The European Club Education Foundation (ECEF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Women in Golf Club Management Bursary, a prestigious initiative supporting the advancement of women in the club management profession. This year’s bursaries, funded by The R&A, have been awarded to Tracy Fountain, Assistant Club Manager at Alnmouth Golf Club, and Laurie Illingworth, Clubhouse Manager at Morecambe Golf Club.
The Women in Golf Club Management Bursary aims to foster greater gender diversity within the golf industry by supporting talented female professionals on their educational and career development journey through the Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) MDP pathway.
Tracy Fountain expressed her gratitude, saying:
“I am truly honoured and incredibly grateful to be receiving this award. It’s not just a bursary, it’s a vote of confidence in my passion and commitment to making a difference in the world of golf. This award allows me the opportunity to meet my peers, further my development and contribute to breaking down barriers for women in this field. I’m excited for what lies ahead!”
Laurie Illingworth also shared her thoughts:
“I’m incredibly honoured to have been awarded the Women in Golf Club Management Bursary with CMAE. This opportunity not only represents a significant step forward in my professional development, but also reinforces my commitment to growing within the golf industry. I’m grateful for the support and recognition, and excited to continue learning, connecting, and contributing to the future of club management.”
Torbjörn Johansson, CEO of the European Club Education Foundation, added:
“We are delighted to support Tracy and Laurie through this important initiative. This year, we received a high number of quality applications, which is a clear reflection of the growing ambition and talent among women in our industry. Tracy and Laurie stood out for their professionalism, passion, and commitment to the future of club management. With the backing of The R&A, we’re not just supporting individuals—we’re investing in a more inclusive and dynamic future for the golf industry.” The ECEF extends its sincere thanks to The R&A for their continued support and commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive leadership within golf clubs across Europe and the Middle East.
Pictured – Tracy Foundation (L) and Laurie Illingworth (R)
