Cundy is first to complete new diploma

Midland-based PGA Fellow Professional, Jamie Cundy, has spoken of his delight after becoming the first to complete the ASQ Level 5 Diploma in Golf Club Management.

The new qualification, launched in August 2016, is unique as it is the first to be developed by the Golf Club Management Partnership, consisting of The GCMA, BIGGA and The PGA.

The Diploma comprises nine individual units that have been deemed integral to the management of a golf club in the 21st century by a number of key industry stakeholders.

It is also an externally quality assured qualification and visible on the framework of regulated qualifications.

Cundy, golf manager at Calderfields Golf & Country Club, West Midlands, managed to complete the Diploma in just under a year.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be the first person to complete the Diploma,” said the 48-year-old who will be presented with his Diploma at the GCMA Conference this month.

“My ambition was to get the Diploma finished by Christmas and then perhaps look at doing something different next year. I managed to really knuckle down over the summer, which was my busiest time at work, but I spent a lot of time in the evenings getting it done.”

Cundy’s reasons for taking on the Diploma were to add to his skillset and continue his development with The PGA.

He explained: “I realised about five years ago that the industry was changing very quickly and I needed to think of upskilling.

“I’d been a PGA Professional for 20 years and a club pro, too, so I needed to look at how I could improve my own skills as the industry changed.

“I think the Diploma will benefit my career in a number of ways. It will give me better tools for doing my job whatever one I’m in, whether that’s a golf manager or teaching full-time because the skills can be utilised in any role.” 

For anyone looking to specialise in a particular area of golf club management or to supplement existing experience, there is also the option of completing three pre-defined, individual ASQ Level 5 Certificates.

Not only has this qualification been developed to professionalise further the management role in the golf industry and set the standard, it has been developed in this manner by the Golf Club Management Partnership. 

The GMCA, BIGGA and The PGA recognise learners are coming into management from a variety of backgrounds, with a wide range of experiences, qualifications and levels of work based learning. As such the qualification is flexible to the needs of the learner.

So far, a total of 50 have signed up for the Golf Club Management Diploma with the next induction day scheduled for April 10, 2018.

For more information about the ASQ Level 5 Golf Club Management Qualifications click here.

For more information about the ASQ Level 5 Golf Club Management Qualifications click here.