The latest intake of Accredited Managers have spoken about the benefits of the programme.
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
Since the announcement of the latest cohort of newly Accredited Managers last month, we have been catching up with those who have achieved Accredited status.
A total of nine names have been added to the growing list of those to have achieved something that now stands as a stamp of quality within the industry.
Since the launch of GCMA Accreditation in September 2022, association staff have been assessing applications from members eager to receive formal recognition of their abilities as Golf Club Managers.
The level of interest has underlined the huge appetite for professional and personal development among the hardworking and ambitious staff who populate this industry.
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The GCMA would like to offer the warmest congratulations to the following newly Accredited Managers:
| Name | Club | Accreditation Level |
| Richard Beech | Newcastle-under-Lyme | 3 |
| Reece Miller | Long Ashton | 3 |
| Martin Yeates | The Dyke | 3 |
| Claire Docker | Robin Hood | 1 |
| Emma Drake | Kirbymoorside | 1 |
| Kevin Hardwill | Yeovil | 1 |
| Eddie Kear | Shirehampton Park | A |
| George Reid | Wyke Green | A |
| Mark Sapsford | Woolston Manor | A |
Why did you decide to go through the Accreditation process?
Reece Miller: “I felt that pursuing this accreditation would be a valuable way to assess my standing in the industry. As a result, I decided to go through the rigorous accreditation process to formally recognise and validate my skills. This experience not only provided me with a sense of personal accomplishment but also reinforced my commitment to professional growth and excellence in my field.”
Richard Beech: “The certification from the GCMA adds recognition to my experience and skills. The backing of the organisation adds authority to my recommendations and suggestions to our Board of Directors.”
How would you describe the process?
Reece Miller: “The process encouraged significant reflection on my career to date, offering the opportunity to look back and appreciate my achievements. Through the detailed application of CPD points, I was able to identify areas of strength and, more importantly, opportunities for further growth.”
Emma Drake: “The process is thorough and fair and gives everyone working in the industry options to achieve.”
What do you hope Accredited status will mean for your career?
George Reid: “I hope it will help provide some recognition towards the experience I’ve gained over the past 3.5 years when either applying for a future role elsewhere or internally here at my current club.”
Martin Yeates: “The Accreditation for me reinforces my confidence both personally and professionally. My Board appreciate personal development and feel this is a great way to show our members the standard of management provided at the club. My assistant is also Accredited as an Aspiring Manager, so hopefully he will be looking to take the next step soon.”
Emma Drake: “Accredited status will hopefully give others a better understanding of my achievements and abilities in terms of club management and allow me to take my skills and experience on the next steps along a natural career progression path.”
What would your advice be to anyone considering applying?
Martin Yeates: “Go for it. While undertaking the process, it will highlight areas of your management that are working well and areas that need a bit of work. You’ll come out of the process a better manager and it can only help you in your current role and any future opportunities that may arise.”
Reece Miller: “My advice to anyone considering applying for Accreditation is to embrace the process wholeheartedly. GCMA Accreditation provides you with an excellent opportunity to reflect on your career achievements to date, something I’m sure many of us don’t take the time to do.”
WHY JOIN THE GCMA?
Membership of the GCMA unlocks a network of like-minded professionals, provides you with support in your professional and personal development, and provides you with a multitude of benefits. Whether that’s the tools that will help you to excel in your profession, or a wide range of services to support your wellbeing, signing up to the GCMA is joining a community.
What is GCMA Accreditation?
GCMA Accreditation is a flexible, inclusive, and rewarding Accreditation pathway designed to represent you and your value to the industry – focusing on your skills, your achievements and your development.
- It is accessible – open to any full member of the GCMA who is in an active role within golf club management.
- It is inclusive – designed to value and recognise the wide range of backgrounds, skills, knowledge, experience, learning and qualifications that contribute towards being a successful golf club manager
- It is flexible – not limited to any one set pathway or series of qualifications. Recognition is given to a balance of experience, skills and knowledge, qualifications and CPD
- It is aspirational – providing a clear and achievable pathway for developing your skills, knowledge and career opportunities
And it is based on existing best practice and comparable industry standards in CPD, career pathway and accreditation frameworks.
Why should I become GCMA Accredited?
- When applying for a job, it will differentiate you from other candidates
- It demonstrates that you keep your knowledge and skills up to date through continuous learning and development
- It demonstrates eagerness to learn which indicates future potential
- It will help to boost career progression and salary prospects
- It provides recognition of your skills, knowledge and achievements by your peers and the golf industry
How does GCMA Accreditation work?
GCMA Accreditation recognises your experience, skills, knowledge and achievements as well as your learning and qualifications and ongoing commitment to your own personal and professional development.
Your application will need to include:
- Career history and summary of roles within the golf industry
- An up-to-date record of learning, development and qualifications
- Evidence of ongoing commitment to professional and personal development
- A summary of your knowledge, responsibilities and achievements in golf club management
What are the GCMA Accreditation Levels?
GCMA Aspiring Manager
Suitable for anyone employed in a Management position within a Golf Club (Department Head, Deputy Manager or a new GC Manager) with aspirations for career progression and professional development
GCMA Accredited Manager (Level 1)
Suitable for anyone employed in a position of GC Management at a small to medium sized club, able to demonstrate the effective management of a Golf Club and normally with a minimum of three years’ experience within the industry
GCMA Accredited Manager (Level 2)
A highly proficient and knowledgeable Golf Club Manager, at a medium to larger sized club, normally with a minimum of five years’ experience within the industry
GCMA Accredited Manager (Level 3)
Recognised as a highly experienced and accomplished Golf Club Manager demonstrating continued success at medium or larger sized clubs, normally with a minimum of 10 years’ experience within the industry
Coming soon: GCMA Advanced Management Programme
Available to GCMA Level 3 Accredited Managers able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and contribution to the golf industry and within the association. Find out more
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
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