2023 Lifetime Excellence Award

David Chag, CCM, ECM

The Country Club

David B. Chag began his Private Club Management career in February 1974 at Houston Country Club as a banquet waiter. The General Manager at that time was Robert G. Southwell who became David’s mentor. Bob, along with his wife Barbara, influenced his professional and personal growth over the next thirteen years. During his first two years as a full-time student working towards his bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston, David would become an Assistant Manager. He was later promoted to Clubhouse Manager, living on site, and overseeing a very large and complex business environment and also became the youngest professional to acquire the Certified Club Manager designation in 1978.

David was originally from New Hampshire and a return to New England presented itself in 1987. The Country Club, the oldest country club in the United States, was seeking a new General Manager/Chief Operating Officer at that time. David interviewed and was hired in July 1987, eleven months before the 1988 U.S. Open was to be held in Brookline. During David’s tenure, The Country Club also hosted the 1995 U.S. Women’s Amateur, the 1999 Ryder Cup Matches, the 2013 U.S. Amateur, and the 2022 U.S. Open.

He is a past Chair of the National Club Association as well as past President of the South Texas and New England Chapters of the Club Management Association of America. He established a course in Private Club Management at Boston University in 2000 where he served as adjunct professor for several years and served on the Board of Advisors for 25 years. He was also a member of the USGA Regional Greens Section Committee for 10 years.

David established an educational training environment at The Country Club for all departments and staff. The management team has many graduates who currently serve in the private club management arena. He developed a succession plan which successfully led to the hiring of Kristen LaCount, CCM, ECM, as the successor to his position. David also served as the Excellence in Club Management® Awards Committee Chair for 3 years.

Many years ago, David was fortunate to marry a Texas resident, T.C.U. graduate and schoolteacher, Lucie. They have two children, Greg and Sarah, and together with son-in-law James, all should be rewarded for enduring the demands of a father committed to the industry and hopefully his family as well.