S.2 Ep.3 - Mike Leemhuis - Creating Impact in Uncertain Times

Guest BIOGRAPHY

Michael Leemhuis, M.A. Ed., CCM, CCE, PGA Master Professional

Michael was born and had his initial education in South Africa. After graduating from Pretoria Boys HS, he studied at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg graduating with a teaching degree in Physical Education and History. 

Michael started his teaching career at the renowned King Edward VII School in South Africa where he taught PE and History. Michael’s desire for education then brought him to the United States, where he studied at UCLA for a brief time. It was this experience at UCLA that drove him to complete his Master’s degree in Sport at East Carolina University.  

 Michael’s life-time goal of a career in sport has been realized and he is the first one to tell you that the only positions he has ever had, have been in the sports industry. His experience in sport has run through many different industries; 

• hotel/resort management; 
• stadium management; 
• athlete representation; 
• event management; 
• sports retail and finally 
• private club management. 

 

He is also no stranger to major sporting events, having been very involved in the hosting of a 

• U.S. Open (Congressional C.C. 2011); 
• a USTA Tennis event; 
• eight PGA TOUR events and 
• multiple ultra-distance marathon and triathlon races.

 

His extensive leadership and sports experience has been gained in his roles as the 

• President of the Ocean Reef Club; 
• CEO of Congressional Country Club; 
• President of the Club Managers Association of America in 2009; 
• GM/Director of Golf at the PGA TOUR; 
• General Manager, Sport and Recreation at Sun City Resort; 
• Tournament Director of the Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge and MD of Sports International. 

 

One of Mike’s career highlights was guiding Congressional Country Club to the #1 spot in the Platinum Clubs of America and into the top 100 of Platinum Clubs in the World.

• Education combined with certification are what Mike believes are the cornerstones of success in business and in life and to that end Mike is a Certified Club Manager (CCM) and 
• Certified Chief Executive (CCE) through CMAA, 
• as well as a certified PGA member through the PGA of America and the PGA of South Africa (Master Professional). 
• In 2011 Michael was recognized as the CMAA Club Manager of the Year for his dedication and commitment to the club industry and, 
• in 2013 he was presented The Boardroom magazine - Jim Singerling Leadership Award. 
• As of November 2016, Michael has served as the Chairman of the PGA of America National Employment Committee, a way he feels he can give back to the golf community at large. 
• In 2019 Mike was recognized by CMAA as one of 10 “Fellows” in their inaugural class.

 

An avid sportsman himself, Mike has twice finished the gruelling Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, numerous other ultra-triathlons, two ultra-marathons and 40 marathons. 

• His other passions are fishing, photography, travel, wine and reading. 
• Michael is a native of South Africa … married to his wife Dale for 37 years and a proud father of two very athletic sons, Matthew and Joshua … he and Dale currently reside in Jupiter, FL, USA. 

 

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