Singapore: Club management professionals with ambitions of progressing their careers are being encouraged to attain Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation.
“The CCM is considered the gold standard in club management certification globally,” said Steven Thielke, a graduate of the Club Management Association of America’s (CMAA) Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF)-administered Business Management Institute (BMI) programme.
It was in 2020 that Thielke became among the first Asian-based individuals to achieve the CCM milestone. Some three years on and Thielke has been instrumental in resurrecting the pathway to the CCM with the reintroduction of the BMI programme.
To be staged in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, the BMI’s General Manager/Chief Operating Officer course will take place from July 24-28, signalling the resumption of the AGIF’s partnership with the CMAA.
“Achieving the CCM designation was one of the best things I’ve done in my career, giving me a sense of achievement and validation for the work that we do in the club business,” said Thielke, now an AGIF Board member who heads up the Federation’s club management education committee.
He added: “Whether you’re a new manager or a more experienced manager, it doesn’t matter. I’d really encourage you to consider getting you and members of your team onto this programme.
“Not only can it benefit them and their growth personally, but it’ll benefit you and your organisation as well. Join the AGIF if you haven’t already so that you can get the benefits of better pricing and support.”
After more than a quarter of a century working as a general manager at high-profile clubs in South Africa, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, Thielke says he never stops learning.
He said: “The fact of the matter is that we continue to learn in this business. You’re learning every single day. I know it’s the vision of the AGIF Board to get the clubs in Asia to work closer together and to grow that platform of relationships. Education and knowledge are critical.”
Thielke’s views were endorsed by Matthew Murray, who also achieved the CCM accolade in 2020.
Murray, Managing Director at Champions Golf, said: “The introduction of the BMI in Southeast Asia by the AGIF has been a tremendous initiative and provided an opportunity for all club general managers and future club general managers throughout the region.
“Initially, I didn’t know what to expect. However, on my journey, I learned that the BMI covered many areas of management with which I was unfamiliar. I now have a much better understanding of the total club management business.
“I have introduced many of the systems and concepts into my everyday management and will assist my senior management with their future BMI journeys.
“Over time, I believe being a Certified Club Manager will become a condition of employment for clubs in Southeast Asia. Therefore, the managers who achieve their CCM early will be at the forefront of future club management in the region.”
AGIF President Chris Gray said the resumption of the BMI programme underscores the Federation’s commitment to education.
“We’re really focused on providing education to the industry, both in turfgrass and club management,” said Gray, referring to The R&A-backed Certificate in Greenkeeping that the AGIF launched to offer affordable education to course superintendents around the region.
He added: “Since partnering with the CMAA in 2015, we have run nine BMI courses across in the Asian region, bringing more than 35 club professionals into the programme.
“We’ve also provided various Chapter and Association credit opportunities via our Club Management Mini Summits and co-operative programmes with various national associations.
“We’re fortunate to be able to call upon the expertise of Steven. In achieving CCM status, he has set a benchmark for his peers around the region. In the coming years, we look forward to seeing many more club managers from Asia following in his footsteps.”
In the CMAA 2015 Compensation and Benefits Report, it was reported that the head of club’s compensation with CCM designation was 31% higher than a head of club’s compensation without CCM designation.
The BMI programmes are completely endorsed and empowered by the CMAA and is equivalent to what one can receive in the United States. The Business Management Institute courses are five-day, 40-hour, intensive sessions designed for managers with a desire to explore the basic elements of their profession in a comprehensive manner. The programme takes a tangible, hands-on approach to the subject matter.
*For further details and registration for the BMI course, please email pkong@agif.asia