Owen Eastwood, who helped Luke Donald foster a winning team culture for Europe’s successful Ryder Cup campaign, will address delegates at November’s GCMA Conference
Europe’s thrilling Ryder Cup triumph was built upon a multitude of strengths – but perhaps most important of all was their team culture.
Luke Donald’s side were inspired at Marco Simone Golf Club, in Rome. They produced a display that left their American rivals stunned.
While there can be no doubt that a line-up boasting the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland will always have a shot at success, the format of the event puts a premium on teamwork. That is where the hosts had the edge. And it helped them to post an unforgettable 16 1/2-11 1/2 victory.
Donald and his charges spent a year working with renowned Performance Coach and GCMA 2023 Conference keynote speaker Owen Eastwood.
Eastwood counts the England football team among his former clients.
His impact, manifested in the leadership of a captain who is now tipped to reprise his role at Bethpage Black in 2025, was clear. And Captain Donald himself acknowledged the critical importance of a strong team culture.
“I am so proud of my 12 guys,” he said. “We formed a bond from day one. They gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me.
“I gave them a good culture and prepared them but then it was staying out of the way. They had to do it and play well. They did.
“These guys will be around for a long time, and we will put up a great fight in two years’ time.”
Eastwood’s book, Belonging, offers an insight into his methods and successes. He works with leaders, organisations and teams on developing a competitive advantage through their performance environment and their leadership capability.
The performance coach regularly speaks, as well as presents and facilitates workshops, to a wide range of corporate leadership teams across the world.
GCMA 2023 Conference
The GCMA 2023 Conference, which is also open to non-members, takes place in Leicester from November 12 to 14. The theme of the conference is Team Culture. You can view the full programme here.
