GCMA Accreditation will provide evidence of expertise throughout the career of a golf club manager.
The new programme recognises skills, achievements and professional development and gives managers the chance to be rewarded through a series of Accreditation levels.
The product of months of planning and research, the programme has been hailed by chief executive Tom Brooke as “a huge step forward for our association and the value that we offer to our members”.
Officially launching on 17th August, GCMA Accreditation is open to any GCMA member who is in an active golf club management role.
It provides managers with a clear route to develop and be recognised for continued learning and professional development.
“Our vision for GCMA Accreditation is about modernising and professionalising the role of golf club management and supporting and rewarding the professional and personal development of our members,” said Brooke.
“It’s about capturing the value of the individual and it will inform the industry, and inform employers and clubs, about the quality of that individual.”
A straightforward, but detailed, online form will capture experience, skills, knowledge, and achievements along with an ongoing commitment to personal and professional development.
By providing a complete career history and a summary of roles undertaken in the golf industry, along with an up-to-date record of qualifications, professional development and learning, members can apply for one of four GCMA Accreditation Levels.
Crucially, GCMA Accreditation will not discriminate on where qualifications and professional development were obtained or how managers have chosen to develop themselves professionally.
Any relatable industry qualification or certificate, plus degrees and higher education courses, will all be recognised through a comprehensive points matrix.
Learning of a more informal nature will also be captured within the programme, whether that be attendance at GCMA regional meetings, industry conferences, webinars, online learning or any number of other learning and development experiences.
“The programme is flexible and it’s inclusive,” added Brooke. “We all come from hugely different backgrounds and found our routes into golf club management and it has evolved considerably as a career over the past 20 years in particular. Up until now, there has been no one way of capturing that and of accurately informing the employer and the industry of what that individual is capable of and what they’ve achieved.”
An annual review process will encourage accredited managers to build their skills and keep them up to date with their own professional and personal development, as well as industry best practice.
Brooke said: “I’d like to think our programme is unique. There are some fantastic accreditation programmes already out there. Our point of difference is that we are looking to capture that full range of skills, knowledge, and experiences and offer a full accreditation pathway.
“But, equally, with the way the CPD points matrix works, there’s a way of capturing not just GCMA-led education and professional development but anything you do that can relate to one of the five professional practice standards categories that we’ve included as part of the accreditation framework.
“Anything around those business skill sets that you can relate to your role in golf club management we will look to capture within that CPD matrix and that will all help towards your accreditation.”
What is GCMA Accreditation?
GCMA Accreditation is a flexible, inclusive, and rewarding Accreditation pathway designed to represent YOU and YOUR VALUE to the industry – focusing on your skills, your achievements and your development.
- It is accessible – open to any full member of the GCMA who is in an active role within golf club management.
- It is inclusive – designed to value and recognise the wide range of backgrounds, skills, knowledge, experience, learning and qualifications that contribute towards being a successful golf club manager
- It is flexible – not limited to any one set pathway or series of qualifications. Recognition is given to a balance of experience, skills and knowledge, qualifications and CPD
- It is aspirational – providing a clear and achievable pathway for developing your skills, knowledge and career opportunities.
And it is based on existing best practice and comparable industry standards in CPD, career pathway and accreditation frameworks.
Why should I become GCMA Accredited?
- When applying for a job, it will differentiate you from other candidates
- It demonstrates that you keep your knowledge and skills up to date through continuous learning and development
- It demonstrates eagerness to learn which indicates future potential
- It will help to boost career progression and salary prospects
- It provides recognition of your skills, knowledge and achievements by your peers and the golf industry
What are the GCMA Accreditation Levels?
GCMA Aspiring Manager
Suitable for anyone employed in a Management position within a Golf Club (Department Head, Deputy Manager or a new GC Manager) with aspirations for career progression and professional development
GCMA Accredited Manager (Level 1)
Suitable for anyone employed in a position of GC Management at a small to medium sized club, able to demonstrate the effective management of a Golf Club and normally with a minimum of three years’ experience within the industry
GCMA Accredited Manager (Level 2)
A highly proficient and knowledgeable Golf Club Manager, at a medium to larger sized club, normally with a minimum of five years’ experience within the industry
GCMA Accredited Manager (Level 3)
Recognised as a highly experienced and accomplished Golf Club Manager demonstrating continued success at medium or larger sized clubs, normally with a minimum of 10 years’ experience within the industry
GCMA Senior Leader/Master Manager
This status will be open for applications from 2025. Available to GCMA Level 3 Accredited Managers able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and contribution to the golf industry and within the Association.
GCMA Accreditation launches on 17 August 2022.
