GCMA Announces Partnership with Club Benchmarking EMEA

08 May 2026

Press Release

The Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) is pleased to announce a new business partnership with Club Benchmarking EMEA, further strengthening our commitment to delivering industry-leading support, insight, and education to golf club managers across the UK.

Club Benchmarking created the market for data-driven insight in the club industry by gathering financial, operational and compensation data from more than 1,000 clubs. Their efforts began in North America in 2009 and expanded to Australia in 2013. In late 2022, Club Benchmarking EMEA was born and work began in the UK, Europe and Middle East. Club Benchmarking EMEA already has data for over 250 Clubs and growing in the UK & Ireland on their benchmarking platform.

Included in the partnership, Club Benchmarking will deliver targeted education sessions around how to best utilise data-driven tools, benchmarking insights, and strategic planning resources, equipping GCMA members to make more informed decisions and drive sustainable, long-term success at their clubs.

James Burns, Director of Club Benchmarking EMEA, commented:

“The GCMA is dedicated to raising the standard of golf club management, and that aligns perfectly with what we do at Club Benchmarking EMEA. We believe that managers who are empowered with the right data can make more informed, more confident strategic decisions for their clubs.

This partnership gives us a direct link to put benchmarking and planning tools into the hands of managers and their teams who are shaping the future of their clubs every day. Together, we can help managers across the UK lead with greater confidence and clarity.”

Darren Wood, GCMA Partnerships Manager, added:

“After several positive conversations, the last few months I’m now delighted to officially welcome Club Benchmarking as our newest GCMA Partner, who will be bringing data driven leadership and education to our members enabling more accurate decision making at club level and industry wide.

We are excited to begin planning the next few years with Club Benchmarking and providing our membership with access to even more high-quality education.”

The collaboration marks a key step forward in supporting golf club managers with practical tools, education, and insights that enhance operational excellence and long-term planning.

Discover Club Benchmarking here

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Media contact:

Mark Shanley

+44 (0) 1275 391 153

[email protected]

By Mark Shanley

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