Leading and Managing People: The GCMA refreshes AMP Leadership Award

11 June 2026

The GCMA has refreshed the Advanced Management Programme Leadership Award for today’s golf club managers; seeking to develop confident leaders for successful golf clubs.

The Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) has refreshed its Advanced Management Award in Leadership, introducing an updated programme providing Golf Club Managers with a high quality immersive learning and personal development experience.

Designed and delivered by specialist and highly regarded training provider Progrezo, the three-day residential programme explores the challenges of leading and working with people within the unique environment of a golf club.

Delegates will examine topics including leadership styles, performance management, coaching and feedback, emotional intelligence, difficult conversations and stakeholder influence, while also developing a personalised plan for their own professional growth.

The certificate carries with it 40 GCMA Accreditation CPD points and forms part of the wider GCMA Advanced Management Programme, which is recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), with the GCMA proud to be a CMI Recognised Training Provider.

GCMA CEO Tom Brooke said:

“Strong leadership has always been a critical part of successful club management and the demands placed on today’s managers continue to evolve.

Our refreshed programme reflects the realities of modern club management, as we believe that leadership skills are at the core of a Golf Club Manager’s success. This all comes down to how effectively they lead people, communicate expectations, influence others and create the right culture within their club. These aspects of golf club management are now more important than ever before.

“By refreshing the content and bringing the award together under the Leading and Managing People banner, we’ve created a clearer and more accessible development programme that addresses the challenges managers face every day.

“Our aim is to provide practical learning that managers can take straight back into their clubs and apply immediately.”

While the programme is designed to support individual development, the benefits extend far beyond the delegate. Golf clubs that invest in leadership development are investing in stronger teams, better communication, improved accountability and a culture that supports long-term success.

As clubs continue to navigate changing member expectations, workforce challenges and ambitious strategic plans, effective leadership and communication skills are essential. Managers with the confidence and skills to lead people more effectively are better equipped to drive change, deliver key projects, manage performance and build productive relationships with staff, members, committees and boards.

By the end of the programme, delegates will have greater confidence in conducting performance and appraisal conversations, delivering effective feedback, managing difficult situations and building stronger relationships across the club. They will also be better prepared to lead initiatives, support organisational change and make a positive impact on their club’s future development.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Progrezo, whose expertise in leadership development and executive coaching helps ensure the learning remains practical, relevant and focused on real-world club management challenges.

Members can download the full Leading and Managing People brochure to learn more about the programme and its learning outcomes.

Next course date:

6-8th October 2026

Moor Park Golf Club

View full AMP programme information and upcoming courses here

By Mark Shanley

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John Steele

John Steele is a former professional athlete, sports coach, Olympic Leader and is the Executive Director of Sport at Loughborough University. He has been Chief Executive across a range of sectors. Drawing on leadership experience of nine different Olympic and Paralympic Games (including the amazing events at the Rio Games), John reflects on the lessons from this unique period in British sport and relays his fascinating views on creating high performing teams.

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John moved into the corporate world, before he enjoyed an outstanding career as a professional rugby player achieving international honours. After his playing career, he turned his hand to coaching and achieved the highest accolade for a British club coach by winning the European Cup with Northampton Saints. He then became Executive Director on the Saints Board during a period of unprecedented growth, and served on the England Rugby Board during the successful world cup campaign of 2003. It was no surprise that John’s talents were called upon to drive through a change and modernisation programme as CEO of the Rugby Football Union – a challenge that became controversial and ended in his departure from the post after only a year, but with his dignity and professional pride intact.

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Dr Jo Salter MBE

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