Having set his sights on becoming Regional Manager back in 2017, Paul Whittaker has now achieved his goal.
Paul Whittaker is relishing the opportunity of being Regional Manager for the Northern Region, having long had designs on the role.
After joining the GCMA eight years ago, he had ambitions to become a Regional Manager from the start.
Here, former teacher and lecturer Paul discusses his plans in the role and why it appealed to him.
What does it mean to you to be appointed Regional Manager?
Since joining the GCMA as a Golf Club Manager in 2017, I always felt that this would be a role I would aspire to when I retired/slowed down and had some time. When hearing that the current Regional Manager Peter Jobe was retiring from the role, I felt the time was right to step up to the plate and try to make a difference in the region.
Can you tell us a little more about your career background?
Formally a teacher and lecturer at Gateshead College (Lead in Sport and Exercise Science), I took voluntary redundancy and took a role with England Golf as a County Development Officer for Northumberland. I felt at the time that I was seeing a future role as a Golf Club Manager and ended up taking the job offered to me at Tynemouth Golf Club, from which I “retired” in April 2024. I currently work with Alnmouth Foxton Golf Club as a three-day-a-week contractor to support the Manager at the club.
What can GCMA members expect from you in the role of Regional Manager?
I pride myself on communication. I intend to contact all managers in the region on a regular basis and inform them what the region is doing and what the GCMA is doing nationally. I hope to grow the membership, ultimately, and make the GCMA membership a valued and respected product. In simple terms “Recruitment and Retention” is my priority.
What are you most looking forward to?
Making a difference to the Golf Club Managers’ lot so that they feel there is always support/help and someone to talk to.
How would you summarise the importance of the GCMA?
For me it has been invaluable. It’s always great to meet other managers who have the same issues and difficulties. It is a great source of education and networking. The contacts I have made through the GCMA Regional Meetings have been extremely valuable to have. I believe that the National education programmes and resourCes are fantastic and if I were still a manager I would be constantly updating my knowledge.
Tell us something that your fellow GCMA members don’t know about you…
I played County Cricket for Norfolk for seven years as an opening bowler.
