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