In this second of two episodes from the CMAA Conference, we bring you two insightful interviews recorded on-site. First, we sit down with James Burns and John McCormack of Club Benchmarking dive into the critical role of data, strategic planning, and capital planning for modern clubs.  Then, Alex Woodward, CEO of Walton Heath, who shares his thoughts on leadership, service and high performance in the club industry. 

While the conference serves as a backdrop, these discussions go beyond just the event—it’s about how clubs can thrive through better leadership, service standards, and long-term planning.

Guests:

• James Burns & John McCormack: Co-founders of Club Benchmarking, providing data-driven strategies to help clubs achieve financial success and operational excellence
• Alex Woodward: CEO of Walton Heath, one of the UK’s most prestigious golf clubs, sharing insights on high-performance leadership in the private club industry

Main Topics Discussed:

• The use of data in strategic planning and capital planning for clubs
• Best practices for club leaders to navigate financial challenges and long-term sustainability
• The role of benchmarking data in shaping effective operational strategies
• Leadership lessons from Alex Woodward on driving high-performance teams in the club industry.
• The importance of maintaining and improving service standards to ensure member satisfaction and retention

• Walton Heath: www.waltonheath.com
• Club Benchmarking: https://www.clubbenchmarking.eu/

We hope you enjoyed these valuable insights from the CMAA World Conference. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with colleagues in the club industry. 

Contact Info: For questions, guest suggestions, or feedback, email us at [email protected]

www.golfclubtalk.uk Follow us on Instagram

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/

After a quick intro from Leighton, we have two interviews recorded at the Conference in Tampa, to give a flavour of this important event.

Michael Herd and Tom Wallace join from Kopplin, Kuebler and Wallace.  There's discussion about KK&W's continuing expansion plans with a move into Australia and New Zealand, Tom and Michael explain why Managers should try and get to the Conference, as well as discussion on good governance, how to present your personal brand in the best way and what you can do as a leader to ensure people want to work with you.  Big thanks to Michael and Tom for their ongoing support of GCTUK but also giving up their time at the show. 

President and CEO of CMAA, Jeff Morgan then joins to give his perspective on the show, but also some of the numbers involved.  This is Jeff's 11th conference as CEO, and the event continues to go from strength to strength.  We discuss the CMAA's relationship with CMAE and the benefits of coming to conference and how these benefits can reach your club. 

https://kkandw.com/international/

https://www.cmaa.org/

www.golfclubtalk.uk

https://www.instagram.com/golfclubtalkuk/

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

On this GCMA Insights we are joined by Gareth Morgan - Professional Development Manager (GCMA), Sean Boyle - GM, Chesterfield GC and James McLean - GM, Bognor Regis GC.

The conversation centres on a hot topic of how clubs are dealing with the increasing costs across many areas, particularly following the October budget.  Significant rises on business rates, national insurance and minimum wage have brought challenges to all Golf clubs and we explore how to navigate those challenges.  This may be a combination of cost control and increasing revenue and there's some great tips on both.  That revenue may come from interneal or external sources.

Sean and James bring a wealth of experience and it's a great conversation.

www.gcma.org.uk

https://www.chesterfieldgolfclub.co.uk/

https://www.bognorgolfclub.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  

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

As we conclude 2024, Leighton & Eddie catch up for a review of the events and trends of 2024, with a significant slant on investment at clubs and service standards and "experience" for members.  There's also a look at the favourite episodes through the year.  It's then on to a look at what might emerge in 2025.  

Thanks to all listeners who have tuned in throughout the year.  If you haven't already, please backtrack through previous epsiodes.

Eddie is then joined by Andrew Reynolds, who has recently retired as Head Professional of Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club - a true legend within the golf industry.  Andrew's career began as a caddie at the local club, from there he shaped his pathway as a player, coach and retailer - Beyond his achievements, Andrew is a natural storyteller, whereby he shares some of the wisdom and experiences that have made him a cornerstone of the golf community . 

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

[email protected]

On the latest Trending Topics we welcome Matt Draper and delve into two vital areas of Golf Clubs - Safeguarding and Legal Compliance.  The common theme through the discussions centre on good governance practices and having the necessary policies and procedures in place. 

The safeguarding department at England Golf are there to educate and inform clubs around ways to keep their members safe, but also if an incident were to arise - they are there to help in a practical way.  Petra Duvanna, Safeguarding Lead Officer, explains to listeners what safeguarding is and what clubs need to be aware of and look out for.  She also talks through some examples of breeches and these quite often come down to bullying by others or harrassment by parents.  There's also some great advice on how to report an incident.

David Walters, Legal & Compliance Officer, then talks us through some other areas of legal compliance for clubs and how to stay on the right side of the law!  This is largely from an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion point of view, but this could also mean member discipline, employment law, health and safety and GDPR.  Your EDI policy and Disciplinary Policy will be the guiding documents here.

A crucial listen for any Club Manager or someone who governs at a club.

https://www.englandgolf.org/safeguarding

https://www.englandgolf.org/legal

Golf Club Talk UK Management Field Trip - Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March 2025.

Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke, Natalie McColl, Gareth Morgan and Darren Wood to take a look back at 2024.  The review is carried out through the lens of the GCMA Strategic Plan and like all golf clubs should be doing - reviewing the objectives.  After Tom gives an overview of the purpose, vision and values, we take a look at four key pillars of the plan:

• Membership and Membership Services
• Regional Development
• Professional Development
• Partnerships and Collaborations

There's also a brief glimpse into 2025 and some of the opportunities and challenges.  

Save the date for your diary!  November 16th - 18th 2025 - GCMA Conference.  De Vere Cotswold Water Park.

Golf Club Talk UK Management Field Trip - Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March 2025.  GCMA members receive a £30 discount.  Quote code "GCMAMEMBER"

www.gcma.org.uk

GCMA Strategic Plan

In episode 107, Leighton is joined by Nicole Wheatley for a chat, ;argely around the recent Women In Golf Awards.  Nicole founded the Women in Golf Awards three years ago and it is going from strength to strength.  The evening recognises those making a big contribution whether it be through playing or working in the different facets of the industry.  The night is a celebration of Women in Golf and an event Nicole should be very proud of. 

Bert Mackay, GM of Spey Bay Golf Club on the Moray Firth in Scotland.  Spey Bay is a fascinating and very innovative facility.  Purchased nearly two years ago on a crowd-funded basis, the club is looking to invest in its course and supporting facilities, while making it a very unique venue for people to play Golf or take part in many other activities.  This will even include a reversable layout moving forward!  The membership comes from far and wide and includes very local members as well as thousands of international members who enjoy not only Spey Bay but the many reciprocal venues in its scheme.  

There's so many good things to take away from what's happening at Spey Bay and we hope you get a bit inspired!

https://womeningolfawards.co.uk/

https://www.links.golf/speybay

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

[email protected]