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GCMA and BIGGA join forces for General Manager and Course Manager Symposium at BTME 2027

12 November 2026

A new collaborative education programme will bring golf club general managers and course managers together in Harrogate, with two days of sessions exploring leadership, communication, technology and the challenges facing modern golf facilities.

The Golf Club Management Association and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) are delighted to be collaborating on the General Manager and Course Manager Symposium at BTME 2027, creating a dedicated learning opportunity for golf club professionals.

Taking place on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 January 2027, the symposium will form part of BIGGA’s popular Continue to Learn programme in Harrogate, bringing together two key professional roles to explore the issues that affect the successful management of golf facilities.

With golf clubs facing an increasingly diverse range of operational, technological and people-management challenges, the collaboration recognises the importance of closer working relationships between general managers and course managers. By bringing both disciplines together, the symposium aims to encourage shared learning, fresh perspectives and practical ideas that can be taken back to individual clubs.

A programme built around the challenges facing golf clubs

The two-day programme will feature a varied line-up of speakers and sessions, covering everything from team leadership and communication to technological innovation and personal development.

Wednesday 27 January will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harrogate, beginning at 12.30pm with a welcome and introduction from Gareth Morgan, alongside support from Rain Bird.

The afternoon will explore the importance of effective people management, with Ian McCairns of Ingento Consultants presenting Checking in, not checking up: Using daily conversations to build better teams.

Chris Tritabaugh of Hazeltine National Golf Club will then share insights in Leading under the spotlight: Lessons from preparing Hazeltine National for the Ryder Cup, offering delegates an opportunity to learn from the experience of preparing for one of golf’s biggest team events.

The afternoon continues with iW Group examining how modern technology can help address everyday golf course challenges in Seeing more. Solving more. Solving daily golf course challenges with modern technology.

The final session of the day, delivered by Phil Helmn of Bernhard Academy, will focus on Time management: Leading yourself before leading others, highlighting the importance of personal effectiveness as a foundation for successful leadership.

Continuing the conversation on Thursday

The symposium continues on Thursday 28 January at The R&A Clubhouse, Hall 3, with the day’s programme beginning at 9.55am with a welcome from Gareth Morgan of the GCMA.

Chloe Boissel-Marshall and Tobi Mayhall of Tidworth Garrison Golf Club will open the sessions with The robotic mower journey: Winning hearts before changing minds, exploring the people and management considerations involved in introducing new technology into golf course operations.

Communication will be the focus of the next session, with Sean Boyle of Chesterfield Golf Club presenting No surprises: Communicating course conditions, operational challenges and difficult news. The session will explore an important aspect of the relationship between general managers, course managers and their wider club communities.

The programme concludes with Tom Brooke of the GCMA delivering Great leaders never stop learning, reinforcing the importance of continuous professional development and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Bringing golf club professionals together

The collaboration between the GCMA and BIGGA reflects the value of developing stronger connections between the management and course maintenance functions within golf clubs.

General managers and course managers share responsibility for delivering an excellent experience for members and visitors, while balancing the operational, financial, environmental and people-related demands of running a modern golf facility.

The symposium provides an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of club life, hear from experienced industry professionals, exchange ideas and consider different approaches to common challenges.

By combining the expertise and networks of both associations, GCMA and BIGGA hope to make the symposium a valuable addition to the BTME education programme and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the golf club management profession.

Booking information

The General Manager and Course Manager Symposium takes place on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 January 2027 as part of BTME and Continue to Learn in Harrogate.

  • Wednesday 27 January: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Harrogate.
  • Thursday 28 January: The R&A Clubhouse, Hall 3.
  • Booking: See the Continue to Learn booking information at www.btme.org.uk.

The GCMA and BIGGA look forward to welcoming general managers and course managers to Harrogate for two days of learning, discussion and collaboration.

By Mark Shanley

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