Rain Bird and Fairway Credit Announced as Headline Sponsors for the Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition

Long standing GCMA Premium Partners Rain Bird and Fairway Credit return as headline sponsors for the biennial conference – Press Release


The Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) is proud to announce that industry leaders and Premium Partners Rain Bird and Fairway Credit will serve as headline sponsors for the upcoming Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition, taking place November 16–18 at De Vere Cotswold Water Park.

Their continued support of both the Conference and the Association reflects their alignment with GCMA’s mission to empower golf club managers through innovation, sustainability, and professional development. As the 2025 event embraces a bold Future Ready mindset, Rain Bird and Fairway Credit’s sponsorship stands as a powerful endorsement of the values driving the industry forward.

“We’re thrilled to have Rain Bird and Fairway Credit as our headline sponsors,” said Darren Wood, GCMA Partnerships Manager. “Their involvement not only elevates the calibre of our conference but also reinforces our shared mission to advance the profession of golf club management.”

Rain Bird, a global pioneer in irrigation technology, will bring its expertise to the forefront of the conference’s sustainability discussions. With a proven track record of revolutionising water management on golf courses, Rain Bird continues to lead the way in environmentally responsible solutions.

Eric Ableitner, Rain Bird’s Regional Sales Manager for North and Central Europe, said;

“Rain Bird is delighted to be a headline sponsor of the GCMA conference once again. It’s vital that club managers and industry meet to discuss and plan for the challenges the golf industry faces, and the opportunities it has to develop and grow. After one of the driest years on record, water continues to be a pressing issue for clubs across the country. We’ll be joining the conversation about water sustainability at the event with the aim of ensuring that attendees know the steps they need to take to be ‘Future Ready’.

Fairway Credit, the UK’s leading provider of golf club membership finance, brings a legacy of support for clubs and their members. From the GCMA Conference to the Annual Members Championships, Fairway Credit has long championed the growth and accessibility of the game.

“Using a finance facility to meet membership costs is becoming more and more commonplace as players look for effective ways to manage cash flow. It’s also beneficial for clubs providing them with a smooth, reliable, and regulatory-compliant cash flow. With membership fees paid to the club in full at the start of each membership year, the club can manage its own financial planning more easily, helping save time and administration costs. It’s a serious consideration for golf club managers looking to maximise income and ease the administrative burden. We’re delighted to have been supporting golf in this way for the last 30 years.” – Nigel Stewart, Sales Director Fairway Credit

The 2025 Conference & Exhibition will feature keynote speakers, expert panels, and interactive sessions focused on Strategy, Sustainability, and Success, themes that reflect the dynamic challenges and opportunities facing today’s golf club managers.

For more information and to register, visit our conference site, or secure your place via the link below

An Unmissable Event for the Industry

The Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition 2025 will bring together experts, thought leaders, and innovators to share practical insights, strategies, and solutions for the future of golf club management. Attendees can expect a dynamic programme of keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and an expanded exhibition showcasing the latest products and services in the sector.

For updates and further information visit our conference site

By Mark Shanley

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