Golf Club Talk UK

Leighton is joined by Emma Ballard for a catch up on what's happening at Women & Golf and her take on Golf generally.  Emma always has some insightful thoughts on the game and industry and she will also be up at the AIG Women's Open in late August for the last major of the year!  Rob Saunders then joins from our new show partner - Toptracer!  Toptracer is revolutionising practice and game play on Driving Ranges and Rob discusses with Leighton the topic that Top Tracer can be for all facilities and clubs.  There's conversation around how it can improve engagement, time spent on property, revenue and importantly - membership recruitment and retention.  Toptracer also had a strong presence at Royal Troon recently and Rob gives us the lowdown on the scale of this.   Toptracer will become the standard in years to come, so is it a case of when as opposed to if your facility should be looking at it??? https://toptracer.com/ https://womenandgolf.com/  

Matt Draper and Gavin Anderson, key contributors to the England Golf DNA report, share their expertise in golf club operations and data analysis. They delve into the evolving trends in golf club membership, emphasizing inclusivity and shifting dynamics. The conversation highlights the financial importance of visitor revenue and the role of data-driven strategies for clubs. They also discuss sustainability initiatives and the collective power of data sharing among clubs, paving the way for informed decision-making and improved governance in the sport.

We're joined by the Director of Sustainable Golf from the R&A, Daniel Lightfoot.  Daniel who has an impressive resume from the Golf industry and greenkeeping, is currently at the forefront of promoting the R&A's vision for sustainable Golf.  Working his way through the five pillars of sustainability for the R&A, Daniel breaks down the aims into simple terms. On the eve of the Open Championship at Troon (where Daniel happens to be spending the week), the chat is timely and presents a great insight into his role and the subject of sustainability within Golf.   Are you a member of the GCMA?  If not, join now: www.gcma.org.uk R&A Sustainable Golf Golf Course 2030

In this episode we explore and celebrate the R&A Women in Golf Leadership programme.  Leighton and Eddie are joined by four women from the industry who are either driving, mentoring or participating in the programme.  Jackie Davidson – Director of Golf Development at R&A Vicky Cuming – Mentor/Coach Bee Craft – Golfbreaks.com and delegate from previous cohort Giulia Ferroni – Leeds Golf Design and delegate from current cohort The conversation explores the motivations for setting up the programme, what’s involved, how it works and how women can get involved.  The delegates tell their stories of success, discovery and how it’s being applied in their careers.  It’s quite an inspirational conversation and one that shines a light on a vital part of our industry.   https://www.randa.org/ www.golfbreaks.com www.leedsgolfdesign.com   A big thank you to our partner – Top Tracer!   www.toptracer.com   Visit our new website!: www.golfclubtalk.uk

Anna McLean from Crieff GC and David Gemmell from Brora GC discuss the benefits and challenges of being near prestigious golf venues like Gleneagles and Royal Dornoch. They explore how it can grow revenue but also impact culture and member experience. David MacFarlane highlights the importance of positive promotion for clubs. The conversation touches on effective marketing strategies and adapting to changing markets in the golf industry.

In our first episode of Trending Topics, we welcome Matt Draper - Club, County, and Membership Director, Gavin Anderson - Club, County and Membership Operations Manager and Jeremy Tomlinson - CEO Jeremy gives us his view on where England Golf sees itself currently as well as his thoughts on where the Golf industry sits.  He also talks about the "Respect in Golf" campaign.   The team then introduce some of the key areas and people that will be built on and covered in future episodes, such as sustainability, respect in Golf, the independent Golfer and your club's governance to name a few.   If you know people that are governing at your club that would gain some benefit by listening, ask them to tune into future episodes, or to find out more visit the website. https://www.englandgolf.org/ Matt Draper - Linkedin Gavin Anderson - Linkedin

Olympic athlete Kriss Akabusi discusses how golf helps his mental health and competitiveness, shares leadership advice. Jim Croxton gives insights on challenges faced by Greenkeeping industry post winter, workforce development, and importance of communication for success in golf.

A snappy episode this month where we welcome Darren Wood from GCMA and Barry Ersoz from Energy Direct Group.  Barry shares some great tips around Energy procurement and how to ensure youy're paying the best possible price, including being aware of commission!  There's also some good tips on saving energy and therefore money at your facility, along with working towards carbon neutrality.   Barry also talks about renewable energy and how this can help clubs to save money now and in the longer term. Gete more information here:  https://energydirectgroup.com/  www.gcma.org.uk  

Stuart Finlay, GM of Prestbury Golf Club, shares personal challenges and club accomplishments. Denny Corby discusses US golf club trends. The episode touches on environmental efforts, club management, cancer battles, and the evolution of golf clubs in a family-friendly direction.

So we're 6 months on from a very successful GCMA conference and what have people taken away?? We get some great guests on to talk about their experience, highlights, but most importantly how they will take the knowledge and experience forward.   Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke (GCMA CEO), Kevin Fish of CCL, Sean Boyle (GM - Chesterfield GC) and Louis Booth (GM - Lincoln GC) The knowledge gained from Conference only works when you put it into practice and there's some interesting conversation into how this can be done and some examples along the way.   Thanks to all guests. www.gcma.org.uk https://ccl.services/ https://www.lincolngc.co.uk/ https://www.chesterfieldgolfclub.co.uk/