About the Midlands Region
About the region
The GCMA Midlands Region represents golf clubs across the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, and parts of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
We are a dynamic, forward-thinking community of golf club managers, industry professionals, and emerging leaders, all dedicated to shaping the future of golf club management.
Our region provides a collaborative platform for professional development, networking, and the sharing of best practices. We support our members through:
- Education & Development – Access expert-led workshops, regional meetings, and national GCMA initiatives.
- Networking & Support – Connect with a strong peer network that encourages collaboration, mentorship, and career growth.
- Innovation & Growth – Stay informed on the latest trends, technology, and strategies to drive club success.
Whether you’re an experienced leader or an aspiring professional, the GCMA Midlands Region offers a connected, supportive community to help you thrive in your role and contribute to the future of the industry.
History of the GCMA Midlands Region
2025 – Bob Ellis Appointed & Tony Moon Joins National Team
- In April 2025, Bob Ellis took over as Regional Manager of the GCMA Midland Region.
- Tony Moon joined the GCMA’s employed Membership Services team, taking on a national support role to strengthen engagement and service delivery across all Regions.
- This transition reflected the continued evolution of the GCMA’s structure, ensuring local expertise and national collaboration remain at the heart of the Association’s mission.
2023 – 50th Anniversary Celebration
- The GCMA Midland Region proudly celebrated its 50th Anniversary, marking half a century since its reformation in 1973.
- The milestone recognised the Region’s enduring role in supporting, educating, and connecting golf club managers across the Midlands.
- Members past and present were acknowledged for their commitment to professional development, camaraderie, and the advancement of golf club management.
- The Region continues to thrive as part of the national GCMA network — a testament to 50 years of collaboration, leadership, and shared expertise.
2022 – Tony Moon Appointed
- Tony Moon took over as Regional Manager of the GCMA Midland Region.
- Under Tony’s leadership, the Region continued to deliver education, networking, and member support, maintaining a strong reputation within the GCMA network.
2016 – 43rd Anniversary
The Midland Region celebrated its 43rd Anniversary.
The Region was described as:
“In good health, with a robust membership, a dedicated organising committee, and a strong network of retired members offering invaluable experience.”
2015 – Rob Wormstone Appointed
Rob Wormstone, former Secretary/Manager at Bloxwich Golf Club (2004–2014), succeeded Adrian Dibble as Regional Secretary.
2009 – Adrian Dibble Appointed
Adrian Dibble, Secretary of Little Aston Golf Club (1991–2003), succeeded John Bissell.
He served until October 2015, overseeing constitutional updates to align with the 2014 national incorporation.
2007 – Transition to GCMA
At the National AGM in Cardiff (29 March 2007), members voted to change the Association’s name to the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA).
The Midland Region also adopted the new name: GCMA Midland Region, reflecting the evolving role of club managers.
1993 – Regional Realignment
The East Midlands Region was formed, taking in Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire.
This change was made to reduce travel distances for members.
1986 – John Bissell Appointed
John Bissell (Craythorne Golf Club) became Regional Secretary.
Upon his retirement in 2009, he was honoured in the GCMA magazine by Bob Fletcher (Sutton Coldfield GC).
John passed away in 2013, with many Regional members attending his service in Burton-on-Trent
1983 – Leadership Change
David McAllister (Handsworth Golf Club) succeeded Paddy Hope as Regional Secretary.
1973 – Equality and Reformation
At the National AGM at Kings Norton Golf Club (1973), the rules were changed to allow female Secretaries to become members — an early step for gender equality.
Coincidentally, the Midland Region was re-formed the same year.
- First Regional Secretary: Paddy Hope (Walmley Golf Club).
- First Captain: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Barry Mathews (Edgbaston Golf Club) — the only full-time paid Secretary in the Region at the time.
The Region’s original boundaries stretched from Skegness to Aberdovey.
A Welsh Region was created in 1973, reducing the Midlands’ geographic area.
1956 – Formation of the Midland Region
The Midland Region of the Association of Golf Club Secretaries was first formed by Guy Bigwood, son of W. Bigwood.
Guy was Honorary Secretary of Blackwell Golf Club and a well-known Birmingham businessman with links to Little Aston and Edgbaston.
Despite promising beginnings, the Region dissolved after a few years.
1955 – Move Toward Regional Structure
Local gatherings of secretaries evolved into affiliated regions of a national body.
Growing club workloads led to a shift toward full-time, salaried Secretary/Manager roles.
1933 – Formation of the National Association
The first meeting of the (National) Association was held at Cuddington Golf Club, Surrey, on 21st July 1933.
Following a round of golf, members agreed to form the Golf Club Secretaries Association.
The name was changed in 1934 to The Association of Golf Club Secretaries, as most clubs were run by Honorary Secretaries at the time.
Mr. W. Bigwood of Little Aston Golf Club (Midland Region) appeared in a 1934 cartoon depiction of the early Committee.
The Association celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1983 and 75th Anniversary in 2008, both marked by events at Cuddington Golf Club.