A Thank You – and Why Your GCMA Membership Matters

15 January 2026

By Natalie McColl, Membership & Communications Manager

As we head through the membership renewal period, I wanted to start by saying a huge thank you to everyone who has already renewed their GCMA membership. Your continued support genuinely means a lot to me and the team, and it plays a vital role in allowing us to support golf club managers across the industry every day.

If you’re still to renew, I wanted to take a moment to share what I personally see as some of the biggest benefits of GCMA membership – because, in my view, it really is so much more than just a membership number.

One of the benefits I feel is incredibly important is our Personal Support Package, which is there for you whenever you need it. This includes legal expenses insurance, employment dispute resolution support, and free personal legal advice, alongside a comprehensive suite of legal templates and documents. The package also includes a range of confidential personal helplines, covering counselling, tax advice and identity theft support – providing peace of mind and support both in and outside of work.

Just as important, and something I see making a real difference for members, is being part of the GCMA community. Membership connects you with a fantastic network of peers who genuinely understand the role and the day-to-day challenges that come with it. From our regional and national WhatsApp groups, to regional business meetings and access to our trained Mental Health First Aiders, GCMA membership offers a supportive, welcoming space where members can ask questions, share experiences and lean on one another when needed.

Education and development sit right at the heart of everything we do. GCMA members benefit from a wide range of education and career support, including our Advanced Management Programme, regular webinars, Skillgate – our online learning platform, and regional education events shaped around local priorities. Supporting members at every stage of their career – whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step – is something we’re incredibly passionate about.

Membership also provides access to our industry-leading accreditation programme, which, for me, is such an important part of what GCMA offers. Accreditation is a fantastic platform to showcase the professionalism within our industry, while giving members the recognition they truly deserve for their contribution. It not only celebrates the work you’re doing now, but also supports future career opportunities by clearly demonstrating your skills, knowledge and experience.

A quick reminder for anyone who hasn’t yet renewed: payment is required by 31 January to keep your membership active. After this date, membership benefits will be withdrawn, including access to all regional and national WhatsApp groups, member-only resources, support services and regional activity – and we’d hate for anyone to miss out.

We are here to support you – professionally, personally and every step in between. Thank you again to those who have already renewed, and if you’re still considering it, I hope this gives a clear sense of the value, support and community that comes with being part of GCMA.

If you have any questions at all about renewal or membership benefits, please do get in touch – I’m always happy to help.

Natalie McColl

Membership & Communications Manager, GCMA

By Natalie McColl

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John Steele

John Steele is a former professional athlete, sports coach, Olympic Leader and is the Executive Director of Sport at Loughborough University. He has been Chief Executive across a range of sectors. Drawing on leadership experience of nine different Olympic and Paralympic Games (including the amazing events at the Rio Games), John reflects on the lessons from this unique period in British sport and relays his fascinating views on creating high performing teams.

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John moved into the corporate world, before he enjoyed an outstanding career as a professional rugby player achieving international honours. After his playing career, he turned his hand to coaching and achieved the highest accolade for a British club coach by winning the European Cup with Northampton Saints. He then became Executive Director on the Saints Board during a period of unprecedented growth, and served on the England Rugby Board during the successful world cup campaign of 2003. It was no surprise that John’s talents were called upon to drive through a change and modernisation programme as CEO of the Rugby Football Union – a challenge that became controversial and ended in his departure from the post after only a year, but with his dignity and professional pride intact.

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Dr Jo Salter MBE

Dr Jo Salter MBE is famed for becoming the first female fast jet pilot, having flown the Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft during her services in the Royal Air Force. Joining the RAF aged 18, Jo has since taken Air Cadets into the skies as part of Air Experience Flights, become the Director of Global Transformative Leadership for PWC, and most recently become a Global Advisory of GenAI for PwC.

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In 2022, Jo was invited personally by Tom Cruise to attend the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. Most recently, Jo received an honorary doctorate of Arts from Bournemouth University.