Cameron Dawson, the GCMA England Match Co-Ordinator and recipient of this years Outstanding Contribution award at the GCMA Awards, reviews the 2025 season and looks ahead to 2026.
Review of This Year’s Matches
This year, 35 members made themselves available for at least one match, with 23 working managers and 12 retired. Everyone played at least once, and at each match we met the guideline of having at least 75% of the team made up of working managers. While the old adage of “it’s not the winning but the taking part that matters” holds true, the matches were played in a friendly but decidedly competitive spirit.
Our first fixture took us to Dromoland Castle in the West of Ireland, where we faced a much younger Irish team with significantly lower handicaps, almost all of whom were working. We arrived hopeful, fewer “Irish bandits” this year, but they gave us a masterclass in golf. At least we secured one half! Despite the challenge, the team thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
Next, we travelled to Newport in Wales for another closely fought contest. After two tight days, the Welsh regained the trophy – which I had forgotten to bring! Though the club kindly supplied a replacement. It was a pleasure to have National Captain Ray Grant playing for England and his Vice Captain, Ray Chilten, playing for and supporting the Welsh team. Who will Ray line up for next year? A dilemma worth watching.
We then hosted the Scots at the wonderful Princes GC. Another very close match, but this time we managed a rare and hard-earned win against a typically tough Scottish side.
Our final match of the year was against the Swedes in North West London. After an extra day at The Grove and a get-together match at Captain Ray Grant’s club, Northwood, set the tone. The main event began with a presentation on the running of Sandy Lodge by Judy Barker, followed by a well-contested three-all stalemate around the excellent course. We moved on to Moor Park, where General Manager Chris Fitts presented on the challenges of maintaining a 400-year-old Grade I listed clubhouse, along with the recurring theme of the week: water collection and usage in the current climate.
Afterwards we played the High Course, and the evening’s presentation dinner opened with an address from CEO Tom on the GCMA’s direction in a challenging world. Each playing group contributed a brief reflection, and the match fittingly went down to the final pairing – whose cleverly disguised victory secured a half, allowing the Swedes to retain the trophy.
England International Matches 2026 and Looking Ahead
I want to look to the future. As I approach 70, it is time for us to identify a new organiser to take over from me. Next year’s venues and dates are already booked (details below). I am happy to step aside completely or to support a gradual handover over the coming years.
While the next organiser will naturally bring their own approach, a brief outline of what the role currently involves may help anyone considering it. I spend around 100 hours a year planning these events – from booking courses, arranging hotels and transport, and selecting teams (ensuring a strong majority of working managers, as required by HQ), to organising educational content and evening activities. Expenses for accommodation, travel and food can be claimed within an agreed budget by HQ. I personally spend around £1,000 a year beyond those expenses, entirely my own choice, and by no means necessary for the role.
If you are interested or would like more information, please email me or use the dedicated match email: [email protected]. You may also contact Tom at HQ directly.
Next year’s matches are:
Ireland (Home) – Ganton & Fulford, 10–11 May
Welas (Home) – Mullion, 26–27 July
Scotland (Away) – Glasgow Gailes, 2–3 August (revised date)
Sweden (Away) – Malmo, 8–10 September (exact details TBC)
If you would like to be considered for any of next year’s matches, please complete the below application form and return it to [email protected].
Thankyou
Just in case this is my final communication with players old, new, and yet to come, I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you, and especially to the National Captains and the organisers of our opposition teams. It has been an honour and a privilege. I hope to see many of you at future matches, if selected, of course!
It was always going to be difficult following my predecessor “The Edge,” but I’d like to think the experience for players, along with the educational and networking opportunities he initiated, has continued to grow. The matches are in a strong position for the years ahead, and now it’s time for someone else to shape their future and take them further.
Cameron Dawson
By Mark Shanley
