Golf Club Talk UK

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

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

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 golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Sign up to our Newsletter here

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/ 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!

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/ 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 golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Sign up to our Newsletter here

In partnership with Toro, we delve into the world of greenkeeping in this episode, shining a spotlight on the next generation of talent in the profession. We're delighted to welcome the two winners from the recent Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards. Bradley Taylor of Beau Desert Golf Club was named Student Greenkeeper of the Year, while Matt Strutt-Donnelly of Stoneham Golf Club claimed the Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year award. The Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards in conjunction with BIGGA are designed to recognise and reward emerging talent within the industry, celebrating students who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their education, professionalism in the workplace, and a genuine passion for turf management. The initiative not only highlights individual excellence but also reinforces the importance of structured learning, mentorship, and long-term career pathways within greenkeeping. Bradley and Matt talk us through their journeys into greenkeeping, the clubs they work at, the aspects of the job they enjoy most, and what motivates them on a daily basis. They also explain how winning these awards has boosted their confidence and how the recognition will help propel their careers forward. This is a genuinely strong initiative for the industry, and one that clubs should fully support — not only by investing in education and development, but also by actively putting forward deserving team members for awards like these. More information here: https://www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk/students-awards/toro-student-greenkeeper-of-the-year-awards-winners/ https://www.bigga.org.uk/education/toro-student-greenkeeper-of-the-year.html 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!

Panel Discussion Episode 3 of 3 Guests: Phil Grice – Custodian Golf and GC Media James Brockington – General Manager, Henley Golf Club & GCTUK Alastair Sinclair – Play More Golf Tony Adams – Hospitality in Golf In the third episode of our three-part series, we take a deep dive into the subject of investment and keeping your facilities fresh. Joined by an expert panel with deep experience across golf operations, marketing, membership, service delivery, and hospitality, we explore what investment truly means in the context of golf clubs and how it can make or break your club. It also moves into some thoughts around the model of your club and how this will affect the ability to invest. The topics explored include: What do the good clubs do and what do the not-so-good clubs do in terms of investing in their facilities? Have you got an investment plan? It all comes down to good governance and planning to ensure investment stays on track Communication to members around investment Are members and Boards still seeing themselves as custodians of clubs? This wide-ranging discussion brings together a panel ideally placed to advise and guide clubs on one of the most important, and often misunderstood, elements of long-term success. Please support the panelists: https://www.custodiangolf.co.uk/ https://www.playmore.golf/ 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 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!

In this unique two-part episode, we delve into elite performance at England Golf, covering girls, women, boys and men's national squads and exploring what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport. Leighton spends two days on the ground at the National Golf Centre, gaining a real feel for the work that goes into driving success at national level. The episode not only highlights the structure behind the programme but also offers valuable insight and perspective directly from the players experiencing it first-hand. We begin this second part with an in-depth conversation with Jenny Henderson and Ben Gorvett, Performance Managers working across the girls', women's, boys' and men's squads. Jenny and Ben offer a clear perspective on how the performance programme is structured and how they support players at different stages of their development. They discuss the balance between long-term athlete development and short-term performance, how individual player plans are built, and the importance of aligning coaching, physical preparation, psychology and competition scheduling to help players perform at their best. Next, we hear from Tyler Weaver, speaking to us from Tallahassee, Florida, where he is currently studying at Florida State University while also representing the men's squad. Tyler shares his experience of combining university golf in the United States with international performance expectations, and reflects on the challenges and opportunities that come with that environment. A standout moment in his journey so far was competing in the 2025 US Open at Oakmont, and Tyler gives insight into what that experience was like and what he took away from competing on one of golf's biggest stages. We then catch up with Nick Soto, England Golf Putting Coach, who explains his role within the programme and the impact of having access to world-class facilities. Nick talks through how he works with players to develop their putting skills and the importance of measurement, feedback and how psychology and small performance gains on the greens can translate into meaningful results in competition. To close the episode, we speak with Annabel Peaford and Charlotte Naughton from the women's squad. Both are highly talented prospects who have progressed through the England Golf pathway, and they share their experiences of life within the programme. Annabel and Charlotte reflect on their development so far, the support around them, and their ambitions for the future as they continue to push towards the next level of the game. This episode offers a rounded look at performance golf—from those designing and delivering the programme, to the players living it day to day—and highlights the depth of talent and expertise within England Golf. Special thanks to Nigel Edwards, Performance Director at England Golf, for making this access possible. https://www.englandgolf.org/ 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 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!

In this Toro Partnership episode, we open with James Howard, General Manager, and James Cleaver, Course Manager, of Stratford Oaks Golf Club. They are joined by David Timms and Josh Nash of Reesink, with the discussion centred on Stratford Oaks' recent major addition of Toro machinery to their fleet. The conversation explores how a club approaches the decision-making process around a fleet purchase, from identifying the specific needs of the club to evaluating long-term value and performance. The group also discusses the importance of distributor support, including equipment demonstrations and ongoing service, and how these factors help clubs find the right solutions to present their course in the best possible condition. Leighton and James Brockington are then joined by the ever-insightful David Roy of Crail Golfing Society. With more than 20 years at the helm, David has overseen a period of significant progress at one of the world's oldest golf clubs. During his tenure, Crail has evolved through major changes in board structure, governance, and club culture, emerging in a strong and sustainable position. In this episode, we explore how David has managed this evolution while continuing to perform at the top of his game. He shares the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships, staying grounded, and cultivating interests outside of work. Those interests include a lifelong love of amateur dramatics, which has played an unexpected but valuable role in his leadership journey. David also reflects on how steady leadership, clear decision-making, and a willingness to modernise have helped deliver healthy membership numbers, strong visitor revenue, and a more inclusive, contemporary club environment. The conversation even touches on Crail's refreshingly progressive approach to dress code policy, proving that tradition and modern thinking can successfully coexist. Beyond Crail, David has also played a significant role in the success of the CMAE, contributing his time, experience, and leadership over a long period to help support and develop club management professionals across the industry. A thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion on leadership, decision-making, balance, and the future of golf clubs. https://crailgolfingsociety.co.uk/ A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information The Revenue Club - Click here for more information https://eddiebullockgolf.com/ 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 Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

In this unique two-part episode, we delve into elite performance at England Golf, covering girls, women, boys and men's national squads and exploring what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport. Leighton spends two days on the ground at the National Golf Centre, gaining a real feel for the work that goes into driving success at national level. The episode not only highlights the structure behind the programme but also offers valuable insight and perspective directly from the players experiencing it first-hand. Hosted by Jenny Henderson, Performance Manager for Female Golf, Leighton is guided through the training camps and world-class facilities that underpin the programme, with a clear overview of how athletes are developed and supported over time. The episode also features expert contributions from Amy O'Donnell, the England Golf Nutritionist, and Dan Coughlan, Strength and Conditioning Coach, who explain the many components that come together to support elite performance. They also bring experience from professional tours. We then hear from two members of the girls' national squad, Ellie Lichtenhein and Lauren Crump, who share their experiences at the training camps, reflect on their personal progress, and discuss how the environment is helping them develop as players. Special thanks to Nigel Edwards, Performance Director at England Golf, for making this access possible. If you want a genuine, behind-the-scenes overview of what happens at elite-level sport, this is an episode not to be missed. In part two we'll get an overview from the Performance Managers of men's and women's golf, Putting coach and hear from two of the women's squad and one of the men's squad. https://www.englandgolf.org/ 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!

We're delighted to welcome The Revenue Club as our newest partner on GCTUK. In this episode, we take a deep dive into how The Revenue Club supports golf clubs in maximising their online revenue through a combination of dynamic pricing, digital marketing, and insightful performance reporting. Founders Rob Corcoran and Chris Knight join us to discuss why online sales have become increasingly critical for golf clubs, and how better use of data can help clubs shape a stronger and more profitable visitor strategy. We explore what dynamic pricing really means in a golf club context, how it can be implemented effectively, and the common challenges clubs face when moving away from traditional pricing models. The conversation also covers how golf clubs can make better use of their online marketing channels to drive demand, convert bookings, and build long-term value, as well as the evolving trends we're seeing in online bookings and consumer behaviour. Finally, Rob and Chris share insights on what comes next once clubs feel they've "cracked the basics" and are ready to take their online revenue strategy to the next level. We look forward to future discussions with Rob, Chris, and the wider team at The Revenue Club as we continue working together to help clubs maximise their online revenue. 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 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!