Jul 31, 2026
Before introducing Part Two of our expert panel discussion, Leighton Walker is joined by regular co-host James Brockington to reflect on a few of the current topics affecting golf clubs. They discuss the challenges of another exceptionally dry summer, the increasing impact of weather extremes on golf course management, and some of the responses to a recent LinkedIn discussion asking what the biggest challenges facing golf clubs are today.
The conversation provides the perfect lead-in to the main discussion, which focuses on the future of golf clubs over the next decade.
Recorded at Story Ninety-Four Podcast Studios in Oxford, Leighton is joined by an expert panel featuring:
Together they tackle one of the biggest questions facing the industry:
What will a successful golf club look like in five to ten years' time?
Building on the foundations laid in Part One, the panel explores how clubs can position themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. They discuss the importance of having a clear identity, strong governance and a long-term strategic vision, while examining how clubs can balance member expectations with commercial sustainability.
The conversation also explores how changing customer behaviours, workforce challenges, technology, participation trends and environmental pressures are reshaping the industry. The panel shares practical insights on capital investment, diversification, customer experience, staff culture, benchmarking performance and why understanding data should underpin future decision-making.
From flexible membership models and driving range technology to climate resilience, leadership and club culture, this episode is packed with practical advice for golf club managers, owners, directors and committee members looking to build resilient, successful clubs for the next generation.
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This show provides an entertaining and informative look at Golf Club life in the UK featuring the latest news and information. The show features interviews with the people that make things happen in the industry but also provides listeners with reviews of clubs that are at the top of their game. Largely the show will be aimed at people working in the golf industry and who govern clubs. It will aim to provide best practices and take a positive and forward thinking look at where golf clubs are heading in the United Kingdom. Episodes include traditional GCTUK, GCMA Insights on GCTUK and Trending Topics with England Golf