Episodes

In this episode, Leighton delves into the remarkable transformation of Basingstoke Golf Club, telling the story through the evolution of the course itself. What began as an ambitious project years ago saw the club make a bold move half a mile across the M3 to Dummer Golf Club. The transition included selling the original site for development and acquiring Dummer Golf Course, all while ensuring that the members always had a course to play on.

Scott and Bruce join Leighton to discuss the early challenges of this endeavor, including navigating planning hurdles, managing water resources, and crafting layouts that allowed for continuous play. They also talk about how they managed to preserve key elements of the old Dummer course while giving it a major facelift, modernizing the chalk downland course with dramatic improvements. The greens, in particular, stand out with their impressive movement and challenging pin placements.

Now entering its first full season, Scott is focused on making sure the course plays hard, fast, and in top condition.

This episode highlights how innovation, drive, and a clear vision can not only reshape a golf course but also secure the future of a beloved, long-standing club.

https://www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk/

https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/

The Greenprint on Linkedin 

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintuk/

"Follow" The Greenprint on your podcast platform to get episodes downloaded straight into your feed 

In this episode, Leighton & Eddie are joined by Phil Grice – industry veteran and founder of Custodian Golf and GC Media. With deep roots in golf club ownership, management (including the transformation of Royal Norwich), and leadership as former Chairman of the GCMA, Phil brings a data-driven lens to the future of club sustainability.

Phil shares insights into why data must lead decision-making and unpacks years of research identifying common traits of struggling clubs — insights that are helping others avoid the same pitfalls.

He also introduces his compelling analogy of “Lions, Meerkats & Ostriches” to describe leadership styles and behaviours within clubs — a must-hear framework for any club manager or board.

The conversation wraps with a look into technology in golf, and why clubs must embrace innovation to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

???? Download the Custodian White Paper mentioned in the episode at:

https://www.custodiangolf.co.uk/

www.golfclubtalk.uk

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/golfclubtalkuk/

Follow our other show - The Greenprint, a podcast on Golf Courses.  

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-greenprint/id1801777880

On this week's episode, Leighton & Eddie are joined by Kirsten Grobler from "The Social Kode." Kirsten, who has been working with Eddie and Leighton for some time now, specializes in helping businesses enhance their social media and marketing strategies. She shares insightful tips on how golf clubs can maximize their social media impact and tell compelling stories to engage their customers.  Leighton also gives a shout out to the Over 35 Golf Tour.  Details below.

Later, Eddie chats with Tom Scott, the General Manager of Harpenden Golf Club in Hertfordshire. As a member of the Millennial generation, Tom brings a fresh perspective to golf club management. He opens up about his career journey, how early experiences have shaped his decision-making, and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to break into Golf Club Management.

In this episode, Leighton and Tom Brooke (GCMA CEO) reflect on their recent experience at the London & Home Counties Regional Meeting, held at the newly transformed Basingstoke Golf Club. They explore the value of regional meetings for GCMA members, sharing insights from this specific gathering. The GCMA’s ongoing commitment to improving regional meetings for their members is also highlighted.

Leighton is then joined by Scott Patience and David Green to delve into the fascinating story behind the redevelopment of Basingstoke Golf Club. The conversation covers the disbanding of the original Basingstoke GC, the acquisition, and transformation of Dummer Golf Club into the new Basingstoke GC. Scott shares his experiences as GM during this transition, detailing the challenges faced and how the club evolved through the process.

David Green, the new GM, discusses his role in taking the club forward, and the team reflects on key topics such as people, culture, governance, and the determination required to pull off such a unique project.

Tune in for a rich discussion on leadership, change management, and the future of the golf industry.

Key Topics:

• The value of regional GCMA meetings

• The redevelopment journey of Basingstoke Golf Club

• Scott Patience’s role in the transition process

• Leadership, culture, and governance in golf clubs

• David Green's vision for the future of Basingstoke GC

Enjoy the conversation and gain insights into one of the most ambitious golf club transformations in recent memory!

www.gcma.org.uk

https://www.basingstokegolfclub.co.uk/

www.golfclubtalk.uk

[email protected]

Welcome to the first episode of The Greenprint! In this inaugural episode, we dive into the incredible story of Raglan Golf Club in Monmouthshire, Wales—a course that has truly risen from the ashes. After closing its doors following the COVID-19 pandemic, Raglan was purchased in early 2024 by a group hailing from Monmouthshire, and its rebirth is nothing short of inspiring.

Lucy, the driving force behind the revitalization, shares her journey in transforming the course from a state of disrepair to one that's ready to open in early April. From rebuilding greens to adding new tees and bunkers, Lucy has tackled every challenge, including restoring irrigation systems and improving drainage. She also discusses the agronomic hurdles of reopening a course after being closed for over two years, including selecting the right grass species for greens that were initially sown with fescue.

This episode is a fascinating look at how a struggling venue can be brought back to life with the right vision, support, and the dedication of passionate people. Tune in for an encouraging and insightful story of revival and community focus.

https://www.raglangolfclub.co.uk/

The Greenprint on Linkedin 

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintuk/

Subscribe to the show to make sure you receive all episodes as they are released