The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is pleased to announce that Charles Molony, Assistant Secretary at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, has achieved the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation.
The CCM is the highest level of professional recognition in club management, awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence across leadership, governance, finance, operations and member experience. Charles’ achievement reflects a sustained commitment to professional development and a passion for advancing within the club industry.
Charles’ career journey is notable for its international breadth and diverse experience. From early roles that combined golf and travel — including time spent working in Kenya, Italy, and aboard a cruise ship — to his work with England Golf supporting clubs across South East England, he has built a well-rounded understanding of the industry at every level.
For the past seven and a half years, Charles has been a key part of the team at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, where he has served as Assistant Secretary for the last five years. During this time, he has contributed to delivering exceptional member experiences and supporting the hosting of prestigious amateur events and championships, further strengthening the club’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading venues.
Torbjörn Johansson, CEO of CMAE, commented:
“Charles’s achievement of the CCM is a fantastic milestone and a reflection of both his dedication to the profession and the breadth of his experience across the industry. His journey highlights the value of curiosity, international exposure, and a commitment to continuous learning. We are delighted to welcome him into the CCM family and congratulate him on this well-deserved success.”
Charles now joins a global network of Certified Club Managers who are setting the benchmark for excellence in club management.
Q&A with Charles Molony, CCM
Assistant Secretary, Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
Congratulations Charles – You are now a CCM. What is your feeling after three tough days on the review course before sitting the exam and passing it?
My overwhelming feeling is relief. It was an incredibly tense three days in the build up to the exam; three days of cramming information across all core competencies and then you just hope that you’re able to call on that when under the pressure of exam conditions. The certification is so much more than just the exam however, it’s the recognition of knowledge, of achievement and of continuous professional development over many years. I’m so pleased to be joining the CCM ranks.
Your Journey within golf has taken you to Kenya, Italy and a Cruise ship? Tell us more about it.
Yes, initially I thought the avenue I wanted to go down within the golf industry was a stereotypical Club Professional and I always sought out opportunities that combined golf and travel. Immediately after University, I lived and worked in Nairobi. I then worked on a Cruise Ship teaching golf which took me from the fjords of northern Europe, to the Mediterranean and then the Caribbean. I then took a role in Tuscany at Castiglion del Bosco, Italy’s only private golf club and a club that, at the time, was just four years old.
You have also done over three years for England Golf – being a Club Support Officer, must have been different compared to working at a club?
Yes, my role with England Golf was great for me and a real eye opener into good and bad practice, governance at clubs and the challenges that clubs of all different sizes face. I was working with clubs across South East England from the likes of Royal St George’s to small, non-affiliated venues and everything in between.
You have been 7 ½ years with Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, last five years as Assistant Secretary – what are the highlights from this time in your career:
The golf course at Royal Cinque Ports is often rated as one of the best in the UK, but it is the Club that is even better; the members, the events, the dinners and everything else, it really is a special place. In terms of highlights, each Spring we host the Halford Hewitt. This is one of the largest amateur golf tournaments in the world with 640 players in the first round and the mix between high level golf and social activities I think is hard to be matched anywhere.
I have also thoroughly enjoyed my time working with The R&A on Championships like The Boys Amateur and Final Open Qualifying. The buzz around the Club when we host these events is brilliant and members and staff alike are always so proud to be involved.
You have been on the CCM Pathway for a few years now, what are some of your best memories from it?
I started my journey at University of Warwick in 2017 – it’s been a long journey! It’s cheesy but the best memories I have are always relating to the people you meet on the pathway; whether that’s the fellow delegates or the presenters. The network you build is incredible and everyone is always so supportive.
With regards to your career within golf – now being a CCM – what would you recommend young people thinking about career development?
I have grown a huge amount throughout the pathway and learnt so much. If you’re interested in bettering yourself, improving your knowledge, becoming a better leader and manager then getting on the CCM pathway is a straightforward choice to make.
