Building LinksDAO Episode 2: John Caven and Bert Mackay

In this very special episode of the Links Golf Club Podcast, we go deep on what makes a great golf club — not just the course, but the culture, operations, and people behind it.

We’re joined by two general managers from opposite sides of the Atlantic:

• John Caven, GM of St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto — one of the top-rated clubs in North America

• Bert MacKay, GM of Spey Bay Golf Club in Scotland — a historic coastal links now being reimagined by a global community

We explore what GMs really do, how clubs shape member experience behind the scenes, and the big (and small) things that separate good clubs from great ones. It’s a revealing look at the philosophies, contrasts, and surprising common ground between North American and Scottish golf culture.

This is Episode 2 of Building LinksDAO — our new series about the hidden ingredients behind great golf clubs.

🧢 Learn more:

• Spey Bay Member Drops → https://proshop.links.golf

• Spey Bay Golf Club → https://speybaygolfclub.com

• St. George’s G&CC → https://stgeorgesgolfandcountryclub.com

🔗 Follow the guests:

• Bert → https://www.instagram.com/bertmackay1

• John → https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncaven

⏱️ Episode Guide:

00:00 Intro & Cold Open

05:32 Meet John & Bert

11:27 What a GM Actually Does

19:21 Behind-the-Scenes Decisions

28:24 U.S. vs Scotland Club Culture

44:05 Back Nine Rapid Fire

57:21 Closing Thoughts