Safeproofing the golf industry for a successful and prosperous future provided the key focus for more than 250 delegates as the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) hosted its biennial conference and awards ceremony at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park.
This year’s event was centred around the headline subject of Future Ready – and the core themes of sustainability, strategy and success provided the background for three days of keynote speeches, seminars, break-out sessions and networking in Gloucestershire.
In addition to the keynote sessions delivered by Allister Frost, John Steele OBE, Jo Salter MBE and Colin Maclachlan, the programme featured a wide variety of break-out sessions, giving delegates the chance to participate in relationship-building discussions, question-and-answer forums and interactive workshops. Topics included water management, club communication, AI, leadership, team building, and recruitment.
Tom Brooke, CEO of the GCMA, said: “The conference is our chance to look at the wider landscape and see how certain things are impacting golf club management, not just in the golf industry but in society as a whole. We really support our members, not just with what they need today but with what they might need in the future, so that they have a better understanding of golf club management and how to be a great leader.”
This year’s conference saw nearly 300 delegates gather on the second evening for a gala dinner which included the 2025 GCMA Awards. Awards were handed out in four categories, while the GCMA also awarded two additional honours to members for.
The 2025 GCMA Awards winners were:
Manager of the Year: Chloe Boissel-Marshall, Tidworth Garrison Golf Club (Wiltshire)
Team of the Year: Marton Meadows Golf Club (Cheshire) – Lisa Harrop and Chad Parker
Newcomer of the Year: Heather Moran, La Moye Golf Club (Jersey)
Support Manager of the Year: Claire Bainbridge, Fulford Golf Club (North Yorkshire)
Outstanding Achievement: Cameron Dawson, given in recognition of his service to Keighley Golf Club and Yorkshire golf
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Douglass, given in recognition of his service to Liphook Golf Club (Surrey)
After receiving her award, Claire said: “I think we’re a really strong team, and this award belongs to all of us and to Fulford. My advice to anyone is just go for it. Enjoy it and take every opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Cameron said: “To say I was shocked when I received the wonderful news about this award would be an understatement. The only previous recipient – JR Jones [president of the GCMA] – is someone I am very proud to call my friend and someone I look up to. This is a big deal for me and a big deal for Yorkshire, and I feel very honoured.”
