The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is delighted to announce that Justin Lowry, General Manager at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, has achieved the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation.
The CCM is the highest professional recognition in club management, awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence across leadership, governance, operations, finance, and member experience.
Justin’s achievement reflects his strong commitment to professional development and his leadership within one of Ireland’s most progressive member clubs.
CMAE CEO Torbjørn Johansson commented:
“Justin’s achievement of the CCM is a testament to his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement. His transition from the hotel industry into club management, and his ability to bring those skills into a member-focused environment, highlights the strength and adaptability required of today’s club managers. We are delighted to welcome Justin into the CCM community.”
Justin has spent the past 13 years at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, where he has played a key role in shaping a modern, forward-thinking club environment. His background in the hotel industry provided a strong commercial foundation, which he has successfully adapted to the unique demands of club management balancing governance, member engagement, and long-term strategic thinking.
Q&A with Justin Lowry, CCM
General Manager, Dun Laoghaire Golf Club
Congratulations Justin – You are now a CCM. What is your feeling after three tough days on the review course before sitting the exam and passing it?
Thank you. It’s probably a mix of relief and satisfaction. The three days are intense and you’re fully switched on throughout, but being awarded the CCM at the end makes it worthwhile.
That said, it does make you reflect on the journey to get there. Over the past few years I’ve met a lot of people with very different perspectives and approaches, and that exchange of ideas has been hugely valuable. The exam is the end point, but it’s the learning along the way that really stays with you.
You have been 13 years at the very special Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, what made you switch from being a GM in the hotel industry to the Club/Golf Industry?
It was really the opportunity to move into a different type of environment. While Hotels are very commercially focused and the customer base transient, clubs bring an added layer of member engagement, governance and long term thinking, which I found very appealing.
What I’ve particularly enjoyed is being involved throughout the lifecycle of an idea, from the early concept, through shaping it with the Board and members, to ultimately delivering it and seeing it succeed. That sense of continuity and ownership is something you don’t always get in other sectors.
For someone who hasn’t been to Dun Laoghaire GC, how would you describe the Club?
In terms of facilities, it is an exceptional place, but more importantly it is a modern, progressive members’ club with a strong emphasis on quality, both in terms of the course and the overall member experience.
There’s a good balance between respecting tradition and continuing to evolve. The membership is very engaged, which creates a positive environment for developing and implementing new ideas.
For someone meeting Justin Lowry CCM for the first time, how would you describe yourself?
I’d probably describe myself as structured and practical, with a strong focus on driving change and continuous improvement. I put a lot of emphasis on delivery, and on building effective working relationships with members, the Board and the wider team.
You have been on the CCM Pathway for a few years now, what are some of your best memories from it?
The people, without question. Getting to know other managers and hearing how they approach similar challenges in different settings is extremely valuable.
You quickly realise there isn’t always a single right answer, it comes down to judgement, context and experience. That exposure to different viewpoints is one of the most beneficial aspects of the process.
With regards to your hotel background, switching to golf and now also being a CCM, what would you recommend young people thinking about career development?
If you have an interest in working in hospitality, I would encourage you to build as broad a base of experience as possible early in your career, particularly across core areas such as operations, finance and people management. Just as importantly, maintain a mindset of continuous learning.
Any final comments:
For me, completing the CCM is part of an ongoing process rather than a finish line. Staying engaged with programmes like the CMAE MDP / BMI as they continue to evolve is important, particularly given how quickly expectations within clubs are changing.
I’m conscious that this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Club, the Board and the team at Dun Laoghaire. Having that backing makes a significant difference when undertaking something as demanding as the CCM.
We have a number of significant and genuinely exciting projects ahead over the coming years, which will bring both challenge and opportunity. That’s what keeps the role engaging, continuing to develop ideas, deliver initiatives, and improve the experience for members over time.
