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From Chigwell to Ladybank, Gullane and ultimately Swinley Forest – what does it take to reach the top of golf club management?

In this episode of Grapes & Greens, we sit down with Gordon Simpson, Secretary of Swinley Forest Golf Club, to explore a fascinating career journey through some of the most respected clubs in British golf.

Gordon reflects on the experiences, opportunities and challenges that shaped his career, the lessons learned at each club and how those experiences prepared him for his current role at Swinley Forest, one of England's most prestigious private members' clubs.

We discuss what makes a great club manager, the importance of understanding members, building strong teams and balancing the traditions of historic golf clubs with the demands of modern-day management.

We also get behind the scenes at Swinley Forest, exploring what makes the club so special and the responsibility that comes with leading an institution with such a remarkable reputation.

An engaging conversation about ambition, career progression, leadership and the people and relationships that make the golf industry such a fascinating place to work.

Grapes & Greens – where golf, wine, travel and business come together.

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I’m joined by David Hyland, Co-Founder of Business in Golf, who brings a fascinating perspective to the business of golf.

David spent more than 20 years working with some of the world’s biggest consumer brands, including Diageo, Coca-Cola and Müller, developing his experience in commercial strategy, innovation and understanding what drives consumer behaviour.

Now, he’s applying that experience to an industry he’s passionate about: golf.

Alongside his wife and Co-Founder, Lee-Ann, David is building Business in Golf, an independent media platform exploring the people, brands, businesses and investment shaping the global golf industry.

In our conversation, we look at what golf can learn from other industries, where the biggest commercial opportunities may lie, how consumer expectations are changing, and what it takes to build a successful business in golf.

Whether you work in the industry or simply want to understand where golf is heading next, there’s plenty to take away from this conversation.

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In this episode of Grapes & Greens, we sit down with Rob Tankard, Managing Director of J.Lindeberg UK, to explore the story behind one of the most distinctive brands at the intersection of golf, fashion and lifestyle.

Having spent 12 years with J.Lindeberg, Rob has played a key role in the brand’s growth and development, helping it establish itself as a global name with a reported turnover of £140 million. We discuss the evolution of the brand, its Swedish heritage, the influence of fashion on modern golf and how J.Lindeberg continues to challenge traditional perceptions of golf apparel.

Rob also shares his insights into the changing landscape of the golf industry, the importance of brand identity and the growing connection between golf, luxury and lifestyle.

From the fairways to the fashion world, this is a fascinating conversation about ambition, innovation and the people shaping the future of golf.

Listen now to discover the story behind J.Lindeberg and the vision driving the brand forward.