With today’s Women & Girls in Golf Week spotlight on volunteering, we spoke to GCMA south west regional manager Karen Drake about her role.
Name
Karen Drake
Voluntary position held
Regional Manager for the GCMA South West Region
Time in post
I became one of the Regional Committee Members in 2011 and then became the Regional Manager (or known then as National Committee representative) in 2015.
What made you want to become involved with volunteering for the GCMA?
Since taking my first job at Weston super Mare in 1999, when the lovely Ray Burniston (Secretary of the AGCS at the time and member of Weston super Mare Golf Club) sponsored my attendance at the residential course, now known as the Principles of Golf Club Management.
I have always been fully engaged with the GCMA, for the benefits and rewards in being part of the association and the value in seeking expert advice from the association directly, together with the support and comradeship from fellow Golf Club Managers.
What does your role entail?
I see the role as an extension of the National GCMA in creating a community spirit among the South West Members. To share good practice among fellow Managers and to communicate the opinions and feedback from individual members back to HQ. To be the eyes on the ground so to speak!
What’s the best part about volunteering?
The reward in being appreciated by all those who take part.
