Could your golf club benefit from better decision making?
Do you know how your club is run, or what they’re doing to protect their environment?
Governance and sustainability are two of the most important topics in golf clubs today and you can find out more when both are on the agenda at one of three special meetings.
The Golf Club Managers’ Association are continuing their series of National Education Days across the UK following the first, which was staged at The Kendleshire, in Bristol, back in May.
The roadshow moves to Huddersfield Golf Club on September 13, with further National Education Days held at Carnoustie on October 11, and Walton Heath on November 23.
At each, The R&A’s director of sustainability, Arlette Anderson, will be joined by Dr Marie Athorn, business conversation advisor for the RSPB, to discuss how clubs can understand the impact they have on their environment, how to plan for the future, and practical ways of making changes.
Eddie Bullock and Jerry Kilby, both leading experts on governance, will also talk about how boards and committees can make better decisions – taking the audience through case studies from clubs and how lessons were learned.
The event is open to non-GCMA members and the association are particularly keen for volunteers, members of golf club committees, and boards – as well as anyone else interested – to attend.
Gavin Robinson, the GCMA’s professional development manager, said: “When you look at the golf club, and you think of the Professional side, the staff, and then the Volunteer side of the golf club, the board / committee members – we really want to bring those people on board with us.
“The aim is to ensure there is a greater understanding whenever those conversations are going on between the general manager, the chairperson, or the board.
“I can’t wait to get the first of these education events over the line and delivered. I’m confident it will be hugely beneficial and we’ll look forward to hosting many more.”
The three events are priced at £50 for GCMA members and £95 for non-members. To register at Huddersfield, click here. To sign up at Carnoustie, click here. And to attend Walton Heath, register here.
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
