The GB&I Golf Forum brings together senior representatives from the key organisations responsible for the governance, development and support of golf across Great Britain and Ireland.
The Forum provides a collaborative platform for golf’s leading organisations to share insight, align priorities and coordinate initiatives that support the long-term health of the game, with particular current focus on areas such as sustainability, workforce development and widening participation in golf.
The GB&I Golf Forum met at the end of February at St Andrews to review progress on several key industry priorities, including careers development, environmental sustainability and water management, and initiatives to grow participation among women and girls. CEO’s and Senior Representatives from across the golf industry came together to share updates and coordinate collective action on these important areas.
It was a pleasure to be joined by the R&A’s new Chief Executive, Mark Darbon, who provided the Forum with fascinating insights into the work being undertaken by the sports Governing Body and their new strategy to continue leading and supporting golf development on a global level.
A central focus of the meeting was progress with the Forums Careers in Golf project, which continues to gather momentum as the industry works collaboratively to promote golf as an attractive and accessible career pathway. The Forum welcomed Andy Gray, who has recently been appointed as Project Manager for the initiative. His role will be to coordinate activity across partners, develop the project’s long-term strategy, and help drive engagement with young people considering careers in the sector.
Members also reviewed the planned schedule for Careers in Golf attendance at careers and education events throughout 2026. These events will provide an opportunity to showcase the breadth of roles available within the golf industry, from greenkeeping and coaching to club management, hospitality, operations, media, and technology. By increasing the industry’s presence at careers fairs and educational events, the project aims to raise awareness among students, teachers, and career advisors about the diverse opportunities golf can offer.
Another significant milestone discussed was the launch of the new Careers in Golf website. The platform will serve as a central hub for careers information, featuring guidance on different roles within the industry, training and qualification pathways, and real-life stories from people working across the sector. The site is expected to play an important role in connecting potential recruits with employers and training providers while helping to address ongoing skills and workforce challenges within the industry.
The Forum also reviewed progress on the industry’s collaborative work on water management. Members examined the data gathered through the recent golf club water usage survey, which has provided valuable insight into how clubs across Great Britain and Ireland currently manage water resources. The survey results will help inform future guidance and support for golf facilities as they respond to increasing environmental pressures and regulatory expectations.
Following discussion of the data, the Forum agreed a number of next steps, including developing further advice and practical support for golf clubs to improve water efficiency and sustainability. There was also a strong emphasis on strengthening engagement with external stakeholders, particularly the water industry and government. The group will continue working closely with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf (APPGG) to ensure the industry’s perspective is represented in wider policy discussions relating to water use and environmental management.
Growing participation among women and girls was another important topic on the agenda. Forum members discussed the progress of several initiatives being delivered across the industry to encourage more women and girls to take up and remain in the game. While participation has increased in recent years, the group recognised that continued collaboration and innovation will be essential to further improve upon this growth and encourage progression into club membership.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the continuing value of industry-wide cooperation in addressing shared challenges and opportunities. With new leadership in the Careers in Golf project, ongoing work to support sustainable course management, and renewed focus on participation growth, the GB&I Golf Forum continues to play a key role in shaping the future of the sport across Great Britain and Ireland.
GCMA CEO and Chair of the GB&I Golf Forum said: ‘Once again, the Forum provided an excellent platform to continue the value of industry-wide cooperation in addressing shared challenges and opportunities. With the Careers in Golf project, ongoing work to support sustainable course management, and renewed focus on participation growth among women and girls, the GB&I Golf Forum continues to play a key role in shaping the future of the sport across Great Britain and Ireland. Thank You once again to the R&A for hosting the meeting and it was as always a pleasure to spend time in the company of fellow CEO’s and Senior Leaders to focus on key development areas within our industry.’
By Mark Shanley
