ECEF Announces Recipients of 2026 Ethnically Diverse Managers in Golf Bursary

The European Club Education Foundation (ECEF) is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Ethnically Diverse Managers Bursary, a groundbreaking initiative funded by The R&A to support greater ethnic diversity within the club industry.

Following a highly competitive application process, four outstanding individuals have been selected as recipients of the 2026 bursary:

• Ashraf Sabry
• Zakaria Hassi
• Chakir Aouidate
• Charlyn Alunday

The bursary provides full funding for recipients to attend the Club Management Association of Europe’s (CMAE) Business Management Institute (BMI/MDP) Part 1 programme, an internationally recognised education pathway designed to equip club management professionals with the operational and leadership skills required to succeed in the industry.

Ashraf Sabry said:

“This award is just the beginning for me. I am eager to start the BMI/MDP 1 course and will strive to do my very best to follow it up with serious steps toward completing the full Management Development Programme with CMAE. This journey will deeply impact my career, empowering me to elevate my Club, Pickalbatros Golf Beach Resort, and golf in Egypt by applying everything I learn to establish the highest international standards in the game.”

Zakaria Hassi commented:

“I would like to sincerely thank you for selecting me for the BMI/MDP 1 Course run by CMAE. I am honoured to have this opportunity and highly motivated to make the most of this course.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the judging panel for their time, consideration, and confidence in my application.

Thank you for your trust and support. I remain committed to following the program with seriousness and dedication.”

Chakir Aouidate said:

“Being selected for the 2026 Ethnically Diverse Manager in Golf Bursary represents far more than a professional achievement for me—it is a life-changing opportunity and a powerful recognition of the journey I have undertaken within the golf industry.

Coming from Morocco and working every day to develop golf as a driver of tourism, inclusion, and economic growth, I have always believed in the transformative power of this sport. This bursary will not only strengthen my leadership capabilities but also empower me to bring new ideas, international best practices, and greater value to the golf community I serve.

I am sincerely grateful to ECEF, CMAE, and The R&A for their commitment to creating opportunities for diverse talents across the industry. Attending the BMI/MDP 1 course will provide me with invaluable knowledge, inspiration, and a global network of professionals who share the same passion for excellence.

I see this opportunity not only as an investment in my personal development, but as an investment in the future growth of golf in Morocco and beyond.

This is the beginning of a new chapter—one that I am eager to embrace and one that I hope will allow me to inspire others to believe that dedication, perseverance, and passion can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.”

Charlyn Alunday added:

“Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity. I am truly grateful to have been awarded the Ethnically Diverse Manager in Golf Bursary to attend the BMI/MDP 1 Course run by CMAE.

This means a lot to me, and I am very excited to continue developing my career in the golf industry with the support of this programme.”

ECEF CEO Torbjorn Johansson added “”We have had a fantastic relationship with The R&A in this project. We have seen people from across the globe wanting education in order to develop and join the global pathway. In year 5 we had a lot of great applications in which the jury decided to award these four people from three different countries. We look forward having them with us and again thank The R&A for not only supporting ECEF with funds for the bursaries but also to be a part of the process from start to finish.”

Kevin Barker, Director – Golf Development – GB&I and Africa, said, “The bursaries are funded by The R&A as part of our commitment to increase the ethnic diversity of those working in the golf industry. Role models are key to demonstrating that golf is open to all, not only as a participant in the sport but as a professional career opportunity. We offer our congratulations to the bursary recipients for 2026.”