Nicole Wheatley – Women in Golf Awards & The Fairways Project
Leighton catches up with Nicole Wheatley, founder of the Women in Golf Awards, to discuss the initiative's growth as it enters its fifth year, moving to Belton Woods in Lincolnshire to accommodate more attendees and improve accessibility.
The conversation explores the importance of recognising talent, supporting career development and retaining women across the golf industry. Nicole explains the Fairways Project, a five-year research initiative with 59club designed to better understand women's experiences, career progression and the challenges facing the industry.
We also hear how networking, mentoring and recognition can make a tangible difference to careers, with inspiring examples of previous award winners benefiting from new connections and opportunities.
Find out more at Women in Golf Awards and The Fairways Project.
Kristine Botelho – St Croix National Golf & Event Center
Leighton heads to Wisconsin to meet Kristine Botelho, owner of St Croix National Golf & Event Center, to explore how a golf facility can become much more than a place to play 18 holes of Golf!
Kristine discusses the installation of the Himalayas Golf putting course, the venue's unique 19th hole featuring post round shots towards an island green, and the introduction of golf simulators to create a year-round recreational destination.
The conversation also covers the importance of food and beverage, attracting families and non-golfers, diversifying revenue and building a family business for future generations. Kristine shares valuable insights into how public golf facilities can challenge convention, attract new audiences and create additional reasons for people to visit and stay longer.
Two distinct conversations, linked by a common theme: finding new ways to create opportunities and build a stronger future for golf.
https://www.scngolf.com/
Connect with Us
Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk
Website: Golf Club Talk UK
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/
Thanks to our partners
Toro – Click here for more information
Himalayas Golf – Click here for more information
59club UK&Ireland – Click here for more information
Support the podcast
https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk
Rate & Review
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with your golf network. Your support helps us continue bringing together the people shaping the future of golf.
