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.
John Adamson (Ramside) & Thanks Eddie! - GCTUK 146
Mar 13, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
Kris Lynch on The Health Benefits of Golf! - GCTUK 145
Mar 6, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
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.leedsgolfdesign.com/
A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro
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Designing Golf Courses for the Slower Swing Speed - The Greenprint 23
Mar 1, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
We're joined by Gavin Anderson of England Golf and Jerry Kilby of Kanda Golf. The conversation focuses on the importance of governance training for board members in golf clubs, highlighting the new initiative by England Golf aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of volunteers. Their new Board Learning online workbook, as outline by Gavin and Jerry, provides the perfect outlet for new or existing Board members, Committee members or volunteers of clubs - to understand what is required within their roles. The discussion covers the need for structured training, strategy v operations, understanding your responsibilities as a Director and how to ensure your club's success through good strategic planning.
Key Takeaways from the conversation:
The initiative aims to improve governance in golf clubs.
77% of board members have never served on a board before.
Training for volunteers is essential for effective governance.
The course is designed to be accessible and engaging.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive and numbers are strong.
Understanding the general manager's role is crucial for volunteers.
The course will evolve based on participant feedback.
Engagement from general managers is key to implementation.
Future training will focus on specific roles within clubs.
Celebrating successes will encourage more participation.
https://www.englandgolf.org/training-and-development
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Website: Golf Club Talk UK
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Toro - Click here for more information
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Trending Topics with England Golf - Board Learning Workbook and Governance Training for Club Leaders
Feb 25, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
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.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
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Rate & Review
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Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award Winners - GCTUK 144
Feb 20, 2026Golf Club Talk UK
