Global Edition - Hugo Mills, R&A + GCAE update - Episode 152

Leighton catches up with friend of the pod, Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the GCAE, where we look at what's happening, including the upcoming Conference in November. The theme will be around experience and we touch on this throughout. Hugo Mills then joins us to discuss The R&A's mission to grow the game around the world and the challenges of increasing participation across both established and emerging golf markets. Drawing on his work with more than 160 golf federations globally, Hugo shares insights into how different countries are approaching golf development, why accessibility remains one of the sport's biggest challenges, and the role that new formats, urban facilities, simulators and short-form golf experiences can play in attracting new players. The conversation explores the importance of making golf easier to access and more affordable to start, while also highlighting examples of innovative work taking place in countries such as Malta, Poland, Chile and Colombia. Hugo also discusses golf's growing social value, from health and wellbeing benefits to community impact, and why these factors could help unlock greater investment in the sport in the years ahead. A fascinating look at the future of golf development and the opportunities that exist to bring the game to new audiences around the world. https://www.randa.org/about-us https://www.gcaeconference.eu/gcae-conference/ Connect with Us: Instagram: @golfclubtalkuk Website: Golf Club Talk UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighton-walker-2708b627/ A big thanks to our partners: Toro - Click here for more information Himalayas Golf - Click here for more information Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/gctuk Rate & Review Please leave a 5-star review and share this episode with your golf circle!