Founder & President, Leemhuis Consult
Michael is the president and founder of Leemhuis Consult, a specialized private club consulting firm helping some of the most recognized brands in the world elevate their game. Based in Southeast Florida, Michael is an experienced professional and a decorated operator who provides strategic advice, develops creative solutions and supports successful outcomes for the firm’s clients.
“In a market environment made up of multi generations, we cannot just make tweaks for the sake of change – we need to re-invent to be relevant to everyone and this is possible. All of us need to embrace a new mindset – the days for country club lifestyle are not done and dusted.”
Education
East Carolina University
M.A, ED, Sports Management
University of the Witwatersrand
HED, Physical Ed, History
Certifications
- CMAA CCM, CCE
- PGA Master Professional
Expertise
Over the course of his career, Michael has successfully managed some of the largest and most recognized private clubs in America. Leemhuis clients benefit from Michael’s expertise in strategic planning, board facilitation and retreats, governance consulting, organizational and operational consulting and analysis, capital project planning and oversight, executive search, day-to-day club management and international subject matter expert.
Prior to founding Leemhuis Consult, Michael spent 4 years as the President of Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL, one of the largest clubs in the world where he successfully elevated the member experience and managed over $25 million in new capital investment and managed a $115 million club operation … including a hotel, airport, marina and 17 F&B outlets.
Michael was recruited to Ocean Reef Club from another storied American club, Congressional Country Club, where he served as the CEO for 16 years and successful managing a $35 million a year operation. Michael is no stranger to hosting major sporting events having been involved in the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club, a USTA Tennis event at Sun City, 8 PGA Tour events, and multiple ultra-distance marathon and triathlon races.
Experience
A notable career highlight has been guiding both Congressional Country Club and Ocean Reef Club to the #1 and #2 spots respectively in the Platinum Clubs of America ranking and also into the top 100 of Platinum Clubs in the world. Michael is a certified PGA of America Professional and PGA of South Africa Master Professional. In addition to his high-profile executive roles, Michael has a wide array of experience in various sports industry segments including hotel and resort management, stadium management, athlete representation, event management, and retail, to name a few. 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 Leadership Award. In 2019, Michael was recognized by CMAA as one of the 10 CMAA “Fellows” in their inaugural class. Those selected as a “CMAA Fellow” are recognized as highly engaged individuals for their contributions to the profession and are called to continued service as mentors, facilitators, thought leaders, and champions within the club community.
Leemhuis Consult is Michael’s latest venture into the world of golf, private club and Boutique resort consulting and management. Leemhuis’s recent client successes include:
- ExecuSearch, Powered by PGA, a service connecting club employers with qualified candidates.
Senior consultant, strategist and executive placement support (current).
- Briland Residences and Marina, an exclusive new resort community and club on Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
Senior advisor and acting President (current).
- Riviera Country Club, an exclusive privately owned club in Los Angeles and home to the PGA Genesis Open.
Strategic advisor and operational enhancements (current).
Michael has been heavily involved with professional club management education and development through the Club Management Association of America (“CMAA”), successfully completing the highly respected CCM (Certified Club Manager) and CCE (Certified Club Executive) accreditation and subsequently serving as President of the Association. Michael is a frequent contributor, speaker and educator in industry magazine and at both National and International conferences.
Background
Michael was born in South Africa and following his graduation from Pretoria Boys High School, studied at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg where he graduated with a teaching diploma in Physical Education and History. Michael began his teaching career in South Africa at the renowned King Edward VII School where he taught Physical Education and History. Michael’s desire for education led him to the United States, where he continued his studies at UCLA. This experience is what drove him to complete his Master’s degree at East Carolina University. He then began his lifetime goal of pursuing a career in the Sports industry.
Michael’s extensive leadership and sports experience were achieved in part through his prior roles as GM/Director of Golf at the PGA Tour, General Manager, Sports and Recreation at Sun City Resort, Tournament Director of the Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge, COO of Ellis Park Stadium and Managing Director of Sports International.
As an avid sportsman, Michael has completed the grueling Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, twice. As well as numerous other ultra-triathlons, two ultra-marathons and 40 marathons. His other passions include fishing, photography, traveling, reading and a good glass of wine. He has shared his passions with his wife Dale of 37 years and together they have two wonderful sons, Matthew and Joshua.
