The Business of Golf, the People Shaping Its Future

This week, we're looking at the business behind the game, the people helping shape golf's future and a rather special opportunity to stock up on exceptional Champagne ahead of Christmas.

From boardrooms to fairways, there's plenty to get into.

Series 4, Episode 3 is out now.

What can the golf industry learn from global brands such as Coca-Cola and Diageo?

And who are the people shaping the future of the game beyond the professional tours?

In our latest episode, we sit down with David Hyland, Co-Founder of Business in Golf, to explore the commercial side of a sport that continues to evolve.

David brings experience from some of the world's best-known consumer businesses, offering a fascinating perspective on branding, entrepreneurship and the opportunities emerging across golf.

We discuss how golf can attract new audiences, build stronger commercial relationships and think differently about its future.

It's a conversation that goes well beyond what happens on the course.

🎧 Series 4, Episode 3 is available now.

Listen on your favourite podcast platform and discover the business behind the game.

Golf has plenty of rankings.

We rank the world's best players, the finest courses and the biggest names in the game.

But what about the people working behind the scenes to move the industry forward?

That's where the Business in Golf 100 comes in.

Co-founded by David Hyland and his wife through Business in Golf, this new annual initiative will recognise 100 inspiring individuals making a meaningful contribution to the global golf industry.

From entrepreneurs and innovators to club operators, investors, brand builders and rising stars, the initiative celebrates people whose ideas and work are helping golf grow.

Its guiding principle says it all:

People, not positions. Impact, not profile. Contribution, not prominence.

Nominations are open across the global golf industry, with an independent panel selecting the final 100.

The panel is chaired by Martin Slumbers OBE, former Chief Executive of The R&A.

Candidates are considered against five key criteria: impact, innovation, inspiration, future and character.

It's not about who has the biggest following or the most impressive job title. It's about who's genuinely making a difference.

Nominations are free, and the final selection is independent of commercial partners.

Nominations close 30 October 2026, with the inaugural list announced in January 2027.

Discover the Business in Golf 100

We're pleased to have put Grapes & Greens forward for consideration.

We've always believed there's a natural connection between golf, wine, travel and luxury hospitality.

Through our podcast, partnerships and Greenside Draw, we're working to bring those worlds closer together, introducing our audience to remarkable people, brands and experiences along the way.

We're still at the beginning of that journey, and we certainly haven't been selected for the list. But it's encouraging to see an initiative recognising the wider range of people and businesses contributing to golf.

Whatever happens, we're looking forward to seeing the inaugural 100.

Exceptional Champagne. Remarkable Christmas prices.

Christmas might still feel a little way off, but now is a good time to start thinking about festive entertaining, corporate gifting and those all-important celebrations.

And we have something rather special to share.

Thanks to a producer label change, we have access to a limited selection of Maison Frerejean Frères Champagne at significantly reduced prices, with savings of up to 52% against standard trade prices.

Founded by Guillaume and Rodolphe Frerejean Taittinger, the house combines a distinguished Champagne family heritage with a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Whether you're stocking the clubhouse, thanking clients, organising a society dinner or simply planning Christmas at home, these offers are well worth a look.

Prices per bottle, excluding VAT. Subject to availability.

Cuvée Solaire Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

Normally £70 trade, now just £33.50.

A particularly attractive opportunity for anyone looking for a special bottle for Christmas entertaining or gifting.

Brut Premier Cru Magnum

Normally £90 trade, now £45.

A magnum always makes an impression, whether it's a Christmas gift, a society prize or the centrepiece of a festive celebration.

From a few bottles for Christmas lunch to cases for a golf club, hospitality venue or corporate event, we can discuss options to suit your requirements.

Stocks are limited, so we'd recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later.

Interested in the Christmas Champagne offer?

Reply to this newsletter with your requirements and we'll be happy to discuss availability and pricing.

That's all from us this week.

If you haven't yet listened to our conversation with David Hyland, make sure you catch Series 4, Episode 3. It's an interesting look at the business of golf and the people helping take the industry forward.

And if Christmas Champagne is on your shopping list, you know where to find us.

Thanks, as always, for being part of Grapes & Greens.

Here's to great golf, good company and exceptional wine.

The Grapes & Greens Team

Grapes & Greens
Where golf, wine and great experiences come together.