It’s been a busy week for the talented team at X-Golf, with National Training Manager James Lightfoot named as a finalist in the prestigious Asia Pacific Learning Impact Awards (ALIAs), recognised in the L&D Rising Star category.
Open to professionals and teams across all industries in the Asia Pacific, the awards celebrate innovation and excellence in learning and development, but for James, this achievement is about more than professional recognition – it reflects the progress X-Golf has made in creating a culture of accountability, growth and service excellence across its national franchise network.
“For me, it’s recognition that you don’t need a traditional corporate training background to make an impact,” James said.
“I’ve found that what you do need is a clear vision, practical experience and a willingness to do things differently.”
Since joining X-Golf just two years ago, James has built and implemented a national training framework that covers everything from induction and hospitality skills to simulator operations and safety. His approach has been to simplify training into modules that are engaging, hands-on and relevant to the day-to-day realities of staff across all venues.
Coming from hospitality and venue management, James saw first-hand how traditional training often felt flat, outdated and difficult to retain.
By designing interactive and engaging programs, he has transformed the way staff learn, ensuring stronger engagement and higher retention.
And the impact has been clear, with customers at X-Golf venues across Australia experiencing a consistent standard of service that directly reflects the effectiveness of these training programs.
“The most rewarding part has been watching staff pick up skills quickly, enjoy the process and then bring that energy straight to the customer experience,” James said.
And James’s work has already been reflected in tangible success stories!
Most recently, X-Golf Geelong was awarded the Australian Achiever Award for Best Customer Service in Hospitality in Victoria – an achievement that highlights the direct link between professional, engaging training and outstanding customer outcomes.
This latest award nomination adds to a strong year for X-Golf, with several franchises also named finalists in a range of industry awards.
Together, these achievements reinforce the professionalism and integrity of the brand, underscoring X-Golf’s commitment to continuous improvement that sits at the heart of its success.
“Ultimately, training should be about giving people the skills and confidence to succeed in real-world situations. At X-Golf, we’ve made sure it’s not only professional but enjoyable, too,” James said.
X-Golf congratulates James on this significant achievement and wishes him the very best as the winners are announced. His recognition as a finalist in the ALIAs is a proud moment for the business and a testament to the strength and credibility of its national team.
Way to go, James!
