BTME once again proved to be one of the most valuable weeks in the golf industry calendar, and we were delighted to represent the GCMA community throughout a packed schedule of learning, collaboration, and industry engagement.
GCMA Added to Education Programme
We were delighted that the GCMA was included in this year’s education programme, giving us the opportunity to contribute directly to the professional development offering at BTME. Our CEO, Tom Brooke, and Professional Development Manager, Gareth Morgan, delivered two interactive and highly practical sessions focused on essential leadership themes: Managing the Wellbeing of Your Team and Leading High‑Performing Teams.
Both workshops were designed to give delegates tangible tools they could take back to their clubs, whether that meant building a more supportive workplace culture, improving communication, or strengthening team dynamics. Delegates engaged in discussions and activities, sharing their own experiences and challenges, which created a collaborative and open learning environment.
We were proud to represent our association in this way and to play a meaningful role in the wider learning experience at BTME.
Key Meetings
BTME also provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen our relationships with key GCMA business partners. We held productive and enjoyable meetings with Rain Bird, Golf Finance, Husqvarna, Reesink, and several others, reinforcing the collaborative work that supports our members throughout the year.
Tom Brooke also met with the GB&I Golf Sustainability Group to discuss the next steps in our joint efforts to address water management challenges, a topic that continues to grow in importance for golf clubs across the UK and Ireland. This collaborative work remains a priority for the GCMA, and BTME provided a valuable platform to move these discussions forward.
Industry Highlights
A major highlight at this years event was the new R&A Clubhouse area and learning zone. The space placed sustainability front and centre, offering fresh insight into the future of responsible golf course management. With environmental stewardship becoming increasingly central to the long‑term success of golf facilities, it was encouraging to see such a dedicated and forward‑thinking hub.
Across the exhibition halls, BTME once again demonstrated its status as a key event for the sector. The scale and quality of the exhibition were, as expected, highly impressive. Notable this year were the significant advancements in technology‑driven solutions, particularly the ongoing development of robotic mowers and automated course‑management systems. These innovations are increasingly shaping the future of course operations, with a wide range of practical applications showcased throughout the event.
An Inspiring Event
We were also pleased to support our friends at BIGGA, who welcomed more than 5,000 visitors through the doors of the Harrogate Convention Centre during the event. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement across the industry, and we were especially encouraged by the number of club managers in attendance. This growing presence highlights the increasing recognition that a strong, collaborative relationship between Club Managers and Course Managers is essential to the long‑term success of any golf club.
Overall, BTME was a week that reaffirmed the GCMA’s commitment to supporting our members, strengthening industry partnerships, and championing the future of golf club management. We left Harrogate inspired, informed, and excited about the opportunities ahead for our community.
By Mark Shanley
