Lara Johnson is the GCMA’s first ever Affiliate Member! After the launch of the brand new membership category, we spoke to Lara – Golf at Goodwood’s Member Events Manager – to find out more about her, and why she wanted to join the GCMA.
What is your background in golf club management?
I started out in food and beverage at Bognor Regis Golf Club before moving to an admin role on the Goodwood Estate. It was at Goodwood that I realised sports management was the dream so I took an opportunity to move into the Estate’s Event Sales & Planning Team to focus on group and society golf for nearly 3 years before joining the Golf At Goodwood Team in an operational role. In March last year I took on my current role as Member Events Coordinator.
What does your role at GOLF AT GOODWOOD involve?
My role was introduced to help deliver our vision of having a ‘brilliant’ Member Event Programme. Our aim is for our Members to get maximum enjoyment from their time with us so I spend my days getting creative with our events and making sure we can actually deliver what I come up with.
Why were you keen to join the GCMA as an Affiliate Member?
I want to learn everything about the industry and constantly challenge the way I do things. I try to step back from my ‘to do list’ once in a while and remind myself what is happing out there; sharing ideas with and learning from industry leaders is a great way to do that so Affiliate Membership will allow me to do it more regularly. Having access to GCMA resources is invaluable, I’ll be better informed and equipped when the time comes for me to step into a club management role.
Which membership benefits do you think will most benefit you?
I’ll make the most out of the affiliate webinar programme and library access but I’m most excited to attend my first GCMA Conference.
What involvement have you had with the GCMA in the past?
I have attended a few Young Manager’s Group events including the recent retreat to Royal Norwich GC which was totally inspirational. The itinerary was jam packed as were talked through their fascinating relocation project, the decision making and the challenges right from the very beginning. Walking the new course with Ross McMurray and Peter Todd, being shown all the different stages of design and development is something I know I’ll look back on in years to come and think, “I learnt that then”.
What are your career ambitions?
To become a General Manager of a friendly club with a happy team and members who are proud to be members!
Learn more about GCMA Affiliate Membership.
By Mike Hyde
