In this episode, Leighton is joined by Lee Strutt, a Master Greenkeeper with a career spanning some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses. From his early work at Richmond Golf Club to grow-ins at elite venues like G-West and Les Bordes New Course as well as the Superintendent role at Cabot Cape Breton, Lee shares his journey through the turf industry, culminating in his current role at the iconic Loch Lomond Golf Club. This conversation offers deep insight into the dedication, cultural differences and unique challenges of overseeing these courses in different parts of the world.

Topics Covered:

• Lee’s early days at Richmond Golf Club

• Experience at G-West, a unique venue in Scotland which has never opened!

• The RAC Golf Club

• Les Bordes, including the grow-in of the Gil Hanse designed New Course

• The unique challenges of working at Cabot Cape Breton

• His current role at Loch Lomond

• The benefit of travel and pushing your boundaries

About the Guest:
Lee Strutt is a certified Master Greenkeeper and one of the most respected professionals in the turf industry. His career includes leadership roles at Richmond GC, G-West, Les Bordes (New Course grow-in), Cabot Cape Breton, and now Loch Lomond. Known for his technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence, Lee offers a masterclass in career longevity and innovation in golf course management all while traversing countries and cultures.

https://therichmondgolfclub.com/

https://www.gwest.co.uk/

https://www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/woodcote-park/golf/

https://www.lesbordesgolfclub.com/golf/new-course/

https://cabotcapebreton.com/

https://www.lochlomond.com/

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

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

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true

www.golfclubtalk.uk

golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com

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Leighton recently sat down with renowned golf course architect Thad Layton at the stunning Walton Heath Golf Club to discuss Thad’s career journey, design philosophy, and his exciting transition into launching his own design firm.

The conversation then dove into one of the most important and evolving topics in modern golf architecture: the "design and build" method vs. the traditional "design and contractor" approach. With more courses opting for design and build, Thad shares valuable insights into why this method is gaining traction—particularly its ability to foster creativity, ensure design intent is preserved on-site, and deliver a more unified final product.

Thad also shared highlights from his current tour through the south of England, where he’s been playing many of the region’s iconic heathland and links courses. He reflects on what he's learned from these historic sites and how they continue to shape his perspective as a designer.

To cap things off, Leighton and Thad took to the course themselves to experience Walton Heath firsthand—one of the finest examples of heathland golf and a source of inspiration in its own right.

A big thanks to our Show Partner - Toro

Check them out here!

https://thadlaytondesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thad.layton/

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

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true

www.golfclubtalk.uk

golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com

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In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Kate Torgersen and Monina Gilbey of Torgersen Gilbey, who share how their combined expertise in environmental planning and sustainability strategy led to the formation of their consultancy.

Together, they support golf clubs through environmental audits, biodiversity planning, and strategic sustainability communication. Kate breaks down what’s involved in an environmental audit or vegetation management plan, and the importance of native planting for course health and playability.

Monina explains biodiversity in the golf context, and how courses can become thriving ecological spaces. The duo highlights projects underway in Australia, the wider benefits these initiatives bring beyond the course, and the importance of improving how golf communicates its sustainability efforts.

They also explore what golf can learn from other sectors and how these practices can scale globally—both within and beyond the sport.

https://www.torgersengilbey.com.au/

Check out Kate and Monina on LinkedIn

https://www.glenelggolf.com/cms/

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

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintgolf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greenprint-golf/?viewAsMember=true

www.golfclubtalk.uk

golfclubtalkuk@gmail.com

Support us here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk

Sign up to our Newsletter here