The Principles of Golf Club Management course provides an invaluable grounding in the industry
Our Principles of Golf Club Management residential training courses are held three or four times a year, depending on whether the GCMA Conference is held.
The next course, at Harrogate as part of BTME, will be the 97th the association has held since the inaugural course in Drumoig in 1991.
The training course, which tours different venues around the country, is designed for either newcomers to the profession of golf club management, or an existing manager, secretary or assistant, who want to bring themselves up-to-date with current management practices. The course is relevant for both private members’ and proprietary clubs.
Much of the course is specifically designed for those already in post or wishing to make a career in golf club management.
It gives a great grounding in the fundamentals of the position and offers context of how the office works and its challenges.
It is invaluable for understanding the industry, and the complexities, challenges and frustrations of the role. It also highlights the difference between running a golf club compared to other businesses.
The course is usually delivered by a mix of serving managers with many years’ experience and industry specialists from outside of the association.
All students are issued with a certificate of attendance that is recognised by golf clubs, as they see the benefit of employing people who have attended this course run by the GCMA.
The total cost, including all course materials and full board and accommodation is £995, which represents excellent value. The non-residential course, at Harrogate, costs £385.
Course content includes basic agronomy and the golf course, health and safety, social media, course rating and handicapping, along with club governance and strategic planning, marketing and membership and social responsibility.
Upcoming course dates are January 20 to 22 at BTME, March 11 to 15 at Wyboston Lakes, in Bedfordshire, and September 16 to 20 at Puckrup Hall, in Tewkesbury. Current presenters include industry experts Steven Brown (food & beverage), Carolyne Wahlen (employment law) and Sam Poole (digital marketing).
Delegates on the course will be awarded 60 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and Niki Hunter, GCMA professional development manager, says the course is a great way of identifying the next steps in a career.
“Some people ask us whether they are better suited to the Diploma in Golf Club Management, or the Principles course,” she said.
“Everyone’s situation is different, but as a guide, the Principles course offers a great foundation to understand the role of a golf club manager – either as a refresher or an introduction.
“It’s an intense overview of the numerous disciplines that a manager must have a working understanding of to run a golf club successfully, and the residential experience offers a fantastic networking opportunity – groups stay in contact themselves after the course, and our lecturers are always happy to take calls after as well.
“The Principles course is also a good way to identify the next steps in one’s professional development pathway – perhaps onto the Diploma, or one of the three Certificates – while also getting a good grounding across the board”
If you have any questions about our highly successful, enjoyable and educational course, or to book a place, please contact Niki on 07990 520173 or email [email protected]
