First across the line!

CMAE members, David Gemmell and Robert Hansen, are the first to complete CMAE’s 5 Course education pathway, by their attendance at the newest Management Development Programme – MDP 3 Strategy and Leadership – that was held successfully in Edinburgh this October.

CMAE members, David Gemmell and Robert Hansen, are the first to complete CMAE’s 5 Course education pathway, by their attendance at the newest Management Development Programme – MDP 3 Strategy and Leadership – that was held successfully in Edinburgh this October.

Robert Hansen (left) and David Gemmell (Right) with Dr Jason Koenigsfeld Sr. Vice President, Professional Development Club Managers Association of America

Robert Hansen (left) and David Gemmell (Right) with Dr Jason Koenigsfeld Sr. Vice President, Professional Development Club Managers Association of America

Both have shown how education can help your career; David, Head Professional at Aberdour Golf Club in Fife, has recently taken up the role as a PGA Business Relationship Officer, offering support and advice to his fellow PGA professionals, while Robert now has the position of Director of Golf at the spectacular Lofoten Links in Norway, one of the most northerly championship golf courses in the world.

The five programmes attended by David and Robert, were MDP 1 – Club Operations, MDP 2 – Building and Managing the Club Team, MDP Food and Beverage, MDP Golf and finally MDP 3 – Strategy and Leadership. They are now poised to take and pass an examination that will give them the coveted and internationally recognised qualification of Certified Club Manager, the highest award offered within the Club Industry.

The CMAE MDP pathway comprises 5 different five-day residential executive management courses that cover the 10 core competencies of a Modern Club Manager. These programmes have been available in Europe since 2011, following an agreement between CMAE and the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) which own the education content which has been carefully adapted for European Club Managers

Commenting on this milestone, David said “The MDP pathway and being part of the tribe has been and will continue to be a huge part of my life. It has not just been about the education, it has been as much about the people and the networking opportunities. The education has helped me become, not only a better professional at work, but it has also helped me become more self-aware and overall a better person.
Bench-marking best practices and having a recognized standard of management expertise can only be good for the future of management within clubs in Europe. I have met so many great professionals on this short journey, both delegates and presenters, and I know that I can call on any of them at any time to help me out with any question that I may have. Burst that bubble and join the MDP pathway to become a better manager.”
Robert added “These courses have all been very useful in ways of working more efficiently in any club. Meeting with managers from different positions and countries in Europe has given me new input and priceless contacts for a future international career. ”

CMAE’s Director of Education Michael Braidwood said of the pairs’ achievement “I would like to congratulate both David and Robert for their dedication and commitment to their personal development. It is great to see both of them leading the way in club management development and watching them both put to good use the education they have received.”