Five benefits of recruiting Golf Club Managers with GCMA Accreditation

06 June 2024

GCMA Accreditation represents a stamp of quality for those who achieve it — here’s why you should consider recruiting an accredited Golf Club Manager next time you’re hiring.

This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.

The GCMA Accreditation programme attracts many of the best and brightest Golf Club Managers in the industry.

Designed to recognise a manager’s experience, skills, knowledge and achievements, the programme also documents learning, qualifications and a person’s ongoing commitment to their professional development.

For facilities and hiring managers embarking on a recruitment process, identifying those who have achieved accredited status is a great way to build a shortlist of the most suitable candidates.

Here are five reasons why hiring someone with GCMA Accreditation would be a smart move for your golf club.

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1) Candidates who take CPD seriously

Attaining GCMA Accreditation demonstrates a proactive approach to continuing professional development (CPD), highlighting accredited managers as conscientious, eager to learn, and always striving to better themselves — precisely the qualities most employers are looking for.

2) An inclusive approach

The programme is designed to value and recognise a wide range of backgrounds, skills, knowledge, experience, learning and qualifications that contribute towards being a successful Golf Club Manager.

3) Tapping into varied skill sets

GCMA Accreditation is not limited to any one set programme or series of qualifications. Recognition is given to a balance of experience, skills and knowledge, qualifications and CPD.

4) Up to speed on best practice

Based on existing best practice and comparable industry standards in CPD, career pathway and accreditation frameworks, the programme ensures accredited professionals are at the leading edge of developments in golf club management.

5) Masters of their trade

Accreditation provides a clear and achievable pathway for Golf Club Managers to develop their skills and knowledge, and from 2025 the highest achievers will have a new goal to aim for — GCMA Master Manager status. This new accreditation level will be for managers able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and contribution to the golf industry and within the Association.

WHY JOIN THE GCMA?

Membership of the GCMA unlocks a network of like-minded professionals, provides you with support in your professional and personal development, and provides you with a multitude of benefits. Whether that’s the tools that will help you to excel in your profession, or a wide range of services to support your wellbeing, signing up to the GCMA is joining a community.

This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.

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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.

Jo has piloted flights in the Air Cadets Air Experience Flights and inspired countless budding armed service members to pioneer a male-dominated sector, having been the leader of an all-male squadron. Since leaving the military behind, Jo has established a strong business career working in roles such as Head of Technical Services for NetConnect, European Operations Manager for Automated Power Exchange and Managing Director of Saltin Ltd.

Having developed first-class expertise in leadership, analytical thinking and performing under pressure, Jo is now a highly sought-after public speaker to share stories from her time in the skies.

Jo is a passionate Trustee of The Royal Air Force Club and an Ambassador of the Global Angels charity, an organisation that gives communities around the world access to clean water, education, healthcare and encourages female and youth empowerment. Jo has also authored two books, titled Energy: 52 Ways to Fire Up Your Life and Become an Energy Angel and Energize: Spring Clean Your Mind and Body to Get Your Bounce Back Today and Every Day.

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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.