Welcome from the CEO

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE

GOLF CLUB MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION GCMA Bristol & Clifton Golf Club, Beggar Bush Lane, Failand, Bristol, BS8 3TH Tel: 01275 391153 | hq@gcma.org.uk CHIEF EXECUTIVE Tom Brooke - tombrooke@gcma.org.uk GOLF MANAGEMENT RESEARCHER Jim Cunning - jim@gcma.org.uk FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR Lianne Banks - lianne@gcma.org.uk COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE Marie Taylor - marie@gcma.org.uk MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Julie Knight - julie@gcma.org.uk PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Gavin Robinson- gavin@gcma.org.uk BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Craig Cotterill - craig@gcma.org.uk PRESIDENT JR (John) Jones 2020/22 CAPTAIN Dave Carlisle BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brad McLean, Amy Yeates, Andrew Rankin, Judy Barker, Stuart Leech, Gareth Morgan, Ed Richardson THE GOLF CLUB MANAGER IS PUBLISHED BY: SPORTS PUBLICATIONS LTD 2 Arena Park, Tarn Lane, Scarcroft, West Yorkshire, LS17 9BF, UK Tel: 0113 289 3979 | info@sportspub.co.uk PUBLISHER Tom Irwin - t.irwin@sportspub.co.uk CONTENT DIRECTOR Dan Murphy - d.murphy@sportspub.co.uk EDITOR Steve Carroll - s.carroll@sportspub.co.uk CHIEF DESIGNER Andrew Kenworthy - a.kenworthy@sportspub.co.uk DESIGNER Emmi Parry - e.parry@sportspub.co.uk

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THE GOLF CLUB ISSUE 40 | OCTOBER 2020 MANAGER

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE GOLF CLUB MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION

SPECIAL FOCUS: WE TAKE A LOOK AT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESSS

INDUSTRY IS IT TIME TO REIN IN DISTANCE? A R C H I T E C T S W E I G H I N O N T H E G R E A T G O L F C O U R S E D E B A T E

GRASS ROOTS ‘COVID-19 WON’T STOP US’ W H Y B O Y C E H I L L R E F U S E T O B E DERAILED BY THE PANDEMIC

THE INTERVIEW THE FORGOTTEN RYDER CUP HOST? R I C H A R D K I L S H A W ’ S M I S S I O N T O RAISE THE PROFILE OF S&A

EDUCATE | INFORM | INSPIRE

ON THE COVER: Southport & Ainsdale’s Richard Kilshaw

WELCOME

ISSUE 40 | OCTOBER 2020

My first month has been an incredibly busy, but extremely positive experience! It’s been great getting to know everyone within the HQ team at Bristol, as well as spending quality ‘Zoom time’ with the Regional Managers and Board Directors. We really have got a great team of people who are so passionate about what we do and really focused on supporting the future of our organisation.

Thank you to everyone I’ve spoken with so far, for your very warm welcome and the useful insights you’ve shared. I’ve got a lot of notes to work through!

So on to a couple of key topics that are front and centre of golf club management at the moment:

Firstly, Covid-19 and the complexities local lockdown restrictions and the confusing ‘Rule of 6’ have put in front of us. While the current pandemic continues to cause so much sadness worldwide, we must thank our blessings our industry has been permitted to remain open and is flourishing. Moving into the winter, we really must think carefully about how we continue to service the hugely increased level of demand we’ve been experiencing since reopening in May. It will be interesting to see how this continues to progress.

Secondly, preparing for the launch of the World Handicapping System on November 2. I have always been an advocate of a system that allows a handicap to ‘travel’ more effectively and that is one of the key benefits of the WHS.

I am sure you’ll be aware, there have been concerns surrounding GDPR and the transfer of member data to the central system. We will continue to work with the Home Unions throughout the launch and implementation process but, most importantly, will support members in successfully implementing the new arrangements.

This month, our magazine focuses on Professional Development. If you read my article last month, you may have picked up this is something I am particularly passionate about.

We’ve got fantastic people involved in this area, including Board Director, Andy Rankin, and Professional Development Manager, Gavin Robinson.

Professional Development is going to play a huge role in the GCMA’s progression as we evolve in the months and years ahead. We’ve got some extremely exciting plans under way and I hope this issue provides you with some inspiration and insight. Tom Brooke – Chief Executive

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