IGTM Discovery Podcast

Golf may be the reason people book a trip, but what makes them come back?In this episode of the IGTM Discovery Podcast, host Tom Irwin is joined by Nuno Sepulveda, CEO of Details, to explore how modern golf resorts are evolving into complete lifestyle destinations. From helping transform Costa Navarino into one of Europe's premier golf destinations to overseeing Portugal's largest golf portfolio, Nuno shares the thinking behind creating experiences that go far beyond the fairways.They discuss why amenities are becoming just as important as the golf itself, how technology is reshaping the guest journey, the challenge of repositioning established resorts, and why the best destinations are built with long-term investment in mind.If you're interested in the future of golf travel, hospitality and destination development, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

In this episode of the IGTM Discovery Podcast, Tom Irwin sits down with Will Hewitt from 59club to explore how data, customer feedback, and service excellence are shaping the future of golf and hospitality. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience across club management, resorts, and golf operations, Will covers the evolution of guest expectations, the role of mystery shopping and performance benchmarking, and why the most successful venues are those that truly listen to their customers. Tom and Will discuss: - How 59club helps clubs and resorts improve performance through data and training - The importance of measuring the complete guest journey - Why customer feedback is more valuable than assumptions - Common mistakes golf venues make when interpreting performance metrics - The balance between technology, AI, and human hospitality - Creating memorable first impressions and personalised experiences - Pre-arrival communication strategies that drive engagement and revenue - How leading golf resorts are using data to make better business decisions This episode offers practical insights into what separates good venues from truly outstanding ones.

In this episode of the IGTM Discovery Podcast, we sit down with golf travel expert Daniel Jones of Haversham and Baker to explore the continued boom in golf tourism and why today’s golfers are chasing far more than just tee times.From bucket-list trips to St Andrews and Royal Troon, to the hidden gems that often leave the biggest impression, Daniel shares insights from over a decade in the golf travel industry. The conversation dives into the rise of experience-led travel, the growing influence of social media on golf tourism, and why authenticity matters more than ever for travelling golfers.We also discuss:Why golf travel demand continues to grow post-pandemicThe appeal of links golf and the Open Championship rotaHow off-course experiences shape modern golf tripsWhy lesser-known courses are becoming traveller favouritesThe realities of rising green fees and long booking windowsHow destinations across Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales are evolving

In this episode of the IGTM Discovery Podcast, host Tom Irwin sits down with NCG Top 100s chairman Dan Murphy for a deep dive into the world of golf course rankings. From how ranking panels are built and courses are assessed, to the realities of access, bias, and industry perception, Dan offers a transparent look at what really goes into the lists that shape global golf tourism. The conversation also explores how clubs and resorts can engage more effectively with rankings and why integrity, context, and timing matter more than ever.

Episode two of the IGTM Discovery Podcast explores how trusted brands, global standards and new commercial thinking are helping shape the next chapter of golf.Host Tom Irwin sits down with Duncan Rougvie of PGA Branded Properties where the conversation moves into the commercial opportunities shaping the wider golf industry today.

In the first episode of the IGTM Discovery Podcast, host Tom Irwin is joined by Fiona Ashton, Show Manager of IGTM, to introduce IGTM Discovery and explain why it represents a major step forward for the golf industry.Recorded live from the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando during The PGA Show, the conversation explores how golf travel, equipment, apparel, technology and golf operations are becoming increasingly connected and why the time is right to bring them together under one roof.