Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Golf club management expert John Blanch, a familiar and respected figure within the Asian golf industry, will share his knowledge accumulated over the course of more than three decades during an online interactive session.

Blanch boasts 30 years of international experience in golf club management, having successfully operated elite golf facilities across four continents.

His career includes leadership roles at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including his current position at Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland, his former role as General Manager at London’s Wentworth Club as well as senior positions at Thai Country Club and elite venues across Portugal, China, and Vietnam.

The Q&A with Blanch is organised by Golf Industry Guru (GIG), a membership-based online learning platform for golf course owners and operators.

Tuesday’s interactive session (August 26 at 11 am Pacific/2 pm Eastern – 2 am Singapore time on August 27) will focus on industry-leading club management best practices and international operational strategies that drive success across diverse markets and cultures.

As a member of the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, Blanch advocates for hiring qualified PGA professionals and employs a hands-on management style that prioritises team development and service excellence. His servant-leader approach has been instrumental in creating first-class operations that deliver the ultimate golf experience to members and guests across vastly different cultural contexts.

James Cronk, Co-Founder of GIG, said: “What separates elite golf clubs isn’t just location or amenities – it’s understanding the industry-leading management principles and best practices that create exceptional experiences anywhere.

“John’s unique perspective, having successfully managed world-class clubs across such diverse markets, offers our members insights they simply can’t get anywhere else.”

The session will explore critical operational insights through Blanch’s unique career journey, addressing key areas including:

• Universal Service Excellence versus Cultural Adaptation: What remains consistent about world-class member service across different countries and cultures, and what must be adapted based on local expectations and traditions.
• From Shop Floor to Executive Suite: How Blanch’s origins as a trainee and assistant professional continue to influence his general management decisions and operational philosophy today.
• Learning from Failure and Challenge: The most valuable lessons learned from major challenges that shaped his approach to club operations.
• Tournament-Level Event Management: Skills mastered for hosting high-profile events and how tournament operational standards can elevate day-to-day private club operations.
• The Inverted Organisational Chart in Practice: Real-world implementation of servant-leadership principles at Loch Lomond, where leaders support frontline staff rather than traditional top-down management.
• PGA Talent Development: Strategies for identifying and developing PGA-qualified talent, plus insights on where clubs typically under-invest in professional development.
• Modern Membership Engagement: What programming and amenities actually drive engagement among younger, family-focused members at top-tier clubs.
• Technology for Enhanced Management: Practical technology tools that have helped enhance GM effectiveness across different markets.
• Global Management Skills That Travel: The essential skills that translate to any global market and practical advice for aspiring international general managers.

The interactive format will allow participants to ask direct questions about their specific operational challenges, providing an opportunity for golf course owners and operators to gain personalised insights from one of the industry’s most internationally experienced professionals.

Anyone in the golf industry can access the live session via YouTube Live Stream.