The Tidworth GM discusses her nomination, her career journey, and the leadership values shaping her club’s future.
Since arriving at Tidworth in November 2023, Chloe Boissel-Marshall has overseen a modernisation of operations while strengthening the sense of community that defines the Wiltshire club.
Her leadership has earned her a place among the finalists for the Manager of the Year at the 2025 GCMA Awards. The nomination recognises her commitment to professional development, her ability to balance immediate demands with long-term vision, and her willingness to embrace new technologies.
With a career that has taken in roles at Wareham and Hayling before her move to Tidworth, Chloe has developed a breadth of experience and a clear philosophy on what makes effective leadership in golf club management. She believes adaptability, resilience and a collaborative approach are key to delivering success.
In this Q&A, she reflects on the pride of being nominated, the career journey that shaped her, and the advice she would share with aspiring managers.
What was your reaction to being nominated for the GCMA Manager of the Year Award?
I was genuinely shocked, and deeply honoured. Since the nomination process is anonymous, I don’t know who put my name forward, but I’d love to say a heartfelt thank you to those who did. It’s a huge compliment and something I’ll always be proud of. Just being nominated felt like an achievement in itself, so to be selected as a finalist was a real surprise!
What do you think made you stand out as a leading candidate for such an award, given the high level of competition?
I think what may have helped me stand out, especially over the past 18 months, is the bold steps we’ve taken to embrace emerging technologies on the golf course. With the support of our Board and members, we’ve shaped a forward-thinking vision for the club that balances tradition with innovation. It’s about legacy — ensuring that the club’s success over the past 100 years continues for the next 100.
We’ve taken strides to better understand the market and respond to the expectations of modern golfers by introducing automated systems and online booking and payment solutions.
I’ve also remained committed to professional development — not just as a duty, but as a way to stay valuable to the club and its members. It’s about being a reliable source of guidance and having the confidence to adapt in a constantly evolving industry.
What skills do you feel have been most important in your progression to General Manager?
You have to be adaptable, resilient, self-motivated and hard-working, confident yet willing to accept (and ask for) support, be able to balance today’s needs whilst working towards tomorrow’s aspirations, welcoming of feedback (the good AND the bad!). No General Manager is an oracle of wisdom, however much a club may wish for it, but if you work hard, be willing to push yourself outside your comfort zone, and keep the needs of the club and members at the heart of what you do, you can’t go far wrong.
Adaptability, resilience, and self-motivation have been key. You need to be confident, but also humble enough to ask for help when needed. Balancing the immediate needs of the Club with long-term aspirations is essential, and being open to feedback — both the good and the challenging — helps you grow.
What achievements in your career so far give you the greatest sense of pride?
- Achieving GCMA Accredited Manager Level 3 status in 2024, and renewing it again in 2025.
- Delivering projects that genuinely bring joy to members — whether it’s the little things like refreshing the clubhouse décor or helping to make sure members have an enjoyable and memorable experience. Or implementing bigger course improvements like new winter mats. For many, the golf club is a second home, so seeing members enjoy the results makes it all worthwhile and gives a sense of pride.
- Leading the development and rollout of our ‘spend to sustain’ initiative, which introduced a fleet of autonomous mowers. It took a year to plan and required trust and buy-in from the members, Committee, and Board. It’s helped secure a more sustainable and resilient future for the club.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to follow a similar path in club management?
Be passionate, stay open-minded, work hard, and lead by example. Don’t be afraid to innovate or challenge the status quo. Your role as a manager isn’t to dominate the room — it’s to enhance it, through your knowledge, experience, and support.
Club management isn’t always easy, but the variety, the opportunities, and the pride it brings never gets old.
What are your goals and aspirations for the months and years ahead?
In the short term, I’m aiming to complete the GCMA Management Award in Finance, Compliance, and Risk Management. I’ve already achieved the Health & Safety Management certificate, and I’m hoping to complete the Finance & Accounts Management and Employment Law certificates before the year is out, fingers crossed!
Looking further ahead, I want to be a role model for others in the industry — both women and men — and continue challenging myself through experience and further qualifications.
What would it mean to you to win this award?
It would mean the world. I’d love to show my 9-year-old son, Henry, that hard work and commitment can take you anywhere. Winning would be a testament to everyone out there in similar roles and circumstances to my own, proving that you don’t need to be the cleverest person in the room, just the one who’s willing to work the hardest.
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.
