The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is delighted to announce that Matt Jones, General Manager at Coombe Hill 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. Matt’s achievement reflects his dedication, experience, and commitment to continuous professional development.
Having recently stepped into his first role as General Manager two years ago, Matt has quickly established himself as a forward-thinking and approachable leader. With over a decade in the golf industry, including roles in coaching, PGA professional services, and club management both in the UK and overseas, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to Coombe Hill Golf Club which is now cemented with his global professional accolade.
Torbjörn Johansson, CEO of CMAE, commented:
“Matt’s achievement as a Certified Club Manager is a wonderful milestone and a reflection of his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to his profession. His journey from PGA professional to GM demonstrates the value of experience, learning, and a continuous drive to grow as a club leader. We are proud to welcome him to the CCM family.”
Matt’s CCM journey has been marked by learning, travel, and networking. From completing MDP courses across Europe to attending the 2024 World Conference in Las Vegas, he has combined rigorous study with exposure to international best practices and peer learning, culminating in success on the challenging CCM exam.
Q&A with Matt Jones, CCM
General Manager, Coombe Hill Golf Club
Congratulations Matt – You are now a CCM. What are your feelings after three tough days on the review course before sitting the exam and passing it?
Thank you! It was definitely an intense few days, but extremely valuable. The review course pulls everything together and makes you reflect on what you’ve learned over the years. Passing the exam was a huge relief more than anything, but also a very proud moment. It feels like all the hard work has paid off.
You have recently (2 years ago) stepped into your first role as GM. How has that journey been?
It’s been a real learning experience, challenging at times, but very rewarding. I’ve been lucky to have a supportive Board and Chief Executive at Coombe Hill, which has made a big difference. We have recently completed some major projects both on and off the golf course, so there’s been a lot to take on, but seeing the team develop and the club move forward makes it all worthwhile.
You have been a manager in the golf industry for over a decade now; did you know that you were destined for this?
Not at all! If you’d asked me at 16, I’d have said I wanted to be touring the world playing drums in a rock band. Things changed, and I went to study Applied Golf Management at the University of Birmingham, and that’s when I realised this was the industry for me. Even then, I couldn’t have mapped out the path I’ve taken. I started out as a PGA Professional and went into coaching, and over time, my roles naturally progressed towards management. I’ve been fortunate to work at a variety of clubs in England and overseas, which has helped shape that journey. That’s why I’ve always found it difficult to answer the “where do you see yourself in five years” question, as things can change quickly, and often the best opportunities are the ones you don’t see coming.
If someone has not met you – or spent time at Coombe Hill – how would you describe yourself and how would you describe the club?
I’d say I’m approachable and down-to-earth, but also focused on getting the best out of people and the club. Coombe Hill is a welcoming place with a strong sense of community. It’s a club with a great history and a fantastic golf course, and we’re always aiming to provide members and guests with an exceptional all-round experience.
What are some of your best memories from your CCM Pathway?
There are quite a few, to be honest. The learning itself has been great, but it’s also the people you meet along the way. Doing MDPs in places like Prague and Montreux, and then attending the World Conference in Las Vegas in 2024 were real highlights. You get to learn from some excellent speakers, but just as importantly, you build relationships with others in the industry. Passing the CCM exam felt like a fitting way to round all of that off.
With regards to your career in golf club management and now also being a CCM – what would you recommend to young people thinking about career development?
Stay open-minded and be willing to learn. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, that’s where you tend to grow the most. Ask questions, find people you can learn from, and take opportunities when they come up. And try to enjoy it along the way, it’s a great industry to be part of.
Any final comments:
Just a big thank you to everyone who’s supported me throughout this journey, mentors, colleagues, and the teams I’ve worked with. I’d also like to thank Toby Johansson at CMAE and Jason Koenigsfeld at CMAA for their continuous support over the years. Achieving CCM is a big milestone, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
