Leighton & Eddie catch up for a chat and one of the topics is Eddie's recent presentation at the GCMA London & Home Counties Meeting.

Eddie then welcomes golf advocate and community builder Julie Walker, founder of Golfers Experience Consulting and Women on the Tee, a knowledge hub for womens golf.  Julie talks about her passion for elevating the women’s game, the impact of the R&As Women in Golf Charter, the need for an equitable golf experience for anyone and everyone that plays golf, and through her latest initiative, the Golfers Experience, Julie is reshaping what it means to compete, connect, and grow in golf.

From grassroots to elite amateurs, Julie shares how she’s advocating for inclusive and memorable golf experiences for women at every level—on and off the course.

 

About Julie Walker:

Julie Walker is the founder of Golfers Experience Consulting, where she is reimagining how women engage with the game by blending competition, camaraderie, and personal growth. Julie brings her love for golf, business savvy, and inclusive vision to everything she does in the sport.

Julie is also the founder of Women on the Tee, a knowledge hub for women golfers, where women can learn about the rich history of womens golf, the rules, handicap system, joining a golf club and the golf experiences available to women golfers within and beyond golf clubs.

Websites:

 https://golfersexperience.com/

Instagram: @womenonthetee

LinkedIn: Julie Walker

 

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After a brief catch-up between Eddie and Leighton, Episode 117 dives into an important and challenging conversation about the underrepresentation of Black and ethnic minority communities in UK golf.

Leighton is joined by three powerful voices driving change in the sport:

• Julia Regis – Consultant and Board Member of England Golf

• Nicola Bennett – PGA Professional

• Randy Plowright – African Caribbean Golf Association

Together, they explore the barriers to participation and what it will take for golf—especially clubs—to become more intentional about creating welcoming and equitable environments for all players. The discussion blends personal experiences with practical initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and boosting awareness.

This episode tackles a difficult issue with honesty and hope, showing how meaningful change is not only possible, but already underway.

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In this episode of GCMA Insights, the focus is on the upcoming Conference from 16th - 18th November 2025 at the stunning De Vere Cotswold Water Park, Wiltshire. 🌟

Now rebranded as the Golf Club Management Conference and Exhibition, the show appeals to anyone in Golf, not just GCMA members.  

💡 What makes it unmissable? ✅ Game-changing insights from industry experts ✅ Dynamic & interactive sessions that tackle real-world challenges ✅ Networking opportunities with the best and brightest in golf club management

The show also centers aroud the theme of clubs and Managers being "Future Ready" through Strategy, Sustainability and Success! 

Leighton is joined by Tom Brooke, Darren Wood and Gareth Morgan who talk us through the details of the show, education program and exhibition.  There's also a deeper dive into the theme of "Future ready"!

Bookings are now open.  Go to:

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

 

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In this episode, we're joined by golf course designer and builder Ryan Van Der Veen of Van Der Veen Designs.

Growing up in Indiana, Ryan entered the world of construction and design early on—launching his career under the legendary Pete Dye. His time with Dye laid the foundation for a hands-on, design-and-build approach that's remained with him throughout his career.

Ryan later joined Norman Designs, where he spent years refining his skills in construction, project management, and design across the globe. Eventually, his journey led him to Australia, where he's now based and continuing to make his mark.

We dive into Ryan’s current and upcoming projects, including:

• The nearly completed enhancement program at Glenelg Golf Club in South Australia, in collaboration with Neil Crafter

• A new project at Mollymook Golf Club in New South Wales

Ryan brings a calm and thoughtful perspective to the craft—shaped by decades of experience and a unique blend of tradition and innovation. There are some fantastic stories in this one, especially around his early days with Pete Dye and life on the road with international projects.

Whether you're into golf architecture, design philosophy, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and enjoy!

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https://www.mollymookgolf.com.au/

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In this episode, Leighton is joined by Mike Orloff from Golf Industry Central for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of club life in Australia and New Zealand. Together, they explore what clubs in the region are doing well, with a particular focus on cultural dynamics and modern approaches to governance.  The focus is largely on then clubs in the middle and their need to develop and innovate.

One standout example of innovation is Palm Valley Resort in Queensland, a cutting-edge development that’s pushing the boundaries of traditional club offerings. Beyond championship golf, Palm Valley is making waves—literally—with the addition of a state-of-the-art wave pool, blending lifestyle, leisure, and sport in a way that reflects the future of resort-style club experiences.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming Field Trips initiative—an exciting series of immersive experiences designed to showcase best practices and spark new ideas. The series will kick off in Asia in April and expand to include destinations in the USA and New Zealand, offering club professionals a unique opportunity to attend education events and connect with peers from around the world.

It’s an engaging and informative listen with plenty of takeaways for anyone interested in the business of golf, hospitality, and club leadership.

https://www.golfindustrycentral.com.au/

 

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In this episode, Leighton delves into the remarkable transformation of Basingstoke Golf Club, telling the story through the evolution of the course itself. What began as an ambitious project years ago saw the club make a bold move half a mile across the M3 to Dummer Golf Club. The transition included selling the original site for development and acquiring Dummer Golf Course, all while ensuring that the members always had a course to play on.

Scott and Bruce join Leighton to discuss the early challenges of this endeavor, including navigating planning hurdles, managing water resources, and crafting layouts that allowed for continuous play. They also talk about how they managed to preserve key elements of the old Dummer course while giving it a major facelift, modernizing the chalk downland course with dramatic improvements. The greens, in particular, stand out with their impressive movement and challenging pin placements.

Now entering its first full season, Scott is focused on making sure the course plays hard, fast, and in top condition.

This episode highlights how innovation, drive, and a clear vision can not only reshape a golf course but also secure the future of a beloved, long-standing club.

https://www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk/

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In this episode, Leighton & Eddie are joined by Phil Grice – industry veteran and founder of Custodian Golf and GC Media. With deep roots in golf club ownership, management (including the transformation of Royal Norwich), and leadership as former Chairman of the GCMA, Phil brings a data-driven lens to the future of club sustainability.

Phil shares insights into why data must lead decision-making and unpacks years of research identifying common traits of struggling clubs — insights that are helping others avoid the same pitfalls.

He also introduces his compelling analogy of “Lions, Meerkats & Ostriches” to describe leadership styles and behaviours within clubs — a must-hear framework for any club manager or board.

The conversation wraps with a look into technology in golf, and why clubs must embrace innovation to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

👉 Download the Custodian White Paper mentioned in the episode at:

https://www.custodiangolf.co.uk/

 

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On this week's episode, Leighton & Eddie are joined by Kirsten Grobler from "The Social Kode." Kirsten, who has been working with Eddie and Leighton for some time now, specializes in helping businesses enhance their social media and marketing strategies. She shares insightful tips on how golf clubs can maximize their social media impact and tell compelling stories to engage their customers.  Leighton also gives a shout out to the Over 35 Golf Tour.  Details below.

Later, Eddie chats with Tom Scott, the General Manager of Harpenden Golf Club in Hertfordshire. As a member of the Millennial generation, Tom brings a fresh perspective to golf club management. He opens up about his career journey, how early experiences have shaped his decision-making, and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to break into Golf Club Management.

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In this episode, Leighton and Tom Brooke (GCMA CEO) reflect on their recent experience at the London & Home Counties Regional Meeting, held at the newly transformed Basingstoke Golf Club. They explore the value of regional meetings for GCMA members, sharing insights from this specific gathering. The GCMA’s ongoing commitment to improving regional meetings for their members is also highlighted.

Leighton is then joined by Scott Patience and David Green to delve into the fascinating story behind the redevelopment of Basingstoke Golf Club. The conversation covers the disbanding of the original Basingstoke GC, the acquisition, and transformation of Dummer Golf Club into the new Basingstoke GC. Scott shares his experiences as GM during this transition, detailing the challenges faced and how the club evolved through the process.

David Green, the new GM, discusses his role in taking the club forward, and the team reflects on key topics such as people, culture, governance, and the determination required to pull off such a unique project.

Tune in for a rich discussion on leadership, change management, and the future of the golf industry.

Key Topics:

• The value of regional GCMA meetings

• The redevelopment journey of Basingstoke Golf Club

• Scott Patience’s role in the transition process

• Leadership, culture, and governance in golf clubs

• David Green's vision for the future of Basingstoke GC

Enjoy the conversation and gain insights into one of the most ambitious golf club transformations in recent memory!

www.gcma.org.uk

https://www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk/

www.golfclubtalk.uk

[email protected]

 

 

Welcome to the first episode of The Greenprint! In this inaugural episode, we dive into the incredible story of Raglan Golf Club in Monmouthshire, Wales—a course that has truly risen from the ashes. After closing its doors following the COVID-19 pandemic, Raglan was purchased in early 2024 by a group hailing from Monmouthshire, and its rebirth is nothing short of inspiring.

Lucy, the driving force behind the revitalization, shares her journey in transforming the course from a state of disrepair to one that's ready to open in early April. From rebuilding greens to adding new tees and bunkers, Lucy has tackled every challenge, including restoring irrigation systems and improving drainage. She also discusses the agronomic hurdles of reopening a course after being closed for over two years, including selecting the right grass species for greens that were initially sown with fescue.

This episode is a fascinating look at how a struggling venue can be brought back to life with the right vision, support, and the dedication of passionate people. Tune in for an encouraging and insightful story of revival and community focus.

https://www.raglangolfclub.co.uk/

 

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