The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is pleased to announce that Kenton Brunson, Director of Agronomy at The Mid Ocean Club, Bermuda, has achieved the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation.
The CCM is the highest level of professional certification in club management, recognising exceptional competence in leadership, governance, finance, strategy, operations, and member experience. Kenton’s achievement reflects years of dedication to professional development and a clear commitment to excellence in club leadership.
With a career rooted in agronomy and golf operations, Kenton’s decision to pursue the CCM pathway was driven by a desire to broaden his leadership capabilities and better serve members, boards, and teams at the highest level.
Torbjörn Johansson, CEO of the Club Management Association of Europe, commented: “Kenton’s achievement of the CCM is a wonderful example of what the certification represents. He has combined deep technical expertise with a clear commitment to becoming a complete club leader. His journey demonstrates the value of continuous learning and the impact it can have on both personal growth and organisational excellence. Congratulations to Kenton on this well-deserved accomplishment.”
Kenton joins a growing global of CCMs based in Europe and the Middle East.
Q&A with Kenton Brunson, CCM
Kenton – congratulations on achieving the CCM. How are you feeling?
Thank you. I’m incredibly proud and grateful. The CCM represents years of hard work, study, mentorship, and real-world experience, so reaching this milestone feels both rewarding and motivating. It’s a great moment of reflection, but also a reminder that continuous learning should never stop.
Tell us why you started your pathway towards achieving the CCM.
I began the CCM pathway because I wanted to become a more complete club leader. My background is rooted in agronomy and golf, but I knew that to truly serve members, boards, and teams at the highest level, I needed a deeper understanding of governance, finance, strategy, and hospitality. The CCM provided a structured, respected pathway to round out those skills and prepare me for a senior role.
What have been the highlights of your journey towards the certification?
The biggest highlight has been the people and the places I have been fortunate to experience. The mentors, classmates, instructors, and peers I’ve met along the way have been exceptional. The shared experiences, candid conversations, and exposure to different leadership styles have been invaluable. Academically, completing the final exam was obviously a major milestone, but the relationships and perspective gained have been just as meaningful.
You have worked at a number of excellent clubs around the US – how did you end up in Bermuda?
Bermuda was a unique opportunity that combined world-class golf, history, and a truly international club environment. The Mid Ocean Club is one of the most architecturally significant courses in the world, and the chance to steward a C.B. Macdonald/Seth Raynor design, while leading major restoration and infrastructure projects, was incredibly compelling. It also offered a rare chance to grow as a leader on a global stage.
What is different about Bermuda compared to other places you have worked?
Bermuda presents a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. From a management standpoint, everything is logistically more complex — shipping, labour, regulation, and weather all require long-term planning and adaptability. At the same time, the culture, the pride of place, and the membership’s connection to the club are incredibly strong. It demands strategic thinking, flexibility, and strong team development every day.
Would you recommend others to pursue the CCM?
Absolutely. The CCM is not easy and it takes many years, but that’s exactly what makes it valuable. It forces you to think beyond your functional role and develop as a true club manager. Whether someone aspires to be a GM, COO, or a senior department head, the CCM provides credibility, confidence, and a framework for making better decisions. If you’re committed to growth and excellence, it’s well worth the effort.
