Episodes

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 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?

Featured Guests

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://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 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!

Leighton recently attended a Women's Club Growth Workshop at Greetham Valley Golf Club. Following the event, he spoke with Emma Highwood, Head of Women's Development, and Lauren Spray, Women & Girls Manager, who led the day.

In this episode, they reflect on the workshop content while exploring some of the wider challenges facing the game. The conversation looks at why female participation in the 18-50 age demographic remains low (currently 2% of total membership numbers), as well as the key barriers that are preventing more women from getting involved in golf.  Non-club golf participation among women is much higher and how can clubs start to replicate this?  Emma and Lauren also share practical insights into how clubs can create more welcoming, inclusive environments that encourage participation and long-term engagement.  

They go on to discuss three core areas that clubs can focus on to grow their women's sections, including understanding and making better use of their existing facilities, gaining genuine buy-in from across the club, and putting in place simple but effective actions that can improve the chances of success.

The episode concludes with an on-site discussion featuring several of the day's delegates, including James, General Manager at Stratford Oaks, Jenny and Sue, volunteers at Nuneaton Golf Club, and Maggie, Chair of Scraptoft Golf Club. They share their reflections on the workshop, talk about the realities at their own clubs, and outline what they plan to take away and implement moving forward.

Women's Club Growth Workshops

https://www.englandgolf.org/women-on-par

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/