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