf News is a dedicated Golf Newspaper in the UK and was started in 1994 by Matt. The publication continues to bring an unrivalled mix of club news, course reviews, exclusive player interviews, equipment reviews, travel features and competitions that has proved such a hit with golfers for the last 30 years.  Matt talks through his time at Golf News and the game in general. Leighton and Eddie are then joined by Alan Plumb, consultant in the valuation team at Savills, Leisure & Trading.  Alan brings a wealth of experience to valuations of Golf properties, having worked with some of the best clubs in the country.  The discussion looks at why Golf properties need to be valued, how they are valued, but also the motivations behind why someone might want to own a Golf property.  An interesting chat and one we've not had before on GCTUK. A big thank you to our show partner - Toptracer https://toptracer.com/   https://golfnews.co.uk/author/matt-nicholson/ https://www.savills.co.uk/people/savills-oxford/alan-plumb.aspx  

A recent workforce survey was carried out by Sporting Insights on the state of the Golf industry workforce.  The survey, commissioned and supported by GCMA, R&A, BIGGA, England Golf, Wales Golf, Golf Ireland and Scottish Golf - provides a valuable insight and measure into the health of the workforce across multiple areas. This information is key to employers, Golfing bodies and employees alike and John Bushell and Erica Healy talk us through the key findings from the report, with the assistance of Kevin Barker - R&A, Tom Brooke - GCMA and Jim Croxton - BIGGA.  A general discussion follows on some of the successes, challenges and opportunities around recruitment and people engagement.  Listeners will benefit from viewing the report that accompanies and it can be viewed here Thanks to all particpants for an informative and thought provoking discussion. www.gcma.org.uk www.bigga.org.uk www.randa.org https://www.sportinginsights.com/   WORKFORCE & FACILITIES RESEARCH PROJECT OVERVIEW APRIL 2024