Last week’s GCMA ASPIRE webinar focused on one of the most important challenges facing modern golf club leaders: creating and sustaining high-performing teams.
The session brought together two highly respected industry figures who shared practical insights drawn from their leadership experience across different club models and organisational structures.
GCMA CEO Tom Brooke reflected on his career journey from Golf Club General Manager to Managing Director within a group operator environment, offering a strategic perspective on leadership, culture and long-term team development. He explored the importance of clear values, consistent communication and accountability, highlighting how strong leadership frameworks can support staff engagement and performance across complex club operations.
Joining Tom was Rhys Morgan, General Manager of Newport Golf Club, who provided a member-owned club perspective grounded in real-world experience. Drawing on his success in building effective, motivated teams, and following his recent recognition as a finalist for GCMA Manager of the Year and Team of the Year, as well as being named Wales Golf Manager of the Year, Rhys shared practical approaches to recruitment, empowerment and creating a culture of trust and shared ownership.
Throughout the webinar, attendees were given clear, actionable takeaways they could apply immediately within their own clubs. The session reinforced the message that high-performing teams do not happen by chance, but are built through intentional leadership, clarity of purpose and a genuine investment in people. As part of the GCMA ASPIRE programme, the webinar exemplified our commitment to supporting aspiring and developing managers with relevant, experience-led learning that reflects the realities of modern golf club management.
To watch this webinar on catch up, visit the GCMA Webinar library.
By Mark Shanley
