GCMA Insights - Professional Development in Practice: Real-World Impact from the AMP

GCMA Insights - Professional Development in Practice: Real-World Impact from the AMP

In this episode of GCMA Insights on Golf Club Talk UK, hosts Tom Brooke and Gareth Morgan explore how professional development programmes are helping shape the future of golf club leadership across the industry. Joining the conversation are three professionals who have each taken part in GCMA development programmes and applied the learning directly within their clubs and teams. Dan Housley, General Manager at Chevin Golf Club, shares his experience alongside Mike Bush from Ashford Golf Club and Colin Rabbatts from Coombe Hill Golf Club. We also explore the decision-making process behind the respective courses each guest chose. Together, they reflect on the challenges they were facing before joining the programmes, what they hoped to gain from the experience, and how accurately those expectations matched reality. The discussion explores the moments where ideas and concepts truly clicked, changing the way they approached leadership, communication, operations, and decision-making within their roles. The guests also share practical examples of implementing learning back at their clubs, from operational changes and leadership approaches to everyday management decisions influenced directly by the programme content. They also discuss the value of learning alongside other managers and industry professionals facing similar challenges. A major theme throughout the episode is the importance of collaboration and peer learning. The panel reflects on how exposure to different perspectives helped broaden their thinking and how the programmes have led to valuable professional relationships that continue beyond the classroom environment. Looking ahead, the conversation turns to how these experiences will shape the next two to three years of their careers and clubs, who would benefit most from taking part in similar programmes, and what advice they would give to anyone considering applying. This episode offers practical insight into the real-world impact of professional development across the golf club industry. www.gcma.org.uk [https://www.gcma.org.uk/] https://gcma.org.uk/advanced-management-programme/ [https://www.englandgolf.org/] Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk [https://www.instagram.com/golfclubtalkuk/] Website: Golf Club Talk UK [https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

The GM & Course Manager Relationship with Monique Landman - GCTUK 150!!

Leighton & James return for a wide-ranging catch-up conversation, with Leighton sharing a personal update and discussing the positive future direction of Golf Club Talk UK and The Greenprint, including increased investment of time, energy, and resources into both platforms. The conversation then turns to leadership, communication, and culture in golf clubs as Leighton welcomes friend of the pod Monique Landman to discuss one of the most important relationships in the industry: the partnership between the General Manager and the Course Manager. Monique is the Chief Empathy Officer at Unchain and Partner for People and Performance at Himalayas Golf. A central theme throughout is simple but powerful - greenkeepers are the experts, and great GM's position them as such. The best clubs operate well when the GM and Course Manager act as one team, working shoulder to shoulder with alignment, and mutual respect. The discussion explores why GM's should empower and elevate their Course Managers, putting greenkeepers into the arena through committee/board meetings, stakeholder discussions, and strategic conversations, while also protecting and advocating for their teams internally. The episode also focuses heavily on expanding the influence of Course Managers, particularly when communicating the value behind major projects such as a £100,000 bunker renovation for example. The key here is presenting well-researched and thoughtful proposals so that the decision makes itself. The conversation also dives into a great analogy with agronomy, including why hollow tining is essential for building stronger root systems to allow better growth. They also discuss phototropic and gravitropic growth in turfgrass — how the plant responds both upward toward light and downward into the ground. These can both be translated into the leadership world. Throughout the episode, the message is clear: successful golf operations depend on alignment between management and course teams, with leadership built on trust, empowerment, communication, and shared purpose. Monique Landman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquelandman/] Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk [https://www.instagram.com/golfclubtalkuk/] Website: Golf Club Talk UK [https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/] A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] Himalayas Golf - https://himalayasgolf.com/ [https://himalayasgolf.com/] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

Trending Topics with England Golf - Golf, Land & Planning: A Positive Perspective

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:32db5832-f86a-4852-a720-9b25d532ea56-2" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> 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. https://www.englandgolf.org Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk [https://www.instagram.com/golfclubtalkuk/] Website: Golf Club Talk UK [https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/] A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!

Jasper Miners on Architecture and History - The Greenprint

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://www.top100golfcourses.com/] https://evalu18.com/ A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro Check them out here! [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/the-green-print/ https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/ [https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true www.golfclubtalk.uk golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com [golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Sign up to our Newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i8JkT6]

Scott Clark, Woking Golf Club - GCTUK 149

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. https://wokinggolfclub.co.uk/ [https://wokinggolfclub.co.uk/] Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk [https://www.instagram.com/golfclubtalkuk/] Website: Golf Club Talk UK [https://www.golfclubtalk.uk/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/] A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information [https://www.toro.com/en/golf?srsltid=AfmBOoq9use7cwaA5X-_2axzv1FewNRkVLhPglMN0n_9B3ndN_dDf1dt] Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk [https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk] Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!