Stuart Collier, the long-serving Director of Golf at Stoke Park, has achieved The Club Management Association of Europe’s prestigious Certified Club Manager designation.
With 26 years of service at the Buckinghamshire venue, Stuart has been a cornerstone of one of the UK’s most iconic golf and leisure destinations. His unwavering commitment to the development of the game, the growth of his team, and the continual enhancement of the member and guest experience has made him one of the most respected golf leaders in the industry.
“This is a well-earned milestone in Stuart’s remarkable career,” said Torbjorn Johansson, CEO of CMAE. “To have dedicated over two decades to one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, and to continue striving for professional excellence through the CCM programme, is a true testament to his leadership and passion for the industry.”
The CCM designation is the highest certification offered by CMAE and is globally recognised as the gold standard in club management. It demonstrates mastery across 11 core competencies and is earned through extensive education, experience, and a rigorous final examination.
Speaking about achieving CMM status, Stuart said: “I am absolutely delighted to have achieved the CCM and relieved to be able to put the study material away and make the most of the forthcoming summer. Following the temporary closure of Stoke Park at the end of 2021 for a refurbishment I wanted to capitalise on a change of working routine so sought advice from some good friends in the industry who were CCMs and embarked on the CMAE educational pathway.
“My objective was to use the downtime during our business closure constructively, so while we were refurbishing the estate I undertook a personal upgrade to be the best version of myself I could be when we reopened. I attended my first Management Development Programme in February 2022 and we reopened the golf course at the end of 2024, so to work my way through the programme and achieve the CCM during this period feels like a productive use of my time. I have learnt so much during this process that is continuing to help me daily and I have met so many great people along the way who continue to provide support and friendship.
“The educational value has been high and provides me with tools and knowledge I use daily but the greatest value from the journey is the relationships created along the way. Having worked in the golf industry since 1991 I have created a large support network, but the CMAE family has a different mindset and outlook. Everyone is so open, supportive and genuinely willing to help each other.”