This month we’re diving into the topic of Finance at Golf Clubs – with a particular focus on capital projects and asset finance. We’re joined by Malcolm Pennycott of Golf Finance, who brings his expertise to help demystify a subject that many clubs find challenging.

Finance can be a tricky area, especially for member-based clubs, where there is often hesitation or even fear around taking on debt. In this episode, we explore:

• The types of projects and assets that can be financed.

• Why irrigation and water storage have become such a hot topic in recent years.

• How clubs can approach funding projects that may not be achievable without debt.

• The importance of good governance in making sound financial decisions.

• How to present a strong case to your Board and members when seeking approval.

This is an important conversation around an area that isn’t talked about nearly enough in our industry.

https://www.golffinance.co.uk/

https://www.gcma.org.uk/conference-2025/

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

• Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

In this episode, we’re joined by Claire Hodgson, Head of iGolf, and Matt Draper, Development and Membership Director, to dive into the world of iGolf.

iGolf is an easy-to-use platform for non-club golfers in England, designed to help players track their performance, view their playing record, and obtain or maintain a Handicap Index. Members also enjoy extra perks such as liability insurance — making it a fantastic option for golfers looking to play with more confidence and keep improving their game.

We discuss:

• What iGolf is, and the ethos and concept behind it

• How long iGolf has been running and how it’s grown

• iGolf’s relationship to traditional club membership — including positive and negative perceptions, plus opportunities for clubs

• Insights on members moving from iGolf into club membership

• How iGolf is administered, marketed, and continually improved

Whether you’re a non-club golfer curious about getting a Handicap Index, or a golf club looking to understand the opportunities iGolf presents, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

https://englandigolf.co.uk/

https://www.englandgolf.org/

www.golfclubtalk.uk

[email protected]

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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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

We’re excited to bring back our popular Panel Discussion episodes — and this time, it’s a conversation on AI in Golf Clubs.

This Episode’s Panelists:

• Alastair Siclair - PlayMore Golf
• Eddie Bullock – Eddie Bullock Golf Consultancy
• James Wilkinson – Albatross Digital
• Nick Eden – The Revenue Club
• Matt Roberts – 59 Club

In this forward-thinking episode, Alastair, James, Nick, Matt and Eddie dive into the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in golf — both on and off the course. From smarter operations to a more personalized member experience, the conversation explores how AI is already transforming the way we work and what lies ahead.

Key Topics Covered:

AI in Golf operations Boosting efficiency & profitability Revenue optimization & tools that can assist Enhancing the Member Experience Dynamic pricing

Impact on the Golf Labour Market

Tune in to hear how AI is changing the game — and how your club can stay ahead of the curve.

https://www.playmore.golf/

https://eddiebullockgolf.com/

https://www.albatross.digital/

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

https://www.59club.com/

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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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

Leighton and Eddie are joined by Tony Adams, consultant and founder of Hospitality In Golf, to explore how golf clubs can elevate their food and beverage operations.

While a recent episode of GCMA Insights focused on F&B strategy, this conversation dives into the practical, operational side—from service style and food quality to what leading clubs are doing differently.

Topics covered include:

• Improving F&B style, quality, and service

• Operational insights for club managers

• What "best in show" clubs are doing right

• Key compliance considerations every club should be aware of

If you’re looking to raise the bar on your club’s hospitality offering, this episode is packed with hands-on advice and inspiration.

https://www.hospitalityingolf.com/

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

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 sat down with renowned golf course architect Thad Layton at the stunning Walton Heath Golf Club to discuss Thad’s career journey, design philosophy, and his exciting transition into launching his own design firm.

The conversation then dove into one of the most important and evolving topics in modern golf architecture: the "design and build" method vs. the traditional "design and contractor" approach. With more courses opting for design and build, Thad shares valuable insights into why this method is gaining traction—particularly its ability to foster creativity, ensure design intent is preserved on-site, and deliver a more unified final product.

Thad also shared highlights from his current tour through the south of England, where he’s been playing many of the region’s iconic heathland and links courses. He reflects on what he's learned from these historic sites and how they continue to shape his perspective as a designer.

To cap things off, Leighton and Thad took to the course themselves to experience Walton Heath firsthand—one of the finest examples of heathland golf and a source of inspiration in its own right.

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

https://thadlaytondesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thad.layton/

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]

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

Sign up to our Newsletter here

In this episode - following a catch up between Eddie & Leighton, Eddie welcomes Joe Kelly, Head of Membership Support at the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Great Britain & Ireland. Joe shares valuable insights into how the role of PGA Members is expanding far beyond the traditional golf professional.

As more clubs reassess their operations and restructure their business models, Joe discusses the wide-ranging skill sets that modern PGA Members are acquiring—spanning from business management and coaching to customer service and digital engagement. He provides real-world examples of how clubs can make the most of their PGA professionals and what to look out for during periods of change.

Joe also offers key advice for aspiring PGA Members, highlighting the qualities and competencies that will prepare them for success in a rapidly evolving golf industry.

Highlights include:

• The growing diversity in roles and responsibilities of PGA Members

• How clubs can adapt their structures to thrive in a changing environment

• Tips for current and future PGA professionals to stay ahead of the curve

Whether you're a club manager, PGA pro, or involved in golf operations, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

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

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

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

Panel Discussion Series Number 2 - Membership

We’re excited to bring back our popular Panel Discussion episodes — and this time, it’s a conversation on membership at Golf Clubs.

This Episode’s Panelists:

• Alastair Siclair - PlayMore Golf
• Eddie Bullock – Eddie Bullock Golf Consultancy
• James Wilkinson – Albatross Digital
• Nick Eden – The Revenue Club
• Matt Roberts – 59 Club

In this insightful panel discussion, we dive deep into the changing landscape of club memberships. Our experts explore what today’s members truly value, how successful clubs are adapting, and what sets thriving communities apart from those that are struggling.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Evolution of Memberships: How expectations and engagement have changed over time.

• Crafting the Right Offer: What modern members are looking for and how clubs can deliver.

• Understanding Your Members: Using data, feedback, and real connection to meet members' needs.

• Building Loyalty & Community: Proven strategies for fostering long-term commitment and a sense of belonging.

There's plenty more, so tune in, take notes, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving golf industry!

Coming Up:

August – The role of AI in golf

https://www.playmore.golf/

https://eddiebullockgolf.com/

https://www.albatross.digital/

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

https://www.59club.com/

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

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 insightful episode, we’re joined by Kate Torgersen and Monina Gilbey of Torgersen Gilbey, who share how their combined expertise in environmental planning and sustainability strategy led to the formation of their consultancy.

Together, they support golf clubs through environmental audits, biodiversity planning, and strategic sustainability communication. Kate breaks down what’s involved in an environmental audit or vegetation management plan, and the importance of native planting for course health and playability.

Monina explains biodiversity in the golf context, and how courses can become thriving ecological spaces. The duo highlights projects underway in Australia, the wider benefits these initiatives bring beyond the course, and the importance of improving how golf communicates its sustainability efforts.

They also explore what golf can learn from other sectors and how these practices can scale globally—both within and beyond the sport.

https://www.torgersengilbey.com.au/

Check out Kate and Monina on LinkedIn

https://www.glenelggolf.com/cms/

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]

A big thanks to our Partner - Toro

Click here for more details

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

Sign up to our Newsletter here

In this special episode, we’re excited to announce a new partnership between Toro, Golf Club Talk UK, and The Greenprint. Joining Leighton and Eddie is Andy Brown from Toro to discuss the shared vision behind this collaboration: to spark meaningful conversations within the golf industry that drive innovation, development, and growth for both the game and the people in it.

Andy shares insights into his background and Toro’s long-standing support for the industry.  We also explore how clubs can make smarter decisions when investing in equipment and infrastructure—highlighting the importance of strong relationships between General Managers, Boards, and Course Managers.

We also confront the message that golf must be part of the solution and not considered as part of the problem when it comes to responsible use of resources. 

From industry challenges to forward-thinking solutions, we dive into topics like:

• Labour shortages and workforce strategies

• The rise of autonomous mowing

• Smart water management techniques

This is just the beginning. Future episodes will explore these themes in greater depth and extend the conversation to a global audience.

https://www.toro.com/en/golf

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk

• Website: Golf Club Talk UK

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

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!

We’re excited to announce the launch of GCMA ASPIRE on July 1st — a brand-new Career Development Series from the Golf Club Managers’ Association. Designed specifically for aspiring and early-career Golf Club Managers, GCMA ASPIRE offers a unique blend of tailored education, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to support your journey in the golf industry.

Tom Brooke, CEO gives an overview of GCMA ASPIRE: what it is, why it's launching, and the long-term vision behind the initiative.

Natalie McColl, Membership Services Manager takes a look at the benefits of GCMA membership, especially for Affiliate members. She breaks down what's included in the new programme and why joining now matters more than ever.

Gareth Morgan, Professional Development Manager takes a deep dive into the ASPIRE Programme itself – including upcoming webinars, events, how to get involved with Career Pathway 1-2-1s, and information about GCMA Accreditation.

As we wrap up, hear more about the upcoming GCMA Conference and a special opportunity to celebrate the ASPIRE launch...

Special Offer: To mark the launch of GCMA ASPIRE, the association are giving away 25 sponsored Affiliate Memberships — offering free GCMA membership through the end of 2025!

Details here:

https://www.gcma.org.uk/conference-2025/

www.golfclubtalk.uk

[email protected]

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk