GCMA and UKGF Join Forces to Strengthen Golf Club Management Across the UK

21 August 2026

The Golf Club Management Association and the UK Golf Federation (UKGF) have announced a new partnership designed to enhance access to professional education and development opportunities for UKGF-affiliated golf clubs.

As part of the partnership, the GCMA will become a Preferred Education Partner of the UKGF, giving UKGF-affiliated members access to specialist education designed to strengthen leadership, management capability and the long-term success of golf facilities.

UKGF-affiliated members will benefit from:

Access to the GCMA Principles of Golf Club Management Course, providing a comprehensive introduction to the essential skills and knowledge required to manage a modern golf club.
Access to the GCMA Advanced Management Programme (AMP), focusing on deep-dive, practical learning experiences and providing in-depth skills and knowledge across all aspects of golf club management and leadership.
An exclusive 10% discount on both GCMA education programmes.

With golf clubs continuing to navigate evolving member expectations, operational challenges and increasing commercial pressures, investing in capable leadership has never been more important.

Tom Brooke, GCMA CEO, said the partnership would help make specialist management education more accessible to golf clubs and their people:

“Great golf clubs don’t happen by chance – they are built by capable leaders making informed decisions every day. Our role is to equip those leaders with the knowledge, confidence and professional support they need to succeed. This partnership means more clubs can access education developed specifically for the realities of managing golf clubs.”

Developing Golf Club Managers at Every Stage of Their Career

The GCMA’s education programmes have been developed specifically around the realities of golf club management, supporting professionals at different stages of their careers.

The GCMA Principles of Golf Club Management Course is designed for those aspiring to become golf club managers, those new to the profession, or individuals looking to refresh and develop their existing skills. Delivered by experienced industry professionals, the course covers key areas including governance and strategic planning, finance, health and safety, employment law, marketing and membership, food and beverage, golf course operations and the wider responsibilities of leading a successful golf club.

For experienced managers and those looking to progress their careers, the GCMA Advanced Management Programme (AMP) provides deep-dive, practical learning focused on the skills and knowledge required across all aspects of golf club management and leadership. The programme consists of 10 Management Certificates, allowing participants to focus on areas most relevant to their role and development goals.

Subjects include governance, strategic planning, finance, leadership, marketing strategy, strategic golf operations, health and safety management, food and beverage management, employment law and golf course management.

Together, the programmes provide UKGF members with flexible opportunities for professional development – from building core management knowledge through to developing advanced leadership and strategic capability.

Doug Poole, CEO of the UK Golf Federation, said the partnership would give UKGF members greater access to targeted education and development opportunities:

“The UK Golf Federation is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Golf Club Management Association, with the GCMA becoming a Preferred Education Partner. This exciting collaboration provides UKGF members with access to targeted education programmes designed specifically to support golf club and facility managers, as well as their wider teams. UKGF members will be able to access education and development opportunities focused on strengthening the skills, knowledge and capabilities required to successfully manage and develop modern golf facilities.”

The partnership is available immediately, with UKGF-affiliated clubs able to enrol on the GCMA Principles of Golf Club Management Course and the GCMA Advanced Management Programme while benefiting from the 10% discount on both programmes.

By combining the UKGF’s network of independent golf clubs with the GCMA’s expertise in golf club management, the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to investing in the people who lead and shape the future of the game.

For further information on the GCMA education programmes and UKGF member benefits, please contact the Golf Club Management Association or the UK Golf Federation.

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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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.

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