I was pleased to see the news that the Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE) has signed an agreement with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) that offers course managers the opportunity to train to gain the Certified Club Manager (CCM) qualification that may in turn aid them in becoming club managers.
The CMAE’s chief executive, Jerremy Kilby makes the point that experienced course managers may well reach a point in their careers where they say, ‘What next?’ A position I found myself in 17 years ago, luckily enough for me I was working for an employer who had no preconceptions of what background a golf club mangers should come from. I was given four excellent years of new learning in the world of general management. That experience gave me the grounding to undertake a further five years of executive management in B2B operations in the ‘real’ commercial world.
I highlight my experience as I left school, like my greenkeepers, with little in the way of academic qualification but possessing a desire to work in the great outdoors and to the best of my ability. There are course managers out there at the moment who have followed a similar route to the top of the greenkeeping profession who, unless they have undertaken professional development at their own cost, will not be seen to be qualified to undertake the role of a golf club manager. That is why this initiative is to be applauded.
There is of course no substitute for experience coupled with application and determination however the added benefit of a formal recognised qualification, like CCM provides the academic leverage that is needed in the employment race.
In 1982 in the formation meetings of the EIGGA (the forerunner of the BIGGA) we discussed the need to provide a higher level of education for all greenkeepers, but in particular those at the top of the profession. At that time PGA professionals were setting qualifications to become club managers and this was seen as a career progression opportunity that should be on offer to our members.
Horses for Courses
BIGGA’s Chief Executive John Pemberton stated about the agreement: “In today’s job market, just being a good course manager isn’t enough. CCM is an opportunity for greenkeepers to demonstrate their skills and professionalism in management and we welcome the signing of this agreement with the CMAE.”
Now I think I know what John is getting at in his statement, and having praised this move forward I don’t want to knock it, but I do have to say that being a good course manger in today’s job market is all you need! If you are on the top of your game as your clubs course manager you are a very prized person indeed.
Club management is not for everyone and if P&L responsibility, marketing, sales, catering and handicap disputes are not your thing then just focus on being the best course manager that money can buy!
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