In this GCMA Insights episode of Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton Walker is joined by Tom Brooke, CEO of the GCMA, Scott Reeves, Membership Director at BIGGA, Kirsten McEvoy, Head of Sustainability at England Golf, Mike Gray from Castle Water and Andrew Tucker from Thames Water, for an in-depth discussion about water security and the future challenges facing golf clubs. The conversation begins by exploring why water management has become one of the most important issues facing the golf industry. Tom explains why he believes water security is the single biggest challenge facing golf, with wetter winters, increasingly dry summers, rising costs and greater restrictions all placing pressure on clubs and their ability to keep courses playable. Scott provides insight from the greenkeeping community, discussing hand watering, ageing irrigation infrastructure and the agronomic challenges of managing increasingly unpredictable conditions. Kirsten explains how water has become the biggest sustainability topic raised by golf clubs with England Golf. She discusses the organisation's Water Security Toolkit and the importance of clubs taking a case-by-case approach to understanding their water requirements, infrastructure and potential solutions. The discussion also considers opportunities to work with neighbouring landowners and communities, particularly where water storage could provide wider environmental or flood management benefits. A key part of the conversation looks at the relationship between golf and the wider water industry. Andrew explains the unprecedented pressure being placed on water resources and why golf is particularly visible within that debate. He outlines the need for the industry to move away from reliance on potable, drinking-quality water for irrigation and towards alternative water sources and greater on-site storage, while emphasising that golf is not being singled out but has an opportunity to lead by example. The panel also examines the UK's national water target and the drive to reduce business water consumption. Smart water metering is discussed in detail, with Mike addressing misconceptions around the technology and explaining how better data can help clubs understand their consumption, identify leaks and improve billing accuracy. The conversation also highlights simple measures that can make an immediate difference, from fixing leaking toilets and dripping taps to improving irrigation efficiency. A major theme throughout the episode is the need for better data and greater collaboration. The GCMA, BIGGA, England Golf and the water industry are working together through the Retailers and Wholesalers Group to build a clearer picture of how golf clubs currently use, source and store water. A new industry survey and "State of the Nation" report are also discussed, with clubs being encouraged to participate so that future policy, regulation and investment decisions can be based on robust evidence. The discussion also focuses on how clubs can plan for the future without necessarily committing immediately to major expenditure. The panel considers the importance of taking short-, medium- and long-term steps, from improving irrigation systems and reducing clubhouse consumption to investigating reservoirs, water harvesting and alternative supplies. Kirsten and Tom also highlight the importance of starting this process early, as planning, approvals and funding for larger projects can take several years. The conversation concludes with a clear message for golf club boards, committees, managers and greenkeepers: water needs to become a much higher priority within business resilience planning. While the panel provides reassurance that golf clubs are not facing an immediate loss of their water supplies, the direction of travel is clear. Clubs that start planning now will be better positioned to manage future droughts, restrictions and changing water availability. Whether you're a General Manager, course manager, greenkeeper, board member or committee member, this episode provides an important insight into the future of water management in golf and the practical steps clubs can take to improve their resilience. Useful Links GCMA: https://gcma.org.uk/ England Golf: https://www.englandgolf.org/ BIGGA: https://www.bigga.org.uk/ Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Golf Club Talk UK: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: Leighton Walker A big thanks to our partners Toro: Toro Himalayas Golf: Himalayas Golf Support us here Buy Me a Coffee Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review, subscribe to Golf Club Talk UK and share the episode with your colleagues, board members and wider golf network.
