The European Club Education Foundation (ECEF) is delighted to announce that Fionnula McHale and Joanna Gadsby have been selected as the recipients of the Women in Club Management Bursary 2026.
Supported by The R&A, the bursary is awarded annually to female current and aspiring club managers, providing them with the opportunity to attend the Club Management Association of Europe’s (CMAE) Business Management Institute (BMI) Part 1. The programme forms the foundation of CMAE’s internationally recognised education pathway and equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to succeed in leadership roles within the club industry.
The Women in Club Management Bursary was established to help encourage, support, and develop more women in management positions across the club management sector, creating opportunities for professional growth and career progression.
Fionnula McHale, who is currently in her first management role at Ashby Decoy Golf Club, said:
“I am thrilled to have been awarded the Women in Club Management Bursary. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me as a young woman in my first management role at Ashby Decoy Golf Club. I’m incredibly grateful to be recognised. This bursary gives women like me the chance to progress our careers and gain valuable experience within the golf industry.”
Joanna Gadsby commented:
“I am beyond excited and extremely grateful to have been afforded this opportunity. I am determined to use the knowledge and insights I will gain through this experience to help drive greater diversity and inclusivity within the club industry.”
Torbjörn Johansson, Chief Executive Officer of ECEF, said:
“Congratulations to Fionnula and Joanna on being selected as the recipients of the 2026 Women in Club Management Bursary. Both candidates demonstrated a genuine commitment to professional development and a clear passion for contributing positively to the future of the club industry.
Supporting women in club management is a key priority for ECEF and The R&A. Through initiatives such as this bursary, we aim to encourage more women to pursue leadership positions, and help build a stronger, more diverse future for our industry. We look forward to following Fionnula and Joanna’s progress as they begin their CMAE education journey.”
Pictured – Fionnula McHale (L) and Joanna Gadaby (R)
