Frilford Heath Provided the Perfect Test for GCMA National Championships

28 May 2026

The 2026 GCMA National Members Championships delivered a superb day of competition and networking at the outstanding Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

Widely regarded as one of England’s finest heathland venues, Frilford Heath provided a fitting stage for this year’s event, with members from across the country gathering to compete for three prestigious national titles.

The championship course proved to be every bit the test players expected. Stretching beyond 7,000 yards from the back tees and demanding accuracy, disciplined iron play and a sharp short game throughout, the layout rewarded thoughtful course management and consistency under pressure. The renowned heathland conditions, firm running fairways and strategically placed bunkering ensured competitors faced a true championship examination from the opening tee shot to the demanding closing stretch.

In the Green Shields Trophy for the best Gross Stroke Play score, Andy Rideout produced a superb performance to claim the trophy once again, securing back to back titles.

The Founders Cup for best Net Stroke Play score was won by Andy Grimmitt, whose excellent round and consistency across the course earned him a narrow victory over Mick Thorpe and Andy Gooch.

Meanwhile, Phil Housley secured the Presidents Trophy Stableford title with an impressive points total, handling the challenging course with composure to come out on top in a competitive field.

Beyond the golf itself, the event once again showcased the unique value of the GCMA community, bringing together managers from across the UK to reconnect, network and enjoy the game at the heart of our association.

A huge thank you to Fairway Credit for sponsoring the National Members Championships once again, your continued support of the GCMA is deeply appreciated. Thanks also to the entire team at Frilford Heath for their outstanding hospitality and presentation of the course.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and competitors, and we look forward to welcoming you to the GCMA National Members Championships next year. Details for next year’s Championships will be shared in due course.

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

Dr Jo Salter MBE is famed for becoming the first female fast jet pilot, having flown the Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft during her services in the Royal Air Force. Joining the RAF aged 18, Jo has since taken Air Cadets into the skies as part of Air Experience Flights, become the Director of Global Transformative Leadership for PWC, and most recently become a Global Advisory of GenAI for PwC.

Jo has piloted flights in the Air Cadets Air Experience Flights and inspired countless budding armed service members to pioneer a male-dominated sector, having been the leader of an all-male squadron. Since leaving the military behind, Jo has established a strong business career working in roles such as Head of Technical Services for NetConnect, European Operations Manager for Automated Power Exchange and Managing Director of Saltin Ltd.

Having developed first-class expertise in leadership, analytical thinking and performing under pressure, Jo is now a highly sought-after public speaker to share stories from her time in the skies.

Jo is a passionate Trustee of The Royal Air Force Club and an Ambassador of the Global Angels charity, an organisation that gives communities around the world access to clean water, education, healthcare and encourages female and youth empowerment. Jo has also authored two books, titled Energy: 52 Ways to Fire Up Your Life and Become an Energy Angel and Energize: Spring Clean Your Mind and Body to Get Your Bounce Back Today and Every Day.

In recognition of her achievements throughout her career, Jo has also been named as one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in the World by Harpers & Queen. She is now working as the Director of Global Transformation Leadership at PWC, after working in other roles such as Director of Risk Technology Strategy, Director Chief of Staff to Head of Technology & Investments and the Director of People & Organisations.

In 2022, Jo was invited personally by Tom Cruise to attend the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. Most recently, Jo received an honorary doctorate of Arts from Bournemouth University.