We revisit one of our most popular, and one of our favourite, episodes this week.

Jim Rohrstaff’s journey from caddying in Michigan to helping build world-class golf destinations in New Zealand is full of lessons in leadership, hospitality, and taking calculated risks. Jim joins Ed Chapman and Michael Herd to discuss what makes a club truly memorable, why great service starts with the right people, and how clear vision and empowered teams create a strong culture. He also shares what led him to move his family to New Zealand and how he evaluates big opportunities. A thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in golf, club management, and building something exceptional.

This episode is brought to you by:

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too!

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

This week we are joined by Tim Neil, PGA, LLM, General Manager of Hann Reserve.

The conversation delves into the importance of quality time over quantity time, effective time management, education and career pathways, adapting to new cultures, and the significance of leadership and human connection. It emphasises the value of engaging activities, curiosity, and empathy in personal and professional growth, as well as the impact of cultural adaptation and human connection in leadership roles.

Connect with Tim via email tim.neil.pga@gmail.com

Takeaways

• Quality time is more valuable than quantity time
• Curiosity and empathy are essential for personal and professional growth

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey from PGA Professional to General Manager
• 07:16 Culture Building and Leadership at Al Badia
• 18:58 Transition to Strategic Thinking
• 22:20 Pursuing a Master's in Law
• 27:14 Work-Life Harmony and Time Management
• 31:26 Quality Time vs. Quantity Time
• 32:31 Effective Time Management
• 34:25 Education and Career Pathways
• 39:07 Adapting to New Cultures
• 44:06 Leadership and Human Connection

This episode is brought to you by:

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too!

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!

Desi Speh, CEO of the Desert Highlands Association, shares his journey from a young golf enthusiast to a successful leader in the club industry.

He emphasises the importance of being authentic, finding the right cultural fit, and building trust in the workplace. Desi's approach to hiring and leadership fosters a family-like environment at Desert Highlands, where values and culture are paramount.

The conversation covers the challenges and qualities of effective leadership, the transition from number two to number one roles, and the importance of work-life balance in leadership roles.

Takeaways

• Authenticity and cultural fit are crucial in the club industry
• Building trust and embracing a family-like environment leads to success Effective leadership requires humility and the ability to step back and trust the team.
• Transitioning from a number two to a number one role requires careful consideration of the right opportunity and the individual's strengths and weaknesses.
• Work-life balance is crucial for leadership success and requires open communication and support from family and team members.

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey in the Golf Industry
• 06:02 Balancing Seriousness and Fun
• 09:15 Being Authentic in Leadership
• 17:53 Finding Good People and Cultural Fit
• 22:35 Hiring for Culture and Values
• 25:37 The Great Man Theory and Effective Leadership
• 34:39 Transitioning from Number Two to Number One
• 47:49 Work-Life Balance in Leadership

This episode is brought to you by:

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com

Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/

SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au

They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too!

Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!