This episode sees Leighton joined in the Story Ninety-Four - Oxford Podcast Studios by an expert panel to tackle one of the biggest questions facing golf clubs today: how do clubs build long-term financial resilience while the industry is still enjoying strong trading conditions?

Representing a broad cross-section of the industry are John McCormack (Club Benchmarking EMEA), Paul Mould (Accountancy Matters), Gavin Anderson (England Golf), Will Hewitt (59club) and Ben Laing (Branston Golf & Country Club). Together they explore why now is the time for clubs to plan ahead rather than assume the current boom and strong conditions will continue indefinitely.

The discussion covers the importance of robust strategic planning, governance and long-term capital investment, with the panel highlighting why many clubs remain underprepared for future economic challenges. They examine rising operating costs, staffing pressures, inflation, major infrastructure spending, and why diversification of income streams has become essential rather than optional.

The conversation also looks beyond finances, exploring how customer experience, staff engagement and culture increasingly separate thriving clubs from those that struggle. The panel debates why understanding member data, benchmarking performance and acting on meaningful feedback should underpin every major investment decision, while also discussing the opportunities presented by flexible membership models, technology and emerging revenue streams such as driving range technology and padel.

This is the first of a two-part panel discussion packed with practical insights for golf club managers, owners, directors and committee members looking to future-proof their clubs for the next decade. The second episode will focus on what a successful Golf club should, and could look like in 5 or 10 years.

Please support our panellists where you can:

https://www.clubbenchmarking.eu/ https://golfaccountancymatters.co.uk/ https://www.englandgolf.org/ https://www.59club.com/ https://branstonclub.co.uk/

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Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

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Toro - Click here for more information

Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/

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Leighton & James catch up and run through a few topics such as the tough weather we are facing and Pro-Ams at golf clubs. Then, they're joined by interior designer Jill Treloggen of JT Interiors to explore why clubhouse design deserves far more attention than it often receives.

As golf clubs continue to invest in their facilities, the conversation looks beyond the golf course itself and into the clubhouse. Jill explains why successful interior design is about much more than choosing colours and furniture. The discussion explores how clubs can create welcoming, flexible spaces that encourage members and visitors to stay longer, socialise more, and generate additional revenue, while still respecting the traditions and heritage that make every club unique.

The trio also examine the practical realities behind refurbishment projects. From improving the flow of a clubhouse and creating multi-functional spaces to upgrading heating, lighting, acoustics and infrastructure, they discuss the importance of planning beyond the aesthetics. James shares insights from Henley Golf Club's own major clubhouse redevelopment, highlighting the challenges of balancing member expectations, budgets and long-term commercial objectives.

Finally, the conversation turns to current design trends, sustainable refurbishment, commercial-grade furniture, and how clubs should begin the planning process. Whether your club is considering a complete redevelopment or simply looking to refresh tired spaces, this episode offers practical advice on creating clubhouses that better serve today's members while attracting tomorrow's golfers.

Check out JT Interiors here:

https://www.jtiuk.com/

Connect with Us:

Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

A big thanks to our partners:

Toro - Click here for more information

Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/

Support us here:

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In this Toro partner episode of Golf Club Talk UK, we welcome Andy Brown and begin by reflecting on his visit to the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) and Golf Management Australia (GMA) Conference. We discuss the unique format of the event, the atmosphere it creates, and the key conversations taking place beyond the conference sessions. From course maintenance and sustainability to leadership, workforce challenges and club operations, we explore the themes shaping Australian golf and ask whether the industry is entering a particularly optimistic period.

We then turn our attention to Leighton's experience spending time with Toro at its global headquarters in Minneapolis. Alongside course managers and industry leaders from around the world, the few days provided valuable insight into innovation, technology and the future direction of golf course maintenance. We discuss the biggest takeaways, the ideas that stood out most, and how they could influence facilities across the UK and beyond.

Our featured guest is Joel Livingood, General Manager and CEO of Interlachen Country Club, one of the United States' most respected private clubs. Joel shares his journey into club management, explains what makes Interlachen such a special place, and outlines the significant investment and development that has taken place across the course and wider facilities in recent years. A particular focus is the major renovation of the club's iconic Donald Ross-designed course and the thinking behind such an important project.

The conversation also explores what it takes to lead one of America's premier clubs. Joel discusses building a positive culture, leading a large and diverse team, meeting evolving member expectations, and balancing day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning. We finish by looking at the wider state of golf clubs, the qualities required of modern club leaders, and how Joel continues to develop both professionally and personally.

There are some fantastic insights and plenty of practical takeaways throughout this episode. We hope you enjoy listening.

https://www.interlachencc.org/

https://www.golfmanagement.com.au/

https://www.astma.com.au/

Connect with Us:

Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

A big thanks to our partners:

Toro - Click here for more information

Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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In this episode, Tom Brooke, CEO of the GCMA, is joined by Ben Driver, CEO of Royal Blackheath Golf Club, and Scott Clark, Managing Director of Woking Golf Club, to discuss the importance of leadership development and the responsibility leaders have to continually invest in themselves in order to better serve those around them.

Tom opens the conversation by exploring why leadership development is so important, particularly within the club sector, and why personal growth can sometimes be overlooked in formal education and management programmes. While technical knowledge and operational expertise remain important, the discussion focuses on the value of developing the skills, behaviours and self-awareness that enable leaders to have a greater impact on their teams and organisations.

Drawing on their own experiences, Tom, Ben and Scott reflect on their leadership journeys and the development opportunities that have shaped them throughout their careers. They discuss the lessons learned, the challenges faced and the importance of remaining committed to continuous improvement regardless of experience or seniority.

The conversation explores how personal development translates into everyday leadership, from building stronger relationships and creating positive working environments to making better decisions and supporting the growth of others. The guests share how increased self-awareness and a greater understanding of human behaviour have helped them become more effective leaders and colleagues.

A key theme is the role emotional intelligence plays within the wider leadership toolkit. The panel discusses how understanding yourself can help you better understand those around you, enabling leaders to adapt their approach to different individuals, communicate more effectively and create stronger, more engaged teams.

Ben and Scott also share how their development has equipped them to handle difficult conversations with greater confidence and empathy, balancing accountability with understanding while maintaining positive working relationships.

The discussion extends beyond team leadership to the challenge of leading upwards, examining how leaders can build productive relationships with boards and committees, manage differing perspectives and influence decision-making through effective communication and trust.

Throughout the episode, the guests reflect on the tangible impact that ongoing leadership development has had on their own performance and on the people they lead. The conversation highlights the idea that the more leaders invest in understanding and developing themselves, the better equipped they are to support, inspire and develop others.

This episode offers practical insights for managers and leaders at all stages of their careers who are committed to continuous growth and recognise that great leadership begins with personal development.

https://gcma.org.uk/

https://www.royalblackheath.com/

https://wokinggolfclub.co.uk/

Connect with Us:

Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

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Toro - Click here for more information

Himalayas Golf - Click here for more information

Support us here:

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Leighton catches up with friend of the pod, Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the GCAE, where we look at what's happening, including the upcoming Conference in November. The theme will be around experience and we touch on this throughout.

Hugo Mills then joins us to discuss The R&A's mission to grow the game around the world and the challenges of increasing participation across both established and emerging golf markets.

Drawing on his work with more than 160 golf federations globally, Hugo shares insights into how different countries are approaching golf development, why accessibility remains one of the sport's biggest challenges, and the role that new formats, urban facilities, simulators and short-form golf experiences can play in attracting new players.

The conversation explores the importance of making golf easier to access and more affordable to start, while also highlighting examples of innovative work taking place in countries such as Malta, Poland, Chile and Colombia. Hugo also discusses golf's growing social value, from health and wellbeing benefits to community impact, and why these factors could help unlock greater investment in the sport in the years ahead.

A fascinating look at the future of golf development and the opportunities that exist to bring the game to new audiences around the world.

https://www.randa.org/about-us

https://www.gcaeconference.eu/gcae-conference/

Connect with Us:

Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

A big thanks to our partners:

Toro - Click here for more information

Himalayas Golf - Click here for more information

Support us here:

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Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:2c4bba34-2d4c-4d65-b5b7-82bd8450e17a-1" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:2c4bba34-2d4c-4d65-b5b7-82bd8450e17a-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">

In this special on-location episode of Trending Topics, we teamed up with England Golf at the prestigious Brabazon Trophy, hosted this year at Moortown Golf Club.

Leighton spent two days on site in Yorkshire to get behind the scenes of one of England Golf's flagship championships, highlighting the huge amount of work, planning and dedication required to deliver an elite amateur event of this scale.

The episode gives listeners insight from organisers, performance staff, the host venue and players competing in the championship — showcasing what makes events like the Brabazon Trophy such an important part of the amateur game in England and beyond.

This is a massive week for everyone involved in staging the event, but equally for the 144 players competing. The championship now attracts an increasingly international field, with players travelling from across Europe, as well as countries including Canada, South Africa and Australia.

Guests featured in the episode include James Crampton (Championships Director) discussing the organisational side of running a championship of this magnitude; Ben Gorvett (Performance Manager) explaining how he supports players throughout championship week; Peter Rishworth (GM - Moortown GC) offering insight into the club's role in hosting such a prestigious event; Jack Drury - sharing a player perspective from championship week, and Tom Osborne; reflecting on his week after becoming the Brabazon Trophy champion.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped put this episode together, along with all the staff and members at Moortown Golf Club for their hospitality and support throughout the week.

To find out more about England Golf championships and amateur golf in England, visit England Golf

Brabazon Trophy information

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Alex Buckner joins Leighton & James to talk about his journey from aspiring club manager to one of the game's rising tour coaches. He opens up on building a coaching brand from scratch, why most golfers chase the wrong fixes, and how identity, systems and communication became the foundation of his success.

The conversation dives deep into club coaching, and elite coaching, drawing the balance between technical and mental performance, and why pressure is something the best players actively train for. Alex shares stories from working with players including Marco Penge, Georgia Hall, Richard Mansell and Grant Forrest, explaining how long-term development often means being willing to struggle in the short term.

There's also insight into the modern coaching landscape, from social media myths and golf technology to data, biomechanics and what separates great coaches from great communicators. Alex explains why "relevant, organised knowledge" matters more than endless swing tips, and why coaching at the highest level is far more about problem-solving than perfect technique.

The episode finishes with Alex discussing his ambitions for the future, growing his coaching business, building a broader academy model and continuing to establish himself among the top coaches in world golf.

If you enjoy listening to high performers.....check this one out!

https://www.alexbucknergolf.com/

Connect with Us:

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Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

A big thanks to our partners:

Toro - Click here for more information

Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/

Support us here:

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In this episode of GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK, hosts Tom Brooke and Gareth Morgan explore how professional development programmes are helping shape the future of golf club leadership across the industry.

Joining the conversation are three professionals who have each taken part in GCMA development programmes and applied the learning directly within their clubs and teams. Dan Housley, General Manager at Chevin Golf Club, shares his experience alongside Mike Bush from Ashford Golf Club and Colin Rabbatts from Coombe Hill Golf Club. We also explore the decision-making process behind the respective courses each guest chose.

Together, they reflect on the challenges they were facing before joining the programmes, what they hoped to gain from the experience, and how accurately those expectations matched reality. The discussion explores the moments where ideas and concepts truly clicked, changing the way they approached leadership, communication, operations, and decision-making within their roles.

The guests also share practical examples of implementing learning back at their clubs, from operational changes and leadership approaches to everyday management decisions influenced directly by the programme content. They also discuss the value of learning alongside other managers and industry professionals facing similar challenges.

A major theme throughout the episode is the importance of collaboration and peer learning. The panel reflects on how exposure to different perspectives helped broaden their thinking and how the programmes have led to valuable professional relationships that continue beyond the classroom environment.

Looking ahead, the conversation turns to how these experiences will shape the next two to three years of their careers and clubs, who would benefit most from taking part in similar programmes, and what advice they would give to anyone considering applying.

This episode offers practical insight into the real-world impact of professional development across the golf club industry.

www.gcma.org.uk

https://gcma.org.uk/advanced-management-programme/

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Leighton & James return for a wide-ranging catch-up conversation, with Leighton sharing a personal update and discussing the positive future direction of Golf Club Talk UK and The Greenprint, including increased investment of time, energy, and resources into both platforms.

The conversation then turns to leadership, communication, and culture in golf clubs as Leighton welcomes friend of the pod Monique Landman to discuss one of the most important relationships in the industry: the partnership between the General Manager and the Course Manager. Monique is the Chief Empathy Officer at Unchain and Partner for People and Performance at Himalayas Golf.

A central theme throughout is simple but powerful - greenkeepers are the experts, and great GM's position them as such. The best clubs operate well when the GM and Course Manager act as one team, working shoulder to shoulder with alignment, and mutual respect. The discussion explores why GM's should empower and elevate their Course Managers, putting greenkeepers into the arena through committee/board meetings, stakeholder discussions, and strategic conversations, while also protecting and advocating for their teams internally.

The episode also focuses heavily on expanding the influence of Course Managers, particularly when communicating the value behind major projects such as a £100,000 bunker renovation for example. The key here is presenting well-researched and thoughtful proposals so that the decision makes itself.

The conversation also dives into a great analogy with agronomy, including why hollow tining is essential for building stronger root systems to allow better growth. They also discuss phototropic and gravitropic growth in turfgrass — how the plant responds both upward toward light and downward into the ground. These can both be translated into the leadership world.

Throughout the episode, the message is clear: successful golf operations depend on alignment between management and course teams, with leadership built on trust, empowerment, communication, and shared purpose.

Monique Landman

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Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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Toro - Click here for more information

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*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:32db5832-f86a-4852-a720-9b25d532ea56-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">

Golf courses are increasingly part of planning discussions because they occupy large areas of land, often near towns and cities where housing demand is rising. While some renewed publicity has sharpened the debate, that visibility can and should lead to a more balanced conversation about what this land delivers beyond sport, alongside legitimate questions about access, land use priorities, and long-term value.

Modern golf is increasingly being recognised for its role in land stewardship. Courses provide extensive green space in developed areas, support wildlife habitats and biodiversity corridors, and maintain tree cover, grassland, and water features. In many cases, they act as a buffer against urban sprawl. At the same time, this value is not uniform; outcomes depend heavily on how land is managed and how accessible those benefits are to the wider community. Well-managed courses can function as multi-use landscapes rather than single-purpose venues.

Environmental standards across the sport are improving. Many clubs are reducing chemical and water use, expanding natural rough and wild areas, and creating habitats for pollinators and wildlife. However, there is still variation across the sector, and expectations are rising. Organisations such as England Golf are supporting clubs with sustainability frameworks and practical guidance, helping to embed more consistent and measurable environmental management.

Habitat mapping is becoming an important tool. Clubs are using it to understand their ecological baseline, demonstrate environmental value, and identify opportunities to enhance biodiversity. This is increasingly relevant in planning, where evidence-based environmental value carries more weight and unsupported claims carry less.

Planning policy, including the National Planning Policy Framework and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, means land is now assessed on environmental, social, and economic contribution. This creates both pressure and opportunity for golf: pressure where land is seen as underutilised, and opportunity where courses can clearly evidence their contribution, potentially including Biodiversity Net Gain delivery.

For clubs, the shift is practical rather than theoretical. Those managing land with long-term environmental intent, improving transparency through data, and engaging proactively with planners and local communities are better positioned to navigate change. Those that do not may find decisions being made without them.

The direction of travel is clear. Golf is moving from being seen as land-intensive to being judged on how responsibly that land is managed. Where clubs can demonstrate real environmental and community value, they are far better placed to protect, enhance, and justify their role in the landscape going forward.

https://www.englandgolf.org

Connect with Us:

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Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

A big thanks to our partners:

Toro - Click here for more information

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!