GCMA Education & Career Development in 2026

14 January 2026

At the GCMA, we believe that professional education and lifelong learning are at the heart of raising standards in golf club management across the UK.

In 2026 we continue to offer a comprehensive suite of education, qualifications, mentoring and career-development opportunities designed specifically for our members and the wider golf industry – whether you’re just starting out, stepping into management, or leading a golf club at the highest level, we have education options to support your next step.

Our education framework in 2026 is designed to allow delegates to develop at their own pace and follow a route that reflects both experience and ambition. It is built on four key pillars: foundational learning, advanced professional development, career support, and ongoing CPD (continuing professional development).

Principles of Golf Club Management – Your Foundation

For those at the beginning of their professional journey, the Principles of Golf Club Management certificate remains the best place to start. This course provides you with a broad understanding of the diverse functions that make golf clubs successful — from operations and finance to service delivery and governance. It sets the foundation for further learning and is ideally suited to delegates new to the industry or new to management.

This foundational certificate is ideal for:

New professionals entering the sector
Aspiring managers seeking a broad understanding of golf club operations

Delivered as a one-week course (online or residential), it covers essential areas of club management, laying the groundwork for further development.

DISCOVER THE PRINCIPLES OF GOLF CLUB MANAGEMENT COURSE HERE

Advanced Management Programme – Deep, Practical Learning

At the core of our educational offering in 2026 is the GCMA Advanced Management Programme (AMP) – our flagship professional development initiative. Now fully established and growing year on year, this programme gives members access to deep dive, practical, leadership-oriented learning experiences delivered in partnership with sector experts and hosted at golf clubs across the UK.

The programme consists of 11 individual Advanced Management Certificates, each focusing on a specific area of club leadership and operations. Certificates can be taken independently or combined towards wider awards, making the Advanced Management Programme extremely flexible and tailored to your development needs. Courses are delivered as residential 2–3 day workshops and are recognised for Accreditation CPD points.

The 2026 AMP Certificates include:

Golf Course Management for Golf Club Managers
Strategic Planning
Finance & Accounts Management
Building Resilience & Managing Mental Health
Advanced Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
Food & Beverage Management
Golf Club Governance
Health & Safety Management
Golf Hospitality & Operations
Sales & Service Delivery
Marketing Strategy

These certificates enable you to build expertise in the areas most relevant to your role – whether that’s member experience, governance, financial leadership, or people management – and help you become a highly effective and confident leader.

DISCOVER THE ADVANCED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME HERE

ASPIRE Career Development Series

Introduced in 2025 and continuing strongly into 2026, ASPIRE is aimed at supporting all those looking to grow within Golf Club Management and complements our formal qualifications:

Webinar series with expert insights
In-person events and workshops
1:1 Career Pathway coaching
Accreditation guidance and support

ASPIRE is included with Affiliate Membership and is designed at empowering those who are eager to grow and thrive within golf club management, the GCMA Aspire Career Development Series offers a unique opportunity for members to invest in their professional journey.

While the content is tailored to those starting out, ASPIRE Events and Webinars are open to all GCMA Members, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities for anyone seeking to refresh their knowledge or support the next generation of leaders.

DISCOVER ASPIRE HERE

GCMA Accreditation

GCMA Accreditation formally recognises a member’s experience, qualifications, and achievements. It’s a professional badge of quality used by employers and peers alike.

Designed to value and recognise the wide range of backgrounds, skills, knowledge, experience, learning and qualifications that contribute towards being a successful Golf Club Manager. It’s a flexible system which is not limited to one set programme or series of qualifications, recognition is given to a balance of experience, skills, knowledge, qualifications and continued professional development.

GCMA Accreditation provides a clear and achievable pathway for developing your skills, knowledge and career opportunities.

DISCOVER GCMA ACCREDITATION HERE

Regional Workshops & Events

Beyond structured qualifications, our regional network delivers local workshops, mini-conferences, and networking events that enrich learning and peer exchange. These sessions often focus on current issues in club management, leadership, and best practices. Allowing current and aspiring Golf Club Managers to learn from industry leaders across all aspects that impact the industry.

On Demand Education & Continued Professional Development

SkillGate Online Learning

Through the Skillgate Infinity Library, GCMA members have access to 1,000+ short courses focusing on soft skills and professional competencies. This flexible, self-directed online learning supports ongoing development and CPD point accumulation.

GCMA Webinar Series

The GCMA webinar series is an essential part of the professional development support we offer to members. This dynamic programme of online sessions brings together expert speakers, industry leaders and experienced practitioners to explore the most relevant and timely topics in golf club management – from strategic leadership and team dynamics to finance, health & safety, governance and operational best practice – all delivered through live discussion, practical insights and Q&A interaction.

Each webinar offers valuable learning that can be applied directly in the workplace and contributes to members’ GCMA Accreditation and CPD points, helping them stay informed, connected and ahead in a rapidly evolving sector.

At the GCMA, education and development are fundamental to who we are. Our offerings in 2026 reflect our long-held commitment to raising professional standards within the golf club community, empowering you to lead with confidence and deliver exceptional member experiences. We continually refine and expand our programmes in response to member feedback and changing industry needs.

If you’re looking to develop your career, broaden your expertise, or gain formal recognition for your skills, our educational offering – from foundational certificates through advanced management and personalised career support – is designed to support you every step of the way.

By Mark Shanley

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