GCMA’s Own Graduate from Prestigious R&A Women’s Leadership Foundation Programme

10 July 2025

A milestone that highlights the GCMA’s commitment to professional development and future industry leadership

The GCMA is proud to celebrate the achievements of two of its own, Natalie McColl, GCMA Membership and Communications Manager, and Claire Docker, GCMA Level 1 Accredited Manager and General Manager at Robin Hood Golf Club, who both graduated this week from The R&A’s prestigious Women’s Leadership Foundation Programme.

This milestone marks a significant step in both of their professional development journeys and demonstrates the GCMA’s continued investment in leadership and learning within the golf industry.

The R&A’s Women’s Leadership Foundation Programme is a unique, six-month professional development initiative designed to empower emerging female leaders across the global golf industry. It supports participants in developing leadership skills, building confidence, and establishing meaningful peer networks. The programme brings together women from a diverse range of golf organisations and clubs and challenges them to explore leadership through the lens of personal growth, inclusion, and resilience.

Speaking about the programme earlier this year, Jackie Davidson, Director – Golf Development at The R&A, commented:

“This programme is more than just leadership training. It’s about creating a culture shift within the wider golf industry—one that values, supports, and promotes women into leadership roles. We’re very proud of the success our graduates have achieved and excited to welcome the next cohort of future leaders.”

Throughout the programme, Natalie and Claire took part in monthly online workshops, supported by additional learning resources and one-to-one coaching with senior industry leaders—many of whom are alumni of the programme. Topics covered included ranged from growth mindset to emotional intelligence to building resilience. The programme concluded with a personal presentation from each participant, reflecting on their learning journey.

Claire Docker, General Manager, Robin Hood Golf Club

Reflecting on her experience, Natalie McColl said:

“It’s been a transformative experience—both professionally and personally. The programme has deepened my understanding of effective leadership and the unique challenges and opportunities within the golf industry. I’m incredibly grateful to The R&A and the GCMA for supporting my development and expanding my network of peers from around the world. It was a real privilege to learn alongside a group of inspirational women, all passionate about driving the future of golf forward.”

The graduation of Natalie and Claire is a proud moment for the GCMA, underlining the Association’s commitment to continued professional development (CPD), not only for its members but for its team and wider community.

Tom Brooke, GCMA CEO added:

“I’m delighted for Natalie in completing the R&A Women’s Leadership Programme and really proud of how superbly she has represented the GCMA throughout the course. In terms of personal development, it is clear that this experience has had a hugely positive impact on her confidence and progression as an individual and as a leader.

We’re really grateful to the R&A for hosting and delivering this great programme and I would encourage any of our female members looking for an opportunity to progress, to consider applying.

Congratulations Natalie on this fantastic achievement!

Huge congratulations also to GCMA member Claire Docker for also completing the R&A programme. Claire has shown tremendous commitment to her personal and professional development since joining the industry a couple of years ago, having also completed the GCMA Principles course, the GCMA Advanced Management Programme in Health and Safety and has also recently achieved GCMA Accreditation Level 1 Status“

The GCMA continues to champion professional development for it’s members and across the sector, recognising that strong, forward-thinking leadership is vital to the future of the game. The achievements of Natalie and Claire reflect the Association’s values to Inspire, Support, and Represent—both within our own organisation and across the golf industry as a whole.

By Mark Shanley

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