‘GCMA Principles course gave me the confidence to move into golf club management’

29 January 2025

After undertaking our Principles course, Mike Hollis says he gained the confidence to make a move into golf club management.

Mike Hollis hailed the impact the GCMA Principles of Golf Club Management course has had on his career development.

He attended the Principles course in October 2023 while working as a Regional Development Officer for England Golf and has since made the move into golf club management.

Now Deputy General Manager at Nizels Golf & Country Club, which is part of The Club Company, Mike cited the Principles course as a catalyst for his new career path.

“The course gave me the confidence to make the step into golf/health club management, due to the knowledge gained as well as the available support demonstrated across the industry,” he said.

“Meeting and working with the other attendees throughout the week was impactful as there was the ability to learn from others as well as discuss real-life examples, and how they have been worked through in the past.

“The enthusiasm of all the speakers and the GCMA staff highlighted the enjoyment of working within the golf/health industry, and yes there are challenges which everyone will encounter, yet these challenges are part of learning and as long as we strive to offer the best member/guest experience, then decisions will be made for the correct reasons.

“The GCMA Principles of Golf Club Management course is a great opportunity to take on in my opinion.”

About GCMA Principles of Golf Club Management course

The one-week Principles of Golf Club Management course will provide you with the knowledge and resources to understand the numerous areas of control that a Golf Club Manager requires.

It aims to inform you of crucial legislative processes, employment and Health & Safety principles, along with the many varied roles and responsibilities that the modern Golf Club Manager needs to have at their fingertips.

Run by the GCMA, this course has been running in excess of 30 years and is a recognised standard within the golf industry and by golf clubs and recruiters as essential education for new managers, heads of department and assistants seeking career progression or those from outside of the industry seeking a change in career path.

Reflecting on his start to life at Nizels, he added: “One of the important factors in making the decision to join Nizels was the ability to make a day-to-day impact upon the members experience and be part of key project plans, not only in initial discussions stages but also the implementation of such projects, which was missing from my previous regional role.

“The role is extremely enjoyable, working alongside not only our Golf Operations Manager but also all aspects of the club — food & beverage, gym, studio classes, spa, and more.

“All of the team at Nizels have been extremely welcoming, supportive and knowledgeable, making it a positive environment in which to work.”

Principles course dates

Mon 10th – Thu 13th March 2025 (online)

Mon 9th – Thu 12th June 2025 (online)

Mon 29th September – Fri 3rd October (Residential)

Mon 8th – Thu 11th December 2025 (online)

By GCMA Content Team

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John Steele

John Steele is a former professional athlete, sports coach, Olympic Leader and is the Executive Director of Sport at Loughborough University. He has been Chief Executive across a range of sectors. Drawing on leadership experience of nine different Olympic and Paralympic Games (including the amazing events at the Rio Games), John reflects on the lessons from this unique period in British sport and relays his fascinating views on creating high performing teams.

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John moved into the corporate world, before he enjoyed an outstanding career as a professional rugby player achieving international honours. After his playing career, he turned his hand to coaching and achieved the highest accolade for a British club coach by winning the European Cup with Northampton Saints. He then became Executive Director on the Saints Board during a period of unprecedented growth, and served on the England Rugby Board during the successful world cup campaign of 2003. It was no surprise that John’s talents were called upon to drive through a change and modernisation programme as CEO of the Rugby Football Union – a challenge that became controversial and ended in his departure from the post after only a year, but with his dignity and professional pride intact.

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Dr Jo Salter MBE

Dr Jo Salter MBE is famed for becoming the first female fast jet pilot, having flown the Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft during her services in the Royal Air Force. Joining the RAF aged 18, Jo has since taken Air Cadets into the skies as part of Air Experience Flights, become the Director of Global Transformative Leadership for PWC, and most recently become a Global Advisory of GenAI for PwC.

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Having developed first-class expertise in leadership, analytical thinking and performing under pressure, Jo is now a highly sought-after public speaker to share stories from her time in the skies.

Jo is a passionate Trustee of The Royal Air Force Club and an Ambassador of the Global Angels charity, an organisation that gives communities around the world access to clean water, education, healthcare and encourages female and youth empowerment. Jo has also authored two books, titled Energy: 52 Ways to Fire Up Your Life and Become an Energy Angel and Energize: Spring Clean Your Mind and Body to Get Your Bounce Back Today and Every Day.

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In 2022, Jo was invited personally by Tom Cruise to attend the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. Most recently, Jo received an honorary doctorate of Arts from Bournemouth University.