If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my years managing golf clubs, it’s that August often brings with it a slight change of pace.
That’s certainly not to say we’re not busy – golf clubs never truly stand still – but compared with the intensity of spring, the build-up to major competitions and the demands of the festive season, August can often provide a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect and look ahead.
For me, it was always the perfect month to invest a little time in something that’s easy to overlook when operational pressures take over… My own plans for development.
Rather than simply reacting to whatever landed on my desk each day, I found it incredibly valuable to spend a few hours planning how I wanted to develop over the next 12 to 18 months.
One of the first things I’d do would be to open my diary and block out the dates for upcoming GCMA regional meetings and educational events. These were non-negotiable for me and brought me so much in my 20 years in the role. Not just making a note of them… Actually committing to attending them.
Too often we tell ourselves we’ll “try to get there” only for operational demands to take over. By putting those dates firmly in both my diary and the club diary early, I found I was far more likely to protect the time and benefit from the networking, learning and sharing of experiences that GCMA events offer.
The second task was always to look ahead and decide what formal education I wanted to undertake over the coming year.
Again, the important part wasn’t simply identifying courses that looked interesting. It was booking them. Once a course is booked, it becomes a commitment rather than an aspiration. It gives you something to look forward to, allows you to plan around it and demonstrates – to yourself as much as anyone else – that your own development matters.
This morning, during a catch-up conversation with one GCMA member, another excellent point was raised. He told me that August was the month he’d set aside to finally complete and submit his GCMA Accreditation. I’m sure he won’t be alone.
Many members have already started their Accreditation journey but, understandably, operational priorities have delayed completing the submission. If August offers you a little breathing space, why not make this the month you finish what you’ve started? Achieving GCMA Accreditation is a significant professional milestone and a fantastic way to recognise your experience, commitment and ongoing development.
The key message is simple – Don’t let August become a month that simply passes by. Use it. Whether that’s:
- Booking your place at a GCMA regional meeting.
- Committing to an education course you’ve been meaning to attend.
- Starting – or finally submitting – your GCMA Accreditation.
- Or simply taking a few hours to map out your own professional development over the next 12 to 18 months.
The important thing is to take action.
Professional development doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because we make a conscious decision to invest in ourselves.
Before long, autumn will be upon us, followed by budget setting, AGM season, planning for 2027 and, before we know it, Christmas. So, if August offers you even a small window of opportunity, my advice is simple…
Use it wisely.
Your future self – and your club – will thank you for it.
By Mark Shanley
