Chloe Boissel-Marshall takes top honour in a standout year for female leadership
The Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) hosted its biennial conference and awards this week with a clear message: the future of golf club management is changing—and women are increasingly at the forefront.
Held at De Vere Cotswold Water Park in Gloucestershire, the three-day event welcomed over 250 delegates from across the UK golf industry under the theme ‘Future Ready’. Sustainability, strategy, and leadership took centre stage through keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and workshops designed to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing golf clubs today.
Women Take Centre Stage in 2025 GCMA Awards
This year’s awards evening saw women sweep three of the four major categories, a significant reflection of the changing face of golf club leadership.
Chloe Boissel-Marshall, General Manager at Tidworth Garrison Golf Club in Wiltshire, was named Manager of the Year. Recognised for her willingness to embrace innovation and drive change, she said: “I think I won because I wasn’t afraid to push boundaries. Innovation in the industry is overdue, and delivering real change at Tidworth has made a difference.”
Heather Moran of La Moye Golf Club in Jersey received the Newcomer of the Year award. Reflecting on her early challenges, she said, “I nearly quit after six months, but my peers encouraged me to keep going, and I’m so glad I did. To be one of three women recognised tonight feels like a sign of things to come.”
Claire Bainbridge, from Fulford Golf Club in North Yorkshire, was named Support Manager of the Year. “This award belongs to all of us at Fulford. My advice to anyone is: go for it. Enjoy it and take every opportunity,” she said.
In the Team of the Year category, Lisa Harrop shared honours with colleague Chad Parker for their work at Marton Meadows Golf Club in Cheshire, proving that leadership can thrive in even the smallest clubs.
Charting the Path Forward
The conference also looked beyond awards, focusing on preparing clubs for long-term success. GCMA CEO Tom Brooke highlighted the importance of looking ahead: “We support our members not just with what they need today but with what they might need in the future.”
From AI and recruitment to water management and team building, the sessions reflected the breadth of modern club management responsibilities. Speakers such as Allister Frost, John Steele OBE, Jo Salter MBE and Colin Maclachlan brought perspectives from outside golf to challenge and inspire.
Recognising Long-Term Impact
Two special honours were also awarded. Cameron Dawson was recognised for Outstanding Achievement for his service to Keighley Golf Club and Yorkshire Golf. John Douglass, who spent 32 years as a club secretary, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
As the GCMA prepares for what lies ahead, this year’s event signalled a progressive shift in the industry—one that’s beginning to reflect the wider world. With more women stepping into senior roles, and innovation high on the agenda, the future of golf club leadership looks more diverse and forward-thinking than ever.
