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The ModGolf PodcastHost Colin Weston explores the future of golf through conversations with the visionaries and influencers that are shaking up the sport. Author: The ModGolf Podcast
The ModGolf Podcast talks with golf's top influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors about their vision and ventures that are re-imagining, transforming and growing both the game and 100 billion/year industry. The ModGolf Podcast has been ranked #4 on 2024's most comprehensive list of "Top 25 Golf Podcasts" (https://blog.feedspot.com/golf_podcasts/), based on our quality and consistency of posts, industry expert reviews and social media influence/popularity. Please subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast to help us grow and move up the rankings in 2025! We'd love to hear from you! Have any ideas or guests you'd like to hear on future episodes? Contact Colin directly here (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/contact) or on Instagram @modgolfpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/modgolfpodcast/) to start the conversation. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Golf, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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A European Playbook to Future-Proof Golf - Renate Roeleveld, CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe
Saturday, 18 April, 2026
What happens when a hospitality professional stumbles into golf and ends up leading the charge for the sport’s evolution across an entire continent? Host Colin Weston sits down with his "new golf friend" Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the Golf Course Association of Europe (GCAE) to soak up her infectious energy and unique perspective on how Europe is redefining golf - from battling climate change with robotic mowers to creating "Fabulous Fridays" to get more women on the course. Colin and Renate take a deep dive into the industry’s hottest topics: moving beyond the traditional 18-hole mindset, using tech to solve labour shortages, and why listening is the most powerful tool for inclusion. If you’ve ever wondered how golf can survive and thrive by embracing change, this conversation is your playbook. Key takeaways in this episode with Renate that you will discover: The "Short Format" Revolution: Why golf courses need to stop defining golfers by 18 holes and start embracing par-3 courses and simulators to attract busy families and multi-sport athletes. Hospitality is the New Currency: Renate explains how her background in hotel management taught her that golf is a perishable "experience" business, and why women are naturally positioned to lead in this space. Data-Driven Sustainability: From robotic mowing to pesticide-free maintenance, European courses are being forced by regulation (and high energy prices) to innovate. Learn how greenskeepers are turning into data analysts to keep courses playable, sustainable and profitable. Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Renate on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch. Three Memorable Quotes from Renate: On changing the game for women: "Women and men are equal, but we are not the same. When you realize the differences in how we experience golf, you can work your way around the small hurdles - and then it’s actually quite easy." On the value of golf real estate: "As Jay of the NGCOA nicely put it: the dirt is worth more than the business. We have to do a better job showing what golf facilities offer to the community and the environment." On resilience: "There are highs and lows when running. If you just keep going, focusing on what you’re doing and putting your best foot forward, you will make it to whatever finish line there is." Renate Roeleveld's bio page >> https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/renate-roeleveld Links & Resources Mentioned: The GCAE Golf Course Assocation of Europe on Instagram: @gcae_golf LinkedIn: Renate Roeleveld The Golf Course Association of Europe: https://www.gcae.eu/ The ModGolf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast Episode Chapters: 00:00 – 05:00: Welcome & "Golf Orphans" – Renate’s accidental start in the Netherlands 05:00 – 10:00: What is the GCAE? A look at Europe’s diverse golf landscape (Nordics vs. South) 10:00 – 20:00: Inclusion in Action – The origin of "Fab Friday" and the Women’s Golf Project 20:00 – 28:00: Career Paths & Hospitality – Why golf needs more women in leadership 28:00 – 35:00: Tech & Sustainability – The rise of robotic mowers, data-driven greenskeeping, and the "Nature Pyramid" 35:00 – 40:00: The Future of Formats – why short courses are winning and Renate’s amazing New York Marathon story (running the last 10km on a broken leg!) 40:00 – End: Final advice on talking with communities, not about them Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin We want to thank Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019! Are you a golf course owner, manager or operator looking to increase both your profit margins and on-course experience? Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.Special Guest: Renate Roeleveld - CEO of The Golf Course Association of Europe.
