What happens when a hospitality professional stumbles into golf and ends up leading the charge for the sport’s evolution across an entire continent? In this episode, host Colin Weston sits down with his "golf friend," Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the Golf Course Association of Europe (GCAE). Renate brings an infectious energy and a 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
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