It was announced today that Brown Golf has merged with GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness. According to a media statement, the two companies have merged to create one of the largest golf holding and management entities in the country. The GreatLIFE brand, who will retain their name going forward, will now boast a collective portfolio of 70 golf courses, as well as 25 gyms and one bowling center, across nine states. John Brown, co-founder and CEO of Brown Golf, will assume the role of GreatLIFE Golf's CEO. Also included as a part of the merger, Jason Harshbarger, co-owner and CFO of Brown Golf, will now assume the role of GreatLIFE Golf's CFO.
GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness was founded in 1984 by Rick Farrant in Topeka, KS. and has become a prominent multi-course management operation across the midwest over the past three decades. In 2019, Jim Klausman and Butch Eaton, who were owners of multiple Kansas City GreatLIFE locations, bought into GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness with Farrant to create a new ownership group.
Brown Golf's history dates back to 2011, with Pinecrest Golf Club in Bluffton, S.C. becoming the first facility under their umbrella. By 2014, Brown Golf's portfolio expanded to 13 facilities with locations primarily in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Florida. Founded in Camp Hill, PA. by John A. Brown, the Brown Golf torch was officially passed in 2017 to John M. Brown, who then became CEO.
"The merger of Brown Golf with GreatLife is exciting for the leaders and employees of each company, their respective staff members, and ultimately – their customers," says Rachel Carter, Senior Director of Membership for the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). "John Brown and Rick Farrant have been incredible assets to our industry for many years and their newfound partnership will inject great energy into an already impressive portfolio. I look forward to seeing these two gentlemen and their respective strengths come together to deliver the future of golf course management."
Prior to today's announcement, the most recent merger of major significance in the golf management company sphere came in early 2021 when it was announced that Troon had acquired Indigo Golf Partners (formerly Billy Casper Golf) and their 160 golf courses in 29 states.
For more information on the new GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness and Brown Golf merger, you can visit greatlifegolf.com.