The European Club Education Foundation (ECEF) is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Ethnically Diverse Managers in Golf Bursary, a key initiative funded by The R&A to support the growth and development of future leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds within the golf club industry.
This year’s bursary recipients are: Joel Tiwana, Ann Irura, Elena Duarte Chanto, and Dana Clemente.
The bursary provides access to education through the Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE)’s Management Development Programme (MDP), helping participants advance their knowledge and careers in club management.
Joel Tiwana said:
“I’m incredibly honoured to have been awarded the Ethnically Diverse Club Management Bursary through the CMAE. This opportunity represents a significant step in both my personal and professional development. Through the Management Development Programme, I’m excited to broaden my knowledge, push beyond my comfort zone, and contribute to club management in a way that champions inclusivity and positive change. I’m truly grateful for the support and recognition that comes with receiving this award, and I can’t wait to begin this journey.”
Ann Irura shared:
“I’m deeply honoured and excited to be awarded the Ethnically Diverse Manager Golf Bursary to attend the MDP 1 course run by CMAE. This opportunity not only affirms the importance of diversity and inclusion within the golf industry but also empowers individuals like me to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to the future of club management.
As a woman navigating the golf space—an industry that has traditionally lacked gender and ethnic representation—this bursary is deeply personal. It’s a powerful recognition of the value that women and people of diverse backgrounds bring to leadership in golf. It strengthens my resolve to break barriers and inspire the next generation, especially girls and youth with disabilities, to see a future for themselves in this sport.
I’m grateful to The R&A and CMAE for their commitment to fostering inclusive leadership in golf. This opportunity will equip me with valuable tools and global perspectives, which I look forward to applying through my work with Golden Tee Inclusive Golf and beyond. It’s not just a course—it’s a platform to amplify impact, challenge norms, and build a golf industry that truly welcomes everyone.”
Elena Duarte Chanto added:
“I was actually at work when I got the email about the bursary results. I thought I wasn’t going to get it—I didn’t even read the title of the letter until I opened it and found out that I’d won the bursary. I couldn’t believe it. It’s not common for me to win things like a giveaway or bursary, and I’m so happy to win this one because it’s going to give me the opportunity to learn more about work and progress. Thank you so much to all of you for this opportunity.”
Dana Clemente commented:
“I’m so happy and honoured to be awarded the bursary—it truly feels like a dream come true! I’m excited for what’s ahead and feel even more inspired to keep learning and growing in the golf industry.”
ECEF CEO Torbjörn Johansson said: “This programme continues to attract impressive and passionate individuals, and we’re proud to support this year’s recipients on their professional journeys. Joel, Ann, Elena, and Dana bring fresh perspectives and strong potential to the industry. With the generous support of The R&A, we’re taking meaningful steps towards building a more inclusive future for golf.”
The Ethnically Diverse Managers in Golf Bursary is part of ECEF’s broader mission to champion inclusivity and diversity in golf club leadership. The support from The R&A plays a pivotal role in empowering the next generation of club managers and ensuring the golf industry better reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Pictured – Elena Duarte (top left), Joel Tiwana (top right), Dana Clemente (bottom left) and Ann Irura (bottom right)
