We catch up with Jasper Miners of Evalu18 and Top 100 Golf Courses.

Jasper has a deep passion for golf course architecture, and he's become widely respected for helping clubs uncover and understand their history. This work plays a crucial role in guiding future course design, ensuring that any renovations or restorations retain the original spirit and integrity of the course.

We dive into his current involvement with St George's Hill in Surrey, where an exciting renovation/restoration project is about to begin under the direction of Brian Schneider and his team. Jasper will play a central role in shaping that process.

The conversation also broadens into general course discussion, starting with Streamsong, which Jasper recently visited. We look at Golf in Australia and also Ryder Cup and Open Championship venues. With his extensive experience playing courses all over the world, Jasper brings a unique perspective to the game and to his work with Top 100 Golf Courses and he talks us through the success and philosophy behind the Top 100 Golf Courses website, and how it has grown into a valuable resource for golfers everywhere.

An engaging and insightful chat with Jasper—we hope you enjoy it.

https://www.top100golfcourses.com/

https://evalu18.com/

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true

www.golfclubtalk.uk

[email protected]

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Leighton and James had the pleasure of visiting the delightful Woking Golf Club, where they enjoyed a round of golf followed by an in-depth conversation with Managing Director, Scott Clark.

Scott has been at Woking for nearly two years and brings a wealth of experience to the role. In that time, he has quickly set about refining the club's governance and establishing a clear and ambitious ten-year strategic plan.

In this episode, we explore key elements of that plan, including course improvements, enhancements to the clubhouse and facilities, and the overarching vision built around seven strategic pillars. A particularly interesting aspect of Woking's approach is its governance structure, with five dedicated working groups each overseeing a pillar, all under Scott's leadership.

Scott also shares how he has energised and aligned the team, including innovative initiatives such as a job swap programme.

Woking is a club steeped in history, and with this forward-thinking approach, it's clear the future is just as promising.

A big thank you to Scott and everyone at the club for their warm hospitality during our visit.

https://wokinggolfclub.co.uk/

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Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

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Episode Overview

What does the modern or "new" golfer actually want—and are golf clubs keeping up?

This episode explores the rise of the "non-traditional golfer" and whether they now represent the majority of players. The panel discusses why many golfers are choosing not to join clubs, and whether the issue lies in cost, time pressures, or a mismatch with modern lifestyles.

Guests

Tom Brooke – CEO, GCMA

Natalie McColl – Membership & Communications Manager, GCMA

Mike Verhelst – General Manager, Bury St Edmunds Golf Club

Emma Highwood – Head of Women's Development, England Golf

Scott Thompson – General Manager & PGA Professional, Mendip Spring Golf & Country Club

The conversation looks at how welcoming clubs really feel in practice, particularly for women, younger players, and more diverse audiences, and examines both the practical and cultural barriers that still exist.

There's a strong focus on what today's golfers value—flexibility, social experiences, and more accessible formats—and whether clubs are adapting quickly enough or holding too tightly to tradition. Important that each club knows what it wants to be and delivers on that ethos.

As well as the need to consider the culture and welcome, there's also the facilities and initiatives that clubs are providing. Are they fit for purpose?

The group also shares practical ideas for change, from evolving membership models to shifting club culture, and considers what successful golf clubs might look like in the next 10–20 years.

Key Takeaways

Modern golfers expect flexibility and inclusivity, not rigid traditions. Clubs that evolve their offer, culture, and experience will be the ones that attract and retain the next generation of players.

www.gcma.org.uk

https://www.englandgolf.org/

https://www.burystedmundsgolfclub.co.uk/

https://www.mendipspringgolfclub.com/

Connect with Us:

Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

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In this second of a two-part series, we bring together four leading voices from across the golf industry for an honest and forward-thinking panel discussion.

Recorded at Story 94 Oxford Podcast Studios, this conversation explores how the golf industry is evolving and what that means for modern club management. This discussion looks at the rise of non-traditional golf venues and whether clubs are ready to compete, and how the industry is adapting to meet the expectations of new generations of golfers. Are we creating the best environment, culture and facilities at clubs to meet the ever-changing needs of established and new Golfers?

Featured Guests

Renate Roeleveld - GCAE

Stuart Gillett - Legacy Golf Advisors

Rob Corcoran - The Revenue Club

Will Hewitt - 59 Club

If you missed Part 1 - click here to listen

Please support the panellists where possible:

https://gcae.eu/

https://legacygolfadvisors.com/

https://www.59clubuk.com/

https://www.therevenueclub.co.uk/

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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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

In this first of a two-part series, we bring together four leading voices from across the golf industry for an honest and forward-thinking panel discussion.

Recorded at Story 94 Oxford Podcast Studios, this conversation explores how the golf industry is evolving and what that means for modern club management. The discussion focuses on the changing landscape of the game, the pressures and opportunities facing clubs today, and how leadership roles are adapting in response.

This episode sets the foundation for understanding where golf club management is heading and what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting environment, as well as the rise of "Outsourcing" in clubs and Golf facilities

Featured Guests

Renate Roeleveld - GCAE

Stuart Gillett - Legacy Golf Advisors

Rob Corcoran - The Revenue Club

Will Hewitt - 59 Club

We begin by unpacking the evolution of the golf industry, looking at how traditional club models are being challenged by modern expectations and why adaptability has become essential for long-term success.

The conversation then turns to changing management structures and roles within clubs. As the industry becomes more commercially focused, leadership positions are evolving to prioritise customer experience, revenue generation, and operational efficiency. The group discusses how the skillset required of today's club managers is very different from what it once was, and what that means for the future of leadership in golf.

This is being complemented by the increased use of external advisors and service providers and we explore outsourcing as a strategy for driving revenue and improving the customer experience. This may include areas such as accountancy, marketing, online revenue, customer service, F&B as well as others.

Coming Next (Episode 2)

In Part 2, we continue the conversation by looking at the rise of non-traditional golf venues and whether clubs are ready to compete, and how the industry is adapting to meet the expectations of new generations of golfers.

Episode 2 will be released in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Please support the panellists where possible:

https://gcae.eu/

https://legacygolfadvisors.com/

https://www.59clubuk.com/

https://www.therevenueclub.co.uk/

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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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

Leighton recently attended a Women's Club Growth Workshop at Greetham Valley Golf Club. Following the event, he spoke with Emma Highwood, Head of Women's Development, and Lauren Spray, Women & Girls Manager, who led the day.

In this episode, they reflect on the workshop content while exploring some of the wider challenges facing the game. The conversation looks at why female participation in the 18-50 age demographic remains low (currently 2% of total membership numbers), as well as the key barriers that are preventing more women from getting involved in golf. Non-club golf participation among women is much higher and how can clubs start to replicate this? Emma and Lauren also share practical insights into how clubs can create more welcoming, inclusive environments that encourage participation and long-term engagement.

They go on to discuss three core areas that clubs can focus on to grow their women's sections, including understanding and making better use of their existing facilities, gaining genuine buy-in from across the club, and putting in place simple but effective actions that can improve the chances of success.

The episode concludes with an on-site discussion featuring several of the day's delegates, including James, General Manager at Stratford Oaks, Jenny and Sue, volunteers at Nuneaton Golf Club, and Maggie, Chair of Scraptoft Golf Club. They share their reflections on the workshop, talk about the realities at their own clubs, and outline what they plan to take away and implement moving forward.

Women's Club Growth Workshops

https://www.englandgolf.org/women-on-par

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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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In this episode of GCTUK, Leighton sits down with John Adamson from Ramside Estate to talk about one of the most talked-about new developments in golf entertainment — The Pin at Ramside. We also look at Ramside as a whole

Before the interview begins, we open with an introduction featuring James Brockington and Eddie Bullock. This episode marks Eddie's final appearance in this format on GCTUK, and we take a moment to recognise the enormous contribution he has made to the show and the wider GCTUK community.

Eddie has been a huge part of the podcast's journey — bringing insight, energy and plenty of memorable moments along the way. His passion for golf and the industry has helped shape the conversations we've had over the years, and we want to say a sincere thank you for everything he has contributed. While this may be his last appearance in this format, his impact on GCTUK will certainly last.

Following the intro, Leighton chats with John Adamson about the exciting momentum building around The Pin, a new concept at Ramside that is already creating a buzz within the golf and leisure industry. We also explore John's evolution of Ramside as a total leisure facility.....not just a Golf venue.

In the conversation they discuss:

The vision behind The Pin at Ramside

Why the concept is attracting attention across golf and hospitality

How venues like this can help bring new audiences into the game

The balance between traditional golf and modern entertainment experiences

It's a fascinating look at how golf experiences are evolving and how forward-thinking venues like Ramside are helping push the industry in new directions.

A big thank you to John Adamson for joining us — and once again, a huge thank you to Eddie Bullock for his outstanding contribution to GCTUK.

Enjoy the episode.

https://www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/

https://www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/the-pin/

Connect with Us:

Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

A big thanks to our partner:

Toro

Click here for more information

https://eddiebullockgolf.com/

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In this episode of Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton Walker and James Brockington speak with Kris Lynch, founder of the Golf Yourself Healthy podcast, about the relationship between golf and wellbeing.

Kris shares how he initially struggled with golf growing up in Aberdeen, often feeling out of place and frustrated with the game. After moving to London and playing more casually with colleagues, his perspective changed and golf became something he enjoyed rather than something he felt pressured to perform in.

During a difficult period with his mental health in 2019, golf became an important outlet, giving him space to think and unwind. Following the tragic loss of his son, Kris launched the Golf Yourself Healthy podcast to explore how golf can support mental and physical wellbeing.

The conversation explores how golf can provide benefits through time outdoors, social connection, physical activity and moments of solitude. At the same time, the hosts discuss how performance pressure and traditional club structures can sometimes make the game feel less accessible for new players.

Kris highlights that many people who play golf don't actually identify as "golfers", often because they feel they are not good enough or don't fit the traditional culture of clubs. The episode looks at how the industry could better welcome different types of players by focusing less on competition and handicaps and more on enjoyment and belonging.

Ultimately, the discussion centres on the idea that golf can mean different things to different people, and that prioritising enjoyment and wellbeing — "happiness first, handicap later" — could help more people experience the positive impact the game can have.

https://www.golfyourselfhealthy.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@embracetherough

Connect with Us:

Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

A big thanks to our partner:

Toro

Click here for more information

https://eddiebullockgolf.com/

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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

This episode takes a deep, topic-led look at golf course design for the slower swing speed player. We use this term deliberately, because swing speed is what really determines distance and ball flight, and a large proportion of the golfing population fits into this category. Slower swing speed players can be young or old, male or female, beginners or lifelong golfers.

It is also worth remembering that most golf courses are, in reality, home to slower swing speed players. The 7,000-plus yard course is the outlier, not the norm.

We are joined by Kari Haug of Kari Haug Planning & Design, alongside Giulia Ferroni of Leeds Golf Design, to explore how course design can better serve this majority of golfers. The conversation goes well beyond simply adding forward tees. We dig into how hazard placement affects playability, realistic carry distances from the tee, and how green complexes can be designed to challenge better players while still remaining accessible for those with slower swing speeds.

Kari shares insights from her extensive research into this subject, with a clear focus on how modern course design can better incorporate these principles to improve inclusion, enjoyment, and long-term accessibility for all golfers. Giulia brings a practical knowledge from having helped several courses work through this in their course design.

https://www.karihaug.com/

https://www.leedsgolfdesign.com/

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true

www.golfclubtalk.uk

[email protected]

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We're joined by Gavin Anderson of England Golf and Jerry Kilby of Kanda Golf. The conversation focuses on the importance of governance training for board members in golf clubs, highlighting the new initiative by England Golf aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of volunteers. Their new Board Learning online workbook, as outline by Gavin and Jerry, provides the perfect outlet for new or existing Board members, Committee members or volunteers of clubs - to understand what is required within their roles. The discussion covers the need for structured training, strategy v operations, understanding your responsibilities as a Director and how to ensure your club's success through good strategic planning.

Key Takeaways from the conversation:

The initiative aims to improve governance in golf clubs. 77% of board members have never served on a board before. Training for volunteers is essential for effective governance. The course is designed to be accessible and engaging. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive and numbers are strong. Understanding the general manager's role is crucial for volunteers. The course will evolve based on participant feedback. Engagement from general managers is key to implementation. Future training will focus on specific roles within clubs. Celebrating successes will encourage more participation.

https://www.englandgolf.org/training-and-development

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

The Revenue Club - Click here for more information

https://eddiebullockgolf.com/

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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