Ward Sutton

Ward Sutton, MCM, CCE, PGA Master Professional, is an accomplished private club executive, educator, and industry leader with more than two decades of experience in hospitality and golf management. He serves as the General Manager/COO of Kent Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, one of the nation's historic private clubs. Ward is recognized for revitalizing organizational culture, strengthening financial performance, and executing multimillion-dollar capital improvement strategies that elevate member experience and operational excellence.

Ward is among the small number of professionals nationwide to hold elite credentials in both the Club Management Association of America and the Professional Golfers Association. His designations include Master Club Manager (MCM), Certified Chief Executive (CCE), and PGA Master Professional, reflecting the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and professional achievement in the industry.

Throughout his career, Ward has built a reputation for developing employer-of-choice cultures, mentoring emerging leaders, and building high-performing teams. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering people, strengthening communication, and creating workplaces where employees can achieve personal and professional growth. He is the author of the MCM Monograph, Employer of Choice Principles at Private Clubs, which continues to guide his work in workforce development, organizational culture, and strategic leadership.

Ward actively serves the profession through leadership roles in both CMAA and the PGA. He is the Secretary of the Michigan PGA Section and an At-Large Board Member & Education Chair for the Greater Michigan Club Management Association. He contributes regularly to governance, mentorship, and professional development initiatives at the statewide and national levels
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Beginning in 2026, Ward will also serve as an Instructor for HB 321: Club Management at Michigan State University, where he will educate and mentor the next generation of hospitality and club management professionals. He is a frequent guest lecturer at Ferris State University and contributes to educational programming for CMAA, the PGA, and industry associations.

Ward's areas of expertise include strategic planning, capital finance, operational leadership, organizational culture development, food and beverage operations, golf operations, governance, and workforce development. Above all, he is committed to elevating the private club profession and supporting the growth of the people who serve within it.