Heather Moran, shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year at the GCMA Awards, reflects on her journey into golf club management and the challenges she is embracing.
It was during a spell as front of house at Cheshire’s Hale Golf Club that Heather Moran developed a passion for the golf industry, and the journey she has been on since has led her to the position of General Manager at La Moye.
Since assuming the role in 2023, Heather has overseen a major £2 million course redevelopment, strengthened communication across the club, and guided her team through a period of significant change. Those are just some of the achievements that have earned her the recognition of being shortlisted for the GCMA Newcome of the Year Award.
Her nomination reflects the impact she has made in just two years, both in visible projects and behind-the-scenes cultural shifts. From improving transparency between members, committees, and the board, to building a safe and supportive team environment, she has sought to bring people closer together.
In this Q&A, Heather reflects on the surprise of being nominated, the steep learning curve of moving into the GM role, and the value of support networks within the industry.
Can you tell me a little about what’s been involved in getting down to the final three for the GCMA Newcomer of the Year Award?
I got the initial email to say that I’d been nominated, which was a big surprise, and then came the information pack and the written submission. That process of setting out what I’d achieved over two years was actually quite enjoyable, a moment of self-reflection. It gave me a little pat on the back to put it all in writing.
What are some of the things you’ve achieved that you feel got you into the final three?
There are the ‘seen’ and the ‘unseen’ factors. The big visible project was a £2million course redevelopment, with three new holes, ecological challenges, lots of learning for me, but delivered on time and on budget. The unseen achievement has been around communication. When I started, there was unrest and a feeling the club was too corporate. I’ve worked to close gaps between members, committees, and the board with more transparent communication, summarised minutes, regular forums, and open dialogue. That’s made a real difference.
Talk me through the journey that’s led you to becoming a General Manager. Was that always the plan?
No, it wasn’t always the plan. I started in corporate banking in Ireland in credit risk. I started initially giving my husband a hand in his golf club catering business, then we took a catering franchise together in a beautiful club in Cheshire where I managed the front of house. That sparked my passion for the golf industry. I became Clubhouse Manager at La Moye in 2019, and when the GM left in 2023, I knew I wanted that job and would fight for it. Golf club management has become a defined career path, and I wanted to be part of it.
How much of a transition was it to go from Clubhouse Manager to General Manager?
It was bigger than I expected. Even though I already had relationships with members and committees, it almost felt like a fresh start. The application process was intense, with interviews, psychometric testing, gap analysis, but what really struck me was how different the role is. As Clubhouse Manager, I had constant interaction with staff and members. As GM, it felt lonely; members only come when something’s wrong. That was hard at first and made me question if it was right for me, but I had to stop trying to mirror others and do the job my own way by getting out among members and being visible.
How do you strike the balance between empowering staff but also keeping a grip on everything?
I have an incredible team. We meet weekly in what we call a ‘safe space’ meeting, supporting each other, sharing knowledge, and being open about what hasn’t gone well. That honesty builds trust. I did struggle early on with trying to do everything myself, and it was exhausting. But through Kevin Fish’s Chautauqua and support from other managers, I realised I needed to find my own way and lean on my team. Now I trust them completely while still being there to support and fix problems.
How important is the GCMA network to you?
Huge. This is my second year and I feel more confident, but we all still have wobbles. The network gives you shared experiences, reassurance, and practical advice. You can’t always explain the challenges of club management to people outside the industry, but fellow managers get it. It’s invaluable to be able to check in when needed.
Finally, what would it mean to you to win the award?
It would be an incredible honour. I’ve seen past winners and to be recognised by my peers and the industry would be really rewarding and a validation of all the hard work and the drive to keep improving.
GCMA Awards 2025
The winners will be crowned at the Gala Dinner during the Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition on 17th November 2025 at Cotswold Water Park, Wiltshire. It promises to be a memorable evening of celebration, reflecting the vital role golf club managers and their teams play in the growth and success of the game.
