Running since 2019, the show features interviews with the people that make things happen in the industry and aims to give a wide perspective of what’s taking place in Golf Clubs in the UK.
Shows:
Golf Club Talk UK Traditional Episodes x 2 per month
GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK x 1 per month
Trending Topics with England Golf x 1 per month
Global Edition: Ad-hoc episodes
Having spent over 20 years in the Golf Club industry in both the UK and Australia, Leighton brings a rounded and diverse view to the game and the show. Based in the Cotswolds and working as part-time GM at Cirencester Golf Club, Leighton is now building Golf Club Talk UK to provide more than just podcasts.
James currently serves as the GM at Henley Golf Club, a member based club in Oxfordshire. Having attended college in the US and a brief stint playing on tour, including the Europro Tour, James brings a unique view to show. He has also worked in the finance industry before his current role at Henley. James will co-host on various episodes and have a once-a-month intro catch up with Leighton
Golf courses are increasingly part of planning discussions because they occupy large areas of land, often near towns and cities where housing demand is rising. While some renewed publicity has sharpened the debate, that visibility can and should lead to a more balanced conversation about what this land delivers beyond sport, alongside legitimate questions about access, land use priorities, and long-term value.
Modern golf is increasingly being recognised for its role in land stewardship. Courses provide extensive green space in developed areas, support wildlife habitats and biodiversity corridors, and maintain tree cover, grassland, and water features. In many cases, they act as a buffer against urban sprawl. At the same time, this value is not uniform; outcomes depend heavily on how land is managed and how accessible those benefits are to the wider community. Well-managed courses can function as multi-use landscapes rather than single-purpose venues.
Environmental standards across the sport are improving. Many clubs are reducing chemical and water use, expanding natural rough and wild areas, and creating habitats for pollinators and wildlife. However, there is still variation across the sector, and expectations are rising. Organisations such as England Golf are supporting clubs with sustainability frameworks and practical guidance, helping to embed more consistent and measurable environmental management.
Habitat mapping is becoming an important tool. Clubs are using it to understand their ecological baseline, demonstrate environmental value, and identify opportunities to enhance biodiversity. This is increasingly relevant in planning, where evidence-based environmental value carries more weight and unsupported claims carry less.
Planning policy, including the National Planning Policy Framework and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, means land is now assessed on environmental, social, and economic contribution. This creates both pressure and opportunity for golf: pressure where land is seen as underutilised, and opportunity where courses can clearly evidence their contribution, potentially including Biodiversity Net Gain delivery.
For clubs, the shift is practical rather than theoretical. Those managing land with long-term environmental intent, improving transparency through data, and engaging proactively with planners and local communities are better positioned to navigate change. Those that do not may find decisions being made without them.
The direction of travel is clear. Golf is moving from being seen as land-intensive to being judged on how responsibly that land is managed. Where clubs can demonstrate real environmental and community value, they are far better placed to protect, enhance, and justify their role in the landscape going forward.
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Trending Topics with England Golf - Golf, Land & Planning: A Positive Perspective
May 4, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
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
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
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Jasper Miners on Architecture and History - The Greenprint
Apr 29, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
Leighton and James had the pleasure of visiting the delightful Woking Golf Club, where they enjoyed a round of golf followed by an in-depth conversation with Managing Director, Scott Clark.
Scott has been at Woking for nearly two years and brings a wealth of experience to the role. In that time, he has quickly set about refining the club's governance and establishing a clear and ambitious ten-year strategic plan.
In this episode, we explore key elements of that plan, including course improvements, enhancements to the clubhouse and facilities, and the overarching vision built around seven strategic pillars. A particularly interesting aspect of Woking's approach is its governance structure, with five dedicated working groups each overseeing a pillar, all under Scott's leadership.
Scott also shares how he has energised and aligned the team, including innovative initiatives such as a job swap programme.
Woking is a club steeped in history, and with this forward-thinking approach, it's clear the future is just as promising.
A big thank you to Scott and everyone at the club for their warm hospitality during our visit.
Connect with Us:
Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk
Website: Golf Club Talk UK
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/
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Toro - Click here for more information
Support us here:
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Scott Clark, Woking Golf Club - GCTUK 149
Apr 20, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
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.
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.
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.
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/
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GCMA Insights on GCTUK - Are clubs ready for new golfers?
Apr 13, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
In this second 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. This discussion looks 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. Are we creating the best environment, culture and facilities at clubs to meet the ever-changing needs of established and new Golfers?
Renate Roeleveld - GCAE
Stuart Gillett - Legacy Golf Advisors
Rob Corcoran - The Revenue Club
Will Hewitt - 59 Club
If you missed Part 1 - click here to listen
Please support the panellists where possible:
https://legacygolfadvisors.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!
The Evolution of Clubs & Management - Panel Session Part 2 - New Golfers and Golfers Needs
Apr 4, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
