Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI) and Irish Golf & Club Managers Association (IGCMA) team up to host Irish Golf Club Management Development Programme Part One in November 2015

Course being conducted for second time due to phenomenal demand after resounding success of inaugural programme earlier this year

The Confederation of Golf in Ireland is delighted to announce that as part of its commitment to support Golf Clubs across Ireland, they will be hosting another Irish Golf Club Management Development Programme (MDP) – Part One – in partnership with the Irish Golf & Club Managers Association (IGCMA) and Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE) in November 2015.

This five day residential educational programme will run from Monday 23rd November to Friday 27th November at Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin and is taking place due to phenomenal demand following the resounding success of the inaugural course held earlier this year.

The curriculum, which has been designed by the Club industry for the Club industry, is a structured, certified and internationally approved hands-on approach which is deal for managers who are new to the post, recently appointed or a who just wish to enhance their knowledge so they can better serve their club and committees in every area of the Club business.

The programme itinerary will cover best practices in each of the ten core competencies of modern club management, namely:

  • Club Governance – the structure and the process
  • Accounting & Financial Management
  • Strategy & Leadership
  • Golf Operations
  • Facilities Management
  • Membership & Marketing
  • Human Resources & Professional Resources
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Food and Beverage Management – both in-house and outsourced
  • Statutory Compliance

At the end of the programme, delegates will also have established a valuable network of support from presenters and peers which will help them fulfil their career in the industry.

The Management Development Programme has been delivered successfully over the past three years in partnership the Golfing Unions in Scotland and England, with France, Spain and Italy following their lead over the last 18 months. 

To date over 600 Club Managers, Club Honorary Officers, Club Pros and Course Managers have participated in MDP Part One throughout Europe, with a large percentage continuing on the pathway to Part Two and the Club Manager Diploma.

John Roche, Director of Golf and Business Development with the Confederation of Golf in Ireland, says the programme will help provide sustainability for Clubs across Ireland: “In these challenging economic times, Club Managers are under greater pressure than ever from their committees, owners and members to create and implement business strategies that guarantee the continued success of their Clubs. Club secretaries and managers invariable come into the industry with strong skill sets brought with them from a previous career and this training programme will supplement these in each of the core competency areas of the modern club manager.”

James Burns CCM, General Manager of Milltown Golf Club, Education Chair with IGCMA and Education Vice Chair with CMAE – Education Vice Chair says: “In professional Club management, education and continuous personal development is essential if Managers are to deliver the best at their Club and the MDP Programme is our education pathway to achieve this. The first MDP took place in Ireland last February and was so successful that we are now running a second course. This course really helps put the building blocks in place to upskill our managers and, due to exceptional demand, we are delighted to be running it for a second time.”

Previous participants have found the programme extremely beneficial, with delegates stating:

‘Lit my fire and left me with a burning desire to go ahead and continue to develop as a manager and enable me to drive my club forward’

‘I got a brilliant response back at my club to what I have learned. It was intense, hard work at times but a lot of fun and very entertaining. I learned so much, gained new friends and contacts that I know will help me for years to come. Thank you.’

‘I learned more about what my job should be in 5 days than I learned in the previous 5 years.’

‘A one-stop-shop that covers all areas of golf club management.’

‘Exceeded expectations in terms of content and exceptional presenters. I will definitely be back for Part 2’

The CGI will be promoting to affiliate Clubs in the coming weeks and would encourage Committees to get behind this programme by sending representatives. The IGCMA have already been actively promoting the course, with 50% of places already taken up. Remaining places are expected to fill up quite quickly and are open to any Club Industry Professional working in Europe.

For more details visit please contact Debbie Goddard CMAE Association Manager [email protected]

Or visit the following web sites www.cmaeurope.org or www.cgigolf.org