Former Copt Heath General Manager Tony Moon is the GCMA’s new Membership Services Coordinator.
Long-standing GCMA member Tony Moon is delighted to have the opportunity to “be a part of it” after taking on the role of Membership Services Coordinator.
The former General Manager, who spent 12 years in the position at Copt Heath, enjoyed a brief retirement before finding the pull of a position at the GCMA too much to resist.
We caught up with Tony to find out what the former Regional Manager for the Midlands Region has planned in his new post.
Can you tell us about your career in the industry to date?
I initially worked in the service industry with companies like Compass and Sodexo, doing events like The Open working on soft services, food and beverage – that type of thing.
I started in the golf industry as Treasurer at Robin Hood Golf Club for three years. I decided to do the Principles course and then applied for the job as General Manager at Copt Heath and got that position 12 years ago.
I retired from there in April, really enjoyed my three-month retirement, and just decided I still wanted to be involved with things.
What’s your reaction to being appointed Membership Services Coordinator?
I’m excited about it and it’s great to get to understand a little bit more about how the GCMA operates, and in particular how we can service and look after our members, grow the membership and become a more influential player within the golf market.
What will you be doing in the role?
I’ll be working alongside Natalie and Kerry in our Membership Services team to help build the membership and make sure we’re bringing more people in the industry on board as members of the GCMA.
The organisation is evolving and I’m sure the role will throw up different challenges, but it’s about looking at leads and turning them into memberships, and making sure people are aware of and participating in the various programmes we offer.
It’s also about serving the existing membership, dealing with issues and dealing with people to make sure they are looked after.
Why is GCMA membership important?
I think the biggest thing is about shared experiences and that’s what being a member of the GCMA provides.
It brings a sense of comradeship and an ability to share problems and get advice from people who have similar experiences. The old adage of a problem shared being a problem halved is very true.
GCMA membership means you’re part of a wider group and there are so many opportunities to meet and talk with other people in the industry, on a local and regional level and across the country.
I’ve been a member for 12 years now and I’ve met some great people and got some great friends who I can trust and who I can talk to, and they can talk to me. That friendship side of things is probably underestimated.
There are also all sorts of educational benefits and opportunities, which is really important for personal and professional development.
The industry is really evolving and moving forwards, we’re getting younger people coming into Golf Club Management now and I think that’s fantastic, and the GCMA is a big part of that.
