Managers toast off-course success

Perfect ten celebrated at Club Managers Association ceremony in Stirling

Ten of the best: The recipients with their diplomas at the Club Managers Association ceremony in Stirling

A number of golf club managers recently tasted success – but this time it was something that took place off the course that was the reason for their celebrations.

A total of ten club managers were awarded with a Diploma in Club Management at an awards ceremony held at Stirling recently. On the night, Gregg Patterson, of The Beach Club in California, was the special guest who presented these managers with their certificates.

Speaking about the course, Kevin Fish, Scottish Golf Union Club Development Manager (who himself holds the Certified Club Manager qualification) said “It is my pleasure as Chairman of the Education Policy Board for the Club Managers’ Association of Europe to congratulate all the graduates. They are part of an elite group and one of the first in Europe to achieve and be recognized in this way, and I congratulate them and their clubs for their insight and determination in achieving this award.

“I hope one day that every club will insist that the senior member of staff at their club has this new qualification. In club management, the CMAE believes that all club managers should participate actively in education programmes as they will learn more about their job, how to solve problems and develop the club’s business, status or reputation, to the benefit of both the manager and the club that employs them.”

The Diploma, is a joint initiative between the Scottish Golf Union and the Club Managers Association of Europe and covers a number of core competencies which a modern golf club manager needs to be aware of in their day to day job. The course is externally verified by Elmwood College and allows club managers to work towards the Certified Club Manager qualification.

Speaking about his qualification one of the graduates John Donnelly, club secretary at Balbirnie Park Golf Club, said: “I am extremely proud to be one of the first club secretaries in Scotland to achieve this qualification. My club have been very supportive of me going for this qualification and I have already put into practice many aspects relating to the Diplomas Curriculum.

“I hope to go on to complete my Certified Club Managers Qualification shortly which would be a great achievement for me personally and also for Balbirnie Park Golf Club.”

The full list of recipients is as follows:

– John Donnelly, Balbirnie Park Golf Club

– John Bryceland, Dullatur Golf Club

– Tom Cummings, Kirkintilloch Golf Club

– Paul Arthur, PGA Professional, Canmore Golf Club

– Gary Abel, Elgin Golf Club

– Anne Burnside, Cowglen Golf Club

– Alan Rodger, Hirsel Golf Club

– John Kemp, SGU Club Development Officer

– Claire Middleton, SGU Club Development Officer

– Jackie Davidson, ClubGolf Scotland Manager

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered