GCMA Aspire: A New Career Development Series for Aspiring Managers

Press Release


The Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) is excited to share the launch of GCMA Aspire: Career Development Series – a brand-new initiative designed to support the next generation of golf club managers.

GCMA Aspire is now included as part of Affiliate Membership and offers targeted support for those looking to grow their careers in golf club management. From webinars and events to tailored coaching and access to GCMA education programmes, GCMA Aspire is built to help aspiring leaders take the next step.

This new series is part of our ongoing commitment to developing talent and professionalising the golf club management industry.

What’s Included in GCMA Aspire:

  • Access to 1-2-1 career pathway sessions with GCMA’s Professional Development Manager.
  • A new career development webinar series, with expert panels and industry leaders.
  • In-person regional events focused on career planning and skills development (being piloted in Autumn 2025).
  • Member rates on GCMA education programmes like the Principles of Golf Club Management and Advanced Management Programme.
  • Personalised Support towards achieving GCMA Accreditation

“We’re really excited for the launch of GCMA Aspire and continuing to develop our services to support the very best talent in reaching their potential and achieving their long-term career aspirations. This is a great addition to our existing professional development programmes, which provides our Affiliate members with tailored and personalised support to help them to better understand how to navigate some of the challenges and opportunities they are likely to face in their careers. “

Tom Brooke, GCMA CEO

Upcoming Aspire Webinars:

  • Building Your GM CV: Skills, Experience and Positioning for Promotion – 16 Dec
  • What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a GM – 26 Sept
  • How to Influence Upwards: Communicating with Boards and Committees – 27 Oct
  • The Diary of a GM & Planning for The Open with Richard Weeks (Royal Birkdale) – 27 Nov

To celebrate the launch, we’re offering 25 fully funded Affiliate Memberships for aspiring managers – for those already working within the industry, as well as those looking to move into the industry in the future. If you know someone with potential, now is the time to support their next step.

You can either:

  • Or nominate them yourself by submitting an application on their behalf
  • Encourage them to apply via a short personal statement on the GCMA website

Application deadline: Sunday 27th July
Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 30th July.

Apply here

“Having witnessed exceptional talent emerge through our educational courses, one-to-one career pathway sessions, and the GCMA Accreditation process, I am delighted to announce the launch of the Aspire scheme. This initiative is designed to deliver more tailored educational support to our Affiliate members, both in person and online.

I strongly encourage all General Managers to support and champion the involvement of their aspiring leaders in the Aspire scheme—this year and into the future.”

– Gareth Morgan, Professional Development Manager

Thank you for continuing to support the GCMA and its mission to develop, connect, and inspire golf club managers at every stage of their career.

Together, we’re shaping the future of the profession.


For questions about GCMA Aspire or to get involved, contact [email protected]


For media inquiries, please contact:

Mark Shanley
[email protected]
01275 391153

By Mark Shanley

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