The CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy, Isaiah Mwesige, and Leighton Walker, Chairman of the Board at AFRIYEA Golf Academy, recently participated in the Golf Club Managers Association (GCMA) Conference 2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom. They captivated conference delegates with a compelling presentation focusing on the theme of improving lives through golf.
Held from November 12th to 14th, 2023, the GCMA Conference brought together club managers from across Europe for a three-day event. Isaiah and Leighton hosted a breakout session on Monday, concentrating on the subject of improving lives through golf. In this session, they encouraged attendees to integrate life skills and environmental sustainability into junior golf coaching.
Drawing inspiration from their experiences at the AFRIYEA Golf Academy, Isaiah and Leighton emphasized the importance of instilling life skills in young golfers. They highlighted the significance of providing aspiring athletes not only with the tools to excel in the sport but also to thrive in various aspects of life.
The breakout session also spotlighted the integration of environmental sustainability into junior coaching programs. By introducing children to the importance of environmental protection at an early age, they cultivate a passion for preserving their surroundings and a sense of responsibility for future generations.
Hosted in Hinckley, Leicester, the GCMA Conference attracted approximately 300 attendees, including GCMA members, industry experts, and various partners. Recognized as Europe’s largest gathering of club managers, this event served as a valuable platform for networking, education, inspiration, and the exchange of strategies to enhance the golf industry.
The collaborative atmosphere of the conference facilitated the exchange of knowledge among like-minded professionals, fostering discussions on industry trends and collaborative efforts to innovate golf club management practices. The engaging presentations and discussions underscored the GCMA’s and its members’ steadfast commitment to continually elevate standards within the industry.
Isaiah Mwesige, the CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy, shared his perspective on the significance of instilling life skills in young golfers, stating, ‘Golf is not just a sport but a valuable tool for shaping well-rounded individuals. By nurturing skills such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork, we empower these young golfers to excel not only on the course but also in their personal and professional lives.
This conference has presented a challenge to the golf industry regarding the paramount importance of teamwork and the establishment of a team culture, contributing to the growth of worldwide management. On a personal level, Mwesige’s attendance at this conference has not only exposed him to the practices of other golf course managers but has also provided insights from organizations such as the commendable work of the Golf Foundation and England Golf.
The event featured keynote speakers, including Owen Eastwood, who collaborated with Europe’s victorious 2023 Ryder Cup Team, as well as Kevin Fish, Craig Haldane, and Brendan Hall.
