The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is delighted to announce that Daniel Blesovsky, General Manager of Berkhamsted 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. Daniel’s achievement marks the culmination of a rigorous and sustained commitment to professional development through the CMAE Management Development Programme (MDP).
With more than 20 years of experience in the club industry, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his role. Having built his career through key positions at leading clubs including Woburn Golf Club and Frilford Heath Golf Club, he has developed a strong foundation in operations, team leadership, and member engagement. In his current role as General Manager at Berkhamsted Golf Club, Daniel has quickly established himself as a forward-thinking leader, focused on strategic development and delivering exceptional member experiences.
Torbjörn Johansson, CEO of CMAE, commented:
“Daniel’s achievement of the CCM is a fantastic accomplishment and reflects his dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. His journey through the industry, combined with his commitment to developing as a modern club leader, embodies everything the CCM represents. We are delighted to welcome him into the CCM community and congratulate him on this well-deserved success.”
Reflecting on his achievement, Daniel described the CCM journey as both intense and rewarding, highlighting the importance of structured learning, peer support, and real-world application. His progression from a background in sport science and PGA qualifications to achieving the CCM demonstrates a clear commitment to evolving as a leader within the modern club environment.
Daniel now joins a global network of Certified Club Managers who are setting the benchmark for excellence in club management across Europe and beyond.
Q&A with Daniel Blesovsky, CCM
General Manager, Berkhamsted Golf Club
Congratulations Dan – You are now a CCM. What is your feeling after three tough days on the review course before sitting the exam and passing it?
“Wow, what a week! To say I am elated would be an understatement. Achieving my CCM designation is a huge relief and the culmination of a very intense journey.
The three-day review course preceding the exam was incredibly rigorous. It served as a powerful deep-dive, reinforcing the last seven years of learning I’ve gained through the CMAE MDP. The environment was vital; having the dedicated time to study away from daily distractions, combined with the collective focus of the group, was the key to my success. I am certain that without that immersion, I wouldn’t have crossed the finish line.
The exam itself was exceptionally difficult and intense, testing every facet of our professional knowledge. When Jason finally shared the news that I had passed, the weight of the week just lifted. It was such a moment of joy and relief that I’m fairly certain Toby received a massive, unexpected hug and I think I shed a tear on his shoulder, the emotion of the journey and the week got to me! I’m honored to join the ranks of CCM and have huge respect for every one that has endured the exam.
You became GM at Berkhamsted GC a year and a half ago. What has been your experience from this first time spent as a GM?
After 20 years in the club industry, I thought I had seen it all. However, there is a profound psychological shift when the buck stops with you. Every decision, from long-term strategic planning to the immediate nuances of member relations, carries a different level of weight when you are the final point of accountability. It’s a responsibility that is as challenging as it is rewarding. If these first 18 months have taught me anything, it’s that a GM is only as effective as the people surrounding them. I feel incredibly lucky to have joined a club with such a dedicated group of individuals.
You did almost 10 years at Woburn – and then 8 years at Frilford Heath, what was the best things you learnt from those two journeys that you could bring to your new role as GM?
My first three years in the industry with Marriott were foundational. It was there I learned the vital importance of process. In a high-volume environment, you quickly realize that consistent, world-class service levels aren’t an accident, they are the result of rigorous systems. That discipline still informs how I look at operations today.
Spending nearly ten years at Woburn was a privilege that taught me the strength of consistency to purpose. The biggest takeaway was the importance of surrounding yourself with driven, talented people. When a team is aligned with a singular, high-standard vision, the results are powerful. It’s not just about managing tasks; it’s about fostering a culture of excellence.
My eight years at Frilford Heath shifted my focus toward the human side of club management. It reinforced that you can never over-communicate. In a club environment, you are dealing with diverse demographics, and ensuring the right message reaches everyone, and is understood, is a constant challenge. It’s a skill I am committed to refining every single day at Berkhamsted.
You started with a degree in Sport Science and Business Management – were you always committed to Golf or what did your plans originally look like?
My path into club management was never a ‘Plan B.’ From a young age, competing in the amateur ranks, I knew my future belonged in the golf industry. Whether I was on the course playing or behind the scenes managing, the goal was always to be at the heart of the game.
I pursued a degree in Sport Science and Business Management with a clear-headed approach. I loved the game, but I also understood the importance of having a professional ‘fallback’ and an academic grounding.
After university, my commitment to the industry only deepened. I didn’t stop at a degree; I continued my professional development through the PGA, eventually achieving the PGA Director of Golf qualification. This gave me the technical and traditional foundation of the sport.
As my career progressed, I recognised that to lead a club like Berkhamsted, I needed a different toolkit. That’s when I embarked on the CMAE pathway. The education provided through the MDP was a revelation; it bridged the gap between being a ‘golf professional’ and a ‘business leader.’
Seeing the sheer depth of the CMAE curriculum made me realise how vital this specific education is to support a modern club management career. It’s been a long journey from those early amateur days to the CCM designation, but every step, from the degree to the PGA and finally the CMAE, was a deliberate building block.”
You have been on the CCM Pathway for a few years now, what are some of your best memories from it?
While the technical knowledge I’ve gained is invaluable, the true heart of the CCM journey has been the people. The ‘Tribe’ is a worldwide support network of like-minded professionals, and being part of it is something that will stay with me forever.
One of the greatest privileges of this pathway is the access to inspiring leaders. A standout moment for me was meeting Jeffrey Kreafle from the Congressional Country Club. His philosophy of implementing world-class systems while never losing sight of the individual people in his team resonated deeply with me. The fact that he took the time to mentor me over Zoom a few months later speaks volumes about the generosity within this industry.
Every person on this course has an amazing story to tell. I’ve learned that if you take the time to listen, there is a wealth of experience to glean from every single peer. Whether we were visiting iconic venues or studying late into the night, the camaraderie was constant.
Having the opportunity to visit world-class facilities is a perk, but actually scoring a touchdown at the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium during one of our trips was a ‘pinch-me’ moment that I’ll be talking about for years family and friends!
With regards to your long tenor within the golf industry and now also being a CCM – what would you recommend young people thinking about career development?
If I could offer one piece of advice to a young manager entering the club industry, it’s that education is your greatest asset. But remember, education comes in many forms. It isn’t just about the letters after your name; it’s about a commitment to lifelong learning. Take the time to sit with a club member and listen to their career journey or business insights. There is a wealth of real-world wisdom sitting in our clubhouses if you are willing to listen.
Get on the CCM journey. The MDP programme provides the structural framework you need to move from a departmental role to the GM’s office.The secret, however, is that you must never stop. Whether you are 20 years in or just starting out, you have to keep that education going, and most importantly, you must put it into practice. Knowledge is only powerful when it’s applied to improve the member experience and the health of the club.”
