Golf Club Talk UK

Leighton Walker
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Golf
  • Updated Biweekly

This show provides an entertaining and informative look at Golf Club life in the UK featuring the latest news and information. The show features interviews with the people that make things happen in the industry but also provides listeners with reviews of clubs that are at the top of their game. Largely the show will be aimed at people working in the golf industry and who govern clubs. It will aim to provide best practices and take a positive and forward thinking look at where golf clubs are heading in the United Kingdom. Episodes include traditional GCTUK, GCMA Insights on GCTUK and Trending Topics with England Golf

  1. 2d ago

    Candi Watkins, GM - Ponteland Golf Club - GCTUK 158

    Leighton Walker is joined by Candi Watkins, General Manager at Ponteland Golf Club in Newcastle, for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey into golf club management, the lessons she has learned across more than 14 years in the industry, and her approach to leading a modern members' club. Candi's route into golf was far from conventional. Originally working in business development within vehicle finance, she moved into golf through an administration role at her local club after having her first child. That opportunity has developed into a career spanning several different clubs and roles, including City of Newcastle Golf Club and Sharpley Golf Club, before taking on the General Manager role at Ponteland just over a year ago. The conversation explores how that varied experience has shaped Candi's approach to management, from finance, marketing and business development to building strong teams, putting effective systems in place and understanding that every golf club requires a different operating model. At Ponteland, Candi inherited a club with enormous potential, a strong and passionate membership and a great golf course. The club is now at full membership with a waiting list for the first time in more than 25 years. She explains what has driven that growth and why clubs cannot afford to become complacent when things are going well. Leighton and Candi discuss changing member expectations and why golf clubs need to look beyond the industry for ideas, particularly when it comes to hospitality, customer service, communication and technology. They also explore leadership, staff culture, the importance of being visible around the club and how to deal with difficult decisions when not everyone agrees. The conversation also looks at the longer-term challenges facing golf clubs, including sustainability, water security, investment, automation and renewable energy. Candi talks about Ponteland's new borehole, the potential of its large practice ground and the opportunities to attract the next generation of golfers. Membership models also come under the spotlight, with Candi arguing that clubs should consider more flexible pathways into full membership while continuing to strengthen the value of the core membership proposition. With Ponteland approaching its centenary year, Candi shares her vision for the club and why she believes it is possible to respect a club's history without allowing tradition to prevent progress. From leadership and culture to membership, governance, sustainability and the increasingly complex role of the modern General Manager, this is a practical and honest conversation about running a successful members' golf club and preparing it for the future. Please support Candi and Ponteland Golf Club Ponteland Golf Club – https://www.ponteelandgolfclub.co.uk/ Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ Thanks to our partners Toro – Click here for more information Himalayas Golf – Click here for more information Support the podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people shaping the future of golf.

  2. Aug 7

    GCMA Insights on GCTUK – Building Your Professional Development Pathway

    In this GCMA Insights episode of Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton Walker is joined by Gareth Morgan, Professional Development Manager at the GCMA, for an in-depth conversation about professional development, career planning and why continuous learning has become essential for today's golf club managers. The discussion begins by reflecting on how opportunities for education within the golf industry have evolved over the past two decades. Gareth shares his own experiences of entering club management at a time when structured development opportunities were limited, before exploring how today's managers have access to a far broader range of qualifications, learning pathways and professional support. A central theme throughout the episode is the importance of taking ownership of your own development. Gareth explains why every manager's career journey is different, how identifying long-term aspirations can help shape meaningful learning opportunities, and why education should be viewed as an ongoing investment rather than something undertaken only when problems arise. Leighton and Gareth discuss the value of creating a personal development pathway, recognising individual learning preferences and combining formal education such as that on offer through GCMA - with informal learning through networking, mentoring, podcasts, webinars and shared experiences. The conversation highlights how continuous development helps managers become more effective leaders while adapting to the changing demands of modern golf club management. The episode also explores the practical challenge of securing support for professional development within clubs. Gareth shares advice on planning education well in advance, incorporating development into annual budgets and helping boards and committees understand the long-term value that investment in people delivers to both individuals and their clubs. A significant part of the discussion focuses on aspiring managers and those beginning their careers within the industry. Gareth explains why future leaders should openly communicate their ambitions, seek guidance from experienced professionals and build strong networks, while encouraging General Managers to actively support and develop the next generation of club leaders. The conversation concludes with practical advice on ensuring learning translates into meaningful action. Gareth outlines his "Three Pledges" approach, encouraging delegates to identify tangible actions immediately after completing a course, helping transform new ideas into lasting improvements within their clubs. Whether you're an experienced General Manager, an aspiring leader or a committee member looking to better support your management team, this episode provides valuable insight into building a culture of continuous learning and investing in the long-term development of both people and golf clubs. Useful Links GCMA: https://gcma.org.uk/ https://gcma.org.uk/advanced-management-programme/ 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. .

    GCMA Insights on GCTUK – Building Your Professional Development Pathway

  3. Jul 31

    Panel Session 2 - Template for a Successful Golf Club in Next 5-10 Years - Episode 157

    Before introducing Part Two of our expert panel discussion, Leighton Walker is joined by regular co-host James Brockington to reflect on a few of the current topics affecting golf clubs. They discuss the challenges of another exceptionally dry summer, the increasing impact of weather extremes on golf course management, and some of the responses to a recent LinkedIn discussion asking what the biggest challenges facing golf clubs are today. The conversation provides the perfect lead-in to the main discussion, which focuses on the future of golf clubs over the next decade. Recorded at Story Ninety-Four Podcast Studios in Oxford, Leighton is joined by an expert panel featuring: John McCormack – Club Benchmarking EMEA Paul Mould – Accountancy Matters Gavin Anderson – England Golf Will Hewitt – 59club Ben Laing – Branston Golf & Country Club Together they tackle one of the biggest questions facing the industry: What will a successful golf club look like in five to ten years' time? Building on the foundations laid in Part One, the panel explores how clubs can position themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. They discuss the importance of having a clear identity, strong governance and a long-term strategic vision, while examining how clubs can balance member expectations with commercial sustainability. The conversation also explores how changing customer behaviours, workforce challenges, technology, participation trends and environmental pressures are reshaping the industry. The panel shares practical insights on capital investment, diversification, customer experience, staff culture, benchmarking performance and why understanding data should underpin future decision-making. From flexible membership models and driving range technology to climate resilience, leadership and club culture, this episode is packed with practical advice for golf club managers, owners, directors and committee members looking to build resilient, successful clubs for the next generation.   Please support our panellists Club Benchmarking EMEA – https://www.clubbenchmarking.eu/ Accountancy Matters – https://golfaccountancymatters.co.uk/ England Golf – https://www.englandgolf.org/ 59club – https://www.59club.com/ Branston Golf & Country Club – https://branstonclub.co.uk/ Connect with Us Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ Thanks to our partners Toro – Click here for more information Himalayas Golf – Click here for more information Support the podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people shaping the future of golf.

  4. Jul 23

    How Golf Canada is Rethinking Participation Through Talon Links Putting Park - GCTUK 156

    In this special episode of Golf Club Talk UK, recorded at Golf Canada's brand-new headquarters at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, host Leighton Walker is joined by Grant Fraser, Project Manager at Golf Canada, and Paul Jansen, Founder of Himalayas Golf, to explore one of the most innovative participation projects in golf today. The discussion centres on Talon Links, Golf Canada's new free-to-play putting park that is redefining what accessible golf can look like. Designed by Himalayas Golf, Talon Links is far more than mini golf. It is a sophisticated 18-hole putting experience inspired by the strategy, movement and visual appeal of traditional golf course architecture. Built across two acres with rolling fescue dunes, natural features, dramatic contouring and premium synthetic putting surfaces, it delivers an authentic golfing experience that welcomes players of every age and ability. Grant explains the vision behind Golf Canada's new Home for Canadian Golf, which combines its headquarters, the relocated Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Talon Links into a unique destination designed to grow participation and engage the local community. Paul shares the creative process behind designing the putting park, from the first sketches drawn in a bunker at Glen Abbey through to creating one of the most distinctive short-format golf experiences anywhere in the world. The episode also explores the inspiration taken from the great links courses of Scotland and Ireland, the recreation of Nick Taylor's famous 72-foot winning putt from the 2023 RBC Canadian Open as Talon Links' closing hole, and why Golf Canada believes facilities like this can play a major role in introducing more people to the game. The conversation expands into the growing importance of small-space golf, the evolution of premium synthetic putting surfaces, the rapid rise of simulator golf and non-traditional golf experiences, and how clubs can transform underused land into engaging, low-maintenance facilities that create new opportunities for participation and enjoyment. Whether you're a golf club manager, architect, owner, governing body or simply passionate about the future of the game, this episode offers fascinating insight into how innovative thinking, creative design and community-focused investment can help shape golf's next generation. Golf Club Talk UK is proudly partnered with Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ https://www.golfcanada.ca/   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!

  5. Jul 16

    Panel Session 1 - The Financial Health & Sustainability of Clubs - GCTUK 155

    This episode sees Leighton joined in the Story Ninety-Four - Oxford Podcast Studios by an expert panel to tackle one of the biggest questions facing golf clubs today: how do clubs build long-term financial resilience while the industry is still enjoying strong trading conditions? Representing a broad cross-section of the industry are John McCormack (Club Benchmarking EMEA), Paul Mould (Accountancy Matters), Gavin Anderson (England Golf), Will Hewitt (59club) and Ben Laing (Branston Golf & Country Club). Together they explore why now is the time for clubs to plan ahead rather than assume the current boom and strong conditions will continue indefinitely. The discussion covers the importance of robust strategic planning, governance and long-term capital investment, with the panel highlighting why many clubs remain underprepared for future economic challenges. They examine rising operating costs, staffing pressures, inflation, major infrastructure spending, and why diversification of income streams has become essential rather than optional. The conversation also looks beyond finances, exploring how customer experience, staff engagement and culture increasingly separate thriving clubs from those that struggle. The panel debates why understanding member data, benchmarking performance and acting on meaningful feedback should underpin every major investment decision, while also discussing the opportunities presented by flexible membership models, technology and emerging revenue streams such as driving range technology and padel. This is the first of a two-part panel discussion packed with practical insights for golf club managers, owners, directors and committee members looking to future-proof their clubs for the next decade.  The second episode will focus on what a successful Golf club should, and could look like in 5 or 10 years.   Please support our panellists where you can: https://www.clubbenchmarking.eu/ https://golfaccountancymatters.co.uk/ https://www.englandgolf.org/ https://www.59club.com/ https://branstonclub.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 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!

  6. Jul 9

    Jill Treloggen of JT Interiors on Clubhouse design - GCTUK 154

    Leighton & James catch up and run through a few topics such as the tough weather we are facing and Pro-Ams at golf clubs. Then, they're joined by interior designer Jill Treloggen of JT Interiors to explore why clubhouse design deserves far more attention than it often receives. As golf clubs continue to invest in their facilities, the conversation looks beyond the golf course itself and into the clubhouse. Jill explains why successful interior design is about much more than choosing colours and furniture. The discussion explores how clubs can create welcoming, flexible spaces that encourage members and visitors to stay longer, socialise more, and generate additional revenue, while still respecting the traditions and heritage that make every club unique. The trio also examine the practical realities behind refurbishment projects. From improving the flow of a clubhouse and creating multi-functional spaces to upgrading heating, lighting, acoustics and infrastructure, they discuss the importance of planning beyond the aesthetics. James shares insights from Henley Golf Club's own major clubhouse redevelopment, highlighting the challenges of balancing member expectations, budgets and long-term commercial objectives. Finally, the conversation turns to current design trends, sustainable refurbishment, commercial-grade furniture, and how clubs should begin the planning process. Whether your club is considering a complete redevelopment or simply looking to refresh tired spaces, this episode offers practical advice on creating clubhouses that better serve today's members while attracting tomorrow's golfers. Check out JT Interiors here: https://www.jtiuk.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!

  7. Jun 30

    Joel Livingood (GM/CEO - Interlachen CC) & Andy Brown (Toro) - Episode 153

    In this Toro partner episode of Golf Club Talk UK, we welcome Andy Brown and begin by reflecting on his visit to the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) and Golf Management Australia (GMA) Conference. We discuss the unique format of the event, the atmosphere it creates, and the key conversations taking place beyond the conference sessions. From course maintenance and sustainability to leadership, workforce challenges and club operations, we explore the themes shaping Australian golf and ask whether the industry is entering a particularly optimistic period. We then turn our attention to Leighton's experience spending time with Toro at its global headquarters in Minneapolis. Alongside course managers and industry leaders from around the world, the few days provided valuable insight into innovation, technology and the future direction of golf course maintenance. We discuss the biggest takeaways, the ideas that stood out most, and how they could influence facilities across the UK and beyond. Our featured guest is Joel Livingood, General Manager and CEO of Interlachen Country Club, one of the United States' most respected private clubs. Joel shares his journey into club management, explains what makes Interlachen such a special place, and outlines the significant investment and development that has taken place across the course and wider facilities in recent years. A particular focus is the major renovation of the club's iconic Donald Ross-designed course and the thinking behind such an important project. The conversation also explores what it takes to lead one of America's premier clubs. Joel discusses building a positive culture, leading a large and diverse team, meeting evolving member expectations, and balancing day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning. We finish by looking at the wider state of golf clubs, the qualities required of modern club leaders, and how Joel continues to develop both professionally and personally. There are some fantastic insights and plenty of practical takeaways throughout this episode. We hope you enjoy listening. https://www.interlachencc.org/ https://www.golfmanagement.com.au/ https://www.astma.com.au/   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!

  8. Jun 19

    GCMA Insights on GCTUK - Investing In Your Own Leadership Development

    In this episode, Tom Brooke, CEO of the GCMA, is joined by Ben Driver, CEO of Royal Blackheath Golf Club, and Scott Clark, Managing Director of Woking Golf Club, to discuss the importance of leadership development and the responsibility leaders have to continually invest in themselves in order to better serve those around them. Tom opens the conversation by exploring why leadership development is so important, particularly within the club sector, and why personal growth can sometimes be overlooked in formal education and management programmes. While technical knowledge and operational expertise remain important, the discussion focuses on the value of developing the skills, behaviours and self-awareness that enable leaders to have a greater impact on their teams and organisations. Drawing on their own experiences, Tom, Ben and Scott reflect on their leadership journeys and the development opportunities that have shaped them throughout their careers. They discuss the lessons learned, the challenges faced and the importance of remaining committed to continuous improvement regardless of experience or seniority. The conversation explores how personal development translates into everyday leadership, from building stronger relationships and creating positive working environments to making better decisions and supporting the growth of others. The guests share how increased self-awareness and a greater understanding of human behaviour have helped them become more effective leaders and colleagues. A key theme is the role emotional intelligence plays within the wider leadership toolkit. The panel discusses how understanding yourself can help you better understand those around you, enabling leaders to adapt their approach to different individuals, communicate more effectively and create stronger, more engaged teams. Ben and Scott also share how their development has equipped them to handle difficult conversations with greater confidence and empathy, balancing accountability with understanding while maintaining positive working relationships. The discussion extends beyond team leadership to the challenge of leading upwards, examining how leaders can build productive relationships with boards and committees, manage differing perspectives and influence decision-making through effective communication and trust. Throughout the episode, the guests reflect on the tangible impact that ongoing leadership development has had on their own performance and on the people they lead. The conversation highlights the idea that the more leaders invest in understanding and developing themselves, the better equipped they are to support, inspire and develop others. This episode offers practical insights for managers and leaders at all stages of their careers who are committed to continuous growth and recognise that great leadership begins with personal development. https://gcma.org.uk/ https://www.royalblackheath.com/ https://wokinggolfclub.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 Himalayas Golf - 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!

    GCMA Insights on GCTUK - Investing In Your Own Leadership Development
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About

This show provides an entertaining and informative look at Golf Club life in the UK featuring the latest news and information. The show features interviews with the people that make things happen in the industry but also provides listeners with reviews of clubs that are at the top of their game. Largely the show will be aimed at people working in the golf industry and who govern clubs. It will aim to provide best practices and take a positive and forward thinking look at where golf clubs are heading in the United Kingdom. Episodes include traditional GCTUK, GCMA Insights on GCTUK and Trending Topics with England Golf

Information

  • Creator
    Leighton Walker
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    253
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Golf Radio Network
  • Show Website
    Golf Club Talk UK