Golf Club Talk UK

Having had some time away lately, Leighton & Eddie catch up for a chat and amongst other things - talk about Golf in South African and Tampa. Leighton then sits down with Richard Pennell.  Richard has been in the industry for some time, both on and off thne course having worked at severalk clubs through the Surrey area, including Secretary at Woking Golf Club.  After a sabbatical, Richard rediscovered his love for Golf but also reignitied a passion for writing through his substack blog.  This has even culminated in a book.  Leighton & Richard also talk about some of the challenges of management and looking after yourself.  A really deep thinker, Richard is always a fascinating listen. https://pitchmarks.substack.com/ https://pitchmarks.bigcartel.com/product/grass-routes-by-richard-pennell    

Following a very successful 2023 GCMA Conference, we bring to you the "Meet the Board" session, which was recorded on the Monday morning of Conference.  This was a chance to meet four of the board members - Ed Richardson, Kerry Alligan-Smith, Gareth Morgan and Scott Clark.  The discussion covered their areas within the board but also their motivations for being a board member and what's involved.  A big thanks to all those who give up their time, but also to everyone involved in organising a great conference. www.gcma.org.uk  

Tom Brooke joins Leighton for the last blast on Conference, why you should be going and if you are going, what to expect!  There's a great line up of speakers and some cracking content, so book now if you haven't already. Leighton is then joned by Kevin Fish, one of the keynote speakers, who builds on the benefits of attending conference and what delegates can gain through the fantastic content and networking opportunities.  Kevin is always an entertaining listen.  This is no different, but as always the advice is sound. https://www.gcma.org.uk/news/gcma-2023-conference-register-now/ https://ccl.services/

Episode 84 features a great interview with Marcus Lovelock following a catch up from Eddie and Leighton. Marcus is steering the ship as GM at Huntercombe Golf Club, an architectural gem in Oxfordshire and a club with a great history, but also a unique feel.  There's some great take-aways in here in how he provides a first class experience for the members at Huntercombe, while bringing his team along with him.  Marcus also talks us through what makes Huntercombe unique, not least the Willie Park designed Golf Course.   The interview provides a really relaxed and entertaining view on Golf Management, but also into what makes Marcus tick.   https://www.huntercombegolfclub.co.uk/  

We're back for a date episode with Karen and Kevin from BRS.  The positive trend continues despite some numbers being fractionally down, but the bottom line is.....people are still playing a lot of Golf!  There's discussion around using this data in your decision making, some questions around whether clubs need to look at member numbers if increasing rounds continues and also the Ryder Cup effect.  Important stuff for anyone managing clubs or Golf operations. www.brsgolf.com www.gcma.org.uk

Two insightful interviews this episode following a catch up from Leighton & Eddie. Rob Spurrier joins Eddie and Leighton to talk about his journey with Orbis Golf Academies. Orbis operate Golf Academies, but also provide training and development to PGA Professionals.  Their main aim is to grow club's revenue but also enhance the customer experience.  The reveniue growth is driven by growing membership numbers.  Rob is from the UK, but the company has seen great success in the US.  Attention now turns to the UK & Europe.   Eddie is then joined by Eddie (Reid).  Eddie is the Managing Director of TGI, a retail services group that helps PGA Professionals to succeed in their own businesses.  After telling us a little about his own journey, sgtarting back in Glasgow, Eddie tells us how TGI has become so successful through supporting PGA Pro's for nearly 40 years!   https://orbisgolfacademies.com/ https://tgigolf.com/

Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke, Natalie McColl and Darren Wood from GCMA as they give a sort of state of the nation.  Topics include membership initiatives, strategic plan, partnerships and topical matters in Management. We then give an overview of why all GCMA Managers should be attending conference.  A great line up of key note and break out sessions has been organised, but also it's a great opportunity to network and share best practice with your peers.  The theme of "Team Culture" promises to be a fascinating one.  Should be a great few days! https://www.gcma.org.uk/news/gcma-2023-conference-register-now/  

Leighton and Eddie catch up briefly, where Eddie tells us about his recent visit to Marco Simone, venue for the Ryder Cup!  Giulia Ferroni or Leeds Golf Design is our first guest and someone who is starting to enhance her reputation as a Golf Course Architect in the UK and Italy.  Giulia has been working with Cirencester Golf Club on a course improvement plan and is starting to work with other UK clubs, as well as assisting clubs with their GEO verification.  Having worked under Martin Hawtree for five years, Giulia brings a refreshing approach to the industry and explains how she sees sustainability as a crucial ingredient for clubs moving forward. Eddie is then joined by Ashley Pheasant, head of the Golf division of Darwin Golf Escapes, owners of three UK clubs including most recently, Dundonald Links in Ayrshire.  Initially from a strong Golfing background, Ashley is guiding Darwin Golf Escapes through a period of growth and building on its Golf portfolio. https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/ https://darwinescapes.co.uk/golf/  

Alex Woodward from Walton Heath Golf Club shares insights on hosting the AIG Women's Open, focusing on the venue's preparations, challenges, and collaboration with the R&A. They discuss the comeback of the tournament to a Heathland course, predict winners based on driving accuracy, and share insights on course suitability and playing style differences between male and female golfers.

On our latest GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK, Karen and Kevin are back from BRS to give us an update on what the numbers are saying at the end of quarter 2.  There's a look at member rounds played, membership numbers and visitor Golf through Golfnow.  Some very surprising numbers in there!! Karen also talks us through the results from the recent Golfnow player survey which gives some good analysis on trends for when people are playing, where people are playing and how much they're spending.  All valuable stuff for Golf Club operators! https://www.brsgolf.com/web/blog/ BRS Quarter 2 report Visit the GCMA website for details on why you should be a member: www.gcma.org.uk