The PGA

With over a million visits across its four UK locations and more than 55 million golf balls struck in 2024 alone, Topgolf UK is playing a pivotal role in introducing new players to the sport. As participation in off-course golf surpasses on-course play for the first time, facilities like Topgolf are proving to be a vital entry point. 10% of on-course golfers now credit Topgolf as the place where they first discovered their passion for the game. James Moar, PGA Professional and Director of Instruction at Topgolf Watford, shares how the facility’s welcoming environment is removing barriers to entry and inspiring new players to take up the sport. Topgolf attracts a diverse audience - families, young professionals, and complete beginners - offering a fun, relaxed introduction to golf that encourages long-term participation. By focusing on accessibility, engagement, and enjoyment, Topgolf is proving that inside everyone, there is a golfer. As golf businesses look to the future, embracing innovative participation models like Topgolf could be key to ensuring the game's continued growth. Read more in this article from the latest edition of Golf Business Quarterly: https://lnkd.in/dBvN3Xe5 Want more insights into the latest trends shaping the golf industry? Subscribe to Golf Business Quarterly today and stay ahead of the game! 📩 https://lnkd.in/eerz5hig

The latest edition of Golf Business Quarterly is now live, packed with news, features, exclusive interviews and podcast episodes that will resonate with anyone working in the golf industry! In this month's edition: GBQ TV: Sarah Stirk meets The Belfry Hotel & Resort’s Director of Golf & Leisure, Christopher Reeve, who discusses the iconic resort’s enormous renovation and expansion project. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/dyi5mzXb Inspiration: Bedfordshire-based golf club, Colmworth, is run entirely by women – and winning awards for its sustainability drive. The club professional is award-winning PGA Advanced Fellow Adrienne Engleman, who has been at the club for the last eight years and continues to help to break down barriers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dK-KJJaU Economics: What exactly goes into the concept, R&D, engineering and bringing to market of a new £600 driver? Titleist’s Vice President of Advanced Research and Innovation, Dr Alan Hocknell - a man who has spent his career at the cutting edge of golf club design - details exactly why the cost only reflects the materials and labour that goes into the process of manufacture. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dSBweAXZ Tourism: With several eye-catching announcements in recent months, what is the rationale behind Cabot’s almost surgical acquisition strategy of resorts? We asked Chief Executive Ben Cowan-Dewar to outline their unique approach to modern golf developments. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d2yvg2s7 Interview: PGA Professional James Moar is the director of instruction at Topgolf UK Watford, the country’s busiest driving range. He explains how golf’s fun venue is helping to bring new players into the sport. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dKJa9FzK

Our congratulations to PGA National Poland, Modry Las Golf Resort, one of Europe’s leading golf resorts, who are reaping the rewards after marking their 15 year anniversary with a series of international tournaments and launching new accommodation options. The anniversary year resulted in double-digit growth in membership numbers and increasing demand by guest golfers, both national and international. The momentum continues into 2025 with news that the seven-time winner at the World Golf Awards has been nominated not only as Poland’s Best Golf Course, but also for this year’s category covering Europe’s Best Golf Course. Chairman of Modry Las, Arthur Gromadzki said “The milestone gave us the opportunity to promote Modry Las to the world and reflect upon a decade and a half of growth and development. The ethos at Modry Las has always been to seek out ways to improve what we do and our 15th birthday gave us a moment to reflect on how far we have come under this mantra. The increase in rounds and membership validates our efforts, as does our ever-growing international guest list.” Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/ePSjhPax

On #InternationalWomensDay, we’re shining a spotlight on Colmworth Golf Club – a club that’s breaking the mould in the golf industry! 🏌️♀️ Not only is Colmworth known for its award-winning sustainability projects, but it also stands out for having an all-female team at its core. Led by co-owner Tilly Vesely and PGA Advanced Fellow Adrienne Engleman, this Bedfordshire club is proving that diversity, inclusivity, and innovation can drive success. Colmworth isn’t just another golf club – it’s a welcoming space for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or picking up a club for the first time, their unique approach makes golf fun, accessible, and stress-free. Plus, their dedication to eco-friendly initiatives has earned them a raft of top industry awards. 🔗 Read more about Colmworth’s inspiring journey in this article from Golf Business Quarterly: https://bit.ly/3DoNG9c #IWD2025

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." Golf has made strides in becoming more inclusive, but real progress requires action. Brandie Deignan, ED&I Board Lead at Wales Golf, is optimistic about the sport’s future - while acknowledging that meaningful change won’t happen unless organisations take deliberate steps to break down barriers. Wales Golf is doing just that. From initiatives like New2Golf, which introduces newcomers to the game, to Girls Golf Cymru, which creates a welcoming environment for young female golfers, the organisation is actively working to make golf accessible to everyone - regardless of age, gender, background, or ability. ✅ Engaging youth through the Youth Golf Panel. ✅ Providing accessible coaching via the Insport programme. ✅ Listening and learning from diverse voices through the Living Experience Network. Golf’s traditions are valuable, but they must be balanced with innovation and inclusivity to ensure the sport thrives for future generations. As Deignan says, we can envision a better future for golf, but it’s up to us to make it a reality. Read the full interview in Golf Business Quarterly: https://bit.ly/41oOz9N 📩 Stay informed on the latest golf industry insights - subscribe to the Golf Business Quarterly newsletter today: https://lnkd.in/eerz5hig

Cabot has become synonymous with modern golf development, seamlessly blending world-class courses with luxury real estate. But how do they identify the right locations, and what drives their investment decisions? In the latest edition of GBQ, Cabot’s CEO, Ben Cowan-Dewar, shares exclusive insights into the company’s site selection process, strategic growth, and vision for the future. From Lofoten Links in Norway to Cabot Bordeaux in France, Cabot continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on spectacular landscapes and premium golf experiences. The meticulous approach ensures that each development enhances both the game and the destination. 👉 What makes a site truly exceptional? 👉 How does Cabot balance real estate with world-class golf? 👉 What’s next for one of the industry’s most talked-about golf brands? Read the full conversation with Cowan-Dewar to gain deeper insights into the future of golf course development: https://lnkd.in/ePzB7jvS 📧 Stay informed with the latest golf business insights - subscribe to the Golf Business Quarterly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eerz5hig

The PGA is proudly supporting Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race, working with our Members to help golfers go the distance on the course to save men’s lives! We are asking our Members to pledge a free multi-round four ball at their club and help golfers go the distance to save men’s lives. 1 in 8 men get prostate cancer. Together, we can create a future where early diagnosis saves lives. Pledge online now: https://lnkd.in/ewCYxiJz

The golf clubs we use today are the result of decades of research, innovation, and precision engineering. But in a sport where technology is constantly evolving, is there a limit to how far we can push performance? In the latest episode of The GBQ Podcast, Sarah Stirk sits down with Dr. Alan Hocknell, Titleist’s Vice President of Advanced Research and Innovation, to discuss: 👉 The cutting-edge advancements shaping golf club design 👉 The challenges of innovation within strict regulations 👉 The future of golf technology and how it will impact players at all levels With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Hocknell has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in golf equipment. His insights provide a fascinating look into how science and engineering continue to drive the game forward. 🎧 Listen now to gain expert analysis on one of the most critical areas of the golf industry: https://lnkd.in/eF3vWkvT For more exclusive industry insights, interviews, and analysis, subscribe to the Golf Business Quarterly newsletter today: https://lnkd.in/eerz5hig.

In today’s competitive employment landscape, distinguishing yourself from your peers is more important than ever. For PGA Members and the facilities that employ them, PGA Excel has become a key benchmark for career progression, professional recognition, and recruitment. Since its launch in 2022, more than 150 PGA Members have been awarded new designations - ranging from Advanced to Master Professional - across PGA Professional, PGA Coach, and PGA Manager pathways. These designations signify not only expertise but also an individual’s impact and achievement within the industry. Industry leaders, including John Blanch (Loch Lomond Golf Club) and Christopher May CCM (Dubai Golf) (pictured), emphasise the value of PGA Excel as a recruitment tool, ensuring facilities hire the most skilled professionals: For employers, PGA Excel provides a clear benchmark for assessing and hiring top talent, while for PGA Members it serves as a career accelerator, demonstrating ambition, experience, and professional growth. To learn more about PGA Excel and how it can benefit your career or facility, take a look at this article from Golf Business Quarterly: https://lnkd.in/eBv_a9k6 Stay ahead of industry trends with GBQ – sign up now for exclusive insights, expert interviews, and the latest golf business news delivered straight to your inbox: https://lnkd.in/eerz5hig.

Padel is making waves in the UK, and golf clubs are taking notice. With its social, accessible, and fast-paced nature, padel is proving to be a perfect complement to golf - offering members a new way to stay active, socialise, and attract a younger demographic. Neil Percival, COO & co-founder of UK Padel highlights the growing trend of golf clubs integrating padel courts into their facilities. With new installations, like those at South Buckinghamshire Golf Club, it's clear that golf venues are seeing the potential of this fast-growing racket sport. 💬 “Golf clubs are really starting to embrace this idea. Everyone is asking for proposals, operational insights, and planning requirements. There’s a genuine interest - and golf clubs could be a huge area of growth for padel in the UK.” With over 25 million players worldwide and a rapidly growing UK audience, is your golf club ready to join the padel movement? Read the full interview in the latest edition of Golf Business Quarterly: https://lnkd.in/eKM3s_vW 📧 Get golf business insights straight to your inbox. Sign up for the first look at the latest news, features, exclusive interviews and podcast episodes with the monthly GBQ newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eerz5hig