The European Club Education Foundation (ECEF) is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Joe Perdue Bursary, awarded annually to outstanding club management professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education and leadership within the club industry.
This year’s bursaries have been awarded to:
- TJ Ford, Lahinch Golf Club – recipient of the Joe Perdue Bursary to attend the CMAA World Conference in Anaheim, USA, from 17–21 February 2026.
- Daniel Harrison, Alnmouth Golf Club – recipient of an MDP 3: Strategy & Leadership bursary
- Pim Bust, Brussels Drohme Golf Club – recipient of an MDP 3: Strategy & Leadership bursary
CMAE Premier Partners, Club Benchmarking EMEA is providing support with one of the bursaries for MDP 3 Strategy & Leadership.
The Joe Perdue Bursary honours the legacy of the late Joe Perdue, a pioneer of club management education worldwide, and continues his vision of empowering club professionals through world-class learning experiences.
TJ Ford, Lahinch Golf Club, expressed his appreciation:
“I’m honoured to have been awarded the Joe Perdue Bursary to attend the CMAA World Conference in Anaheim in 2026. It is a privilege to be associated with Mr Perdue, given his pioneering contributions to club management education. My journey through the CMAE MDP Pathway so far has been fantastic — I’ve gained a huge amount from the education, the people, and the experiences along the way. I’m really looking forward to continuing that journey at the World Conference in February. A sincere ‘Thank You’ to both the ECEF and Lahinch Golf Club for this opportunity.”
Daniel Harrison, Alnmouth Golf Club, commented:
“I am truly honoured to receive the Joe Perdue Bursary for MDP Level 3. This award is a fantastic opportunity to further my professional development and bring new ideas and skills back to Alnmouth Golf Club. I am grateful to CMAE and the judging panel for their support and recognition, and I look forward to connecting with fellow club managers and learning from the best in our industry. Thank you for investing in my future and in the future of our club.”
Pim Bust, Brussels Drohme Golf Club, added:
“Winning the Joe Perdue Bursary is both an honour and a motivation. At Drohme Park, we’re committed to excellence and innovation, and attending MDP 3 will help me strengthen those values within our team and community. I’m truly grateful to everyone at CMAE for making this opportunity possible and for their continued support in helping club managers grow and succeed.”
Torbjörn Johansson, CEO of the European Club Education Foundation, said:
“The Joe Perdue Bursary continues to be one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the next generation of club leaders. TJ, Daniel, and Pim exemplify the passion, professionalism, and commitment to continuous learning that Joe Perdue championed. We’re proud to support their journeys and look forward to seeing the impact they will make within their clubs and the wider industry.”
The European Club Education Foundation extends its congratulations to all three recipients and gratitude to Club Benchmarking for their continued support in advancing education within the club management profession.
Pictured left to right – TJ Ford, Pim Bust, Daniel Harrison
