8AM Golf

Corporate Headquarters: New York

Website: https://8amgolf.com/

Additional Websites: https://www.nicklaus.com/, https://golf.com/

Category: Portfolio Companies

LEADERSHIP

Howard Milstein, Executive Chairman

Hoyt McGarity, President

James Ridout, Chief Financial Officer

Philip Cotton, CEO, Nicklaus Companies

Paul Stringer, President, Nicklaus Design

Jason Adel, CEO, GOLF

Lawrence Place, President, Miura

 

Company Overview

8AM Golf is an integrated collection of premium golf brands focused on enhancing player experience across multiple touchpoints in the golf industry. The company combines traditional golf elements with modern technology and entertainment through its diverse portfolio of brands including GOLF and Golf.com, Nicklaus Companies, True Spec Golf, Miura, Club Conex, Golf Logix, Fairway Jockey, Chirp, T-Squared Social, 3’s and more.

Strategic Vision

“Each of the 8AM Golf companies is best-in-class — we believe that is what defines our brands,” said President Hoyt McGarity. “They are premium brands that enhance the enjoyment of the game by providing the highest quality golf experience.”

8AM Golf Key Facts:

• GOLF.com is the sport’s most-read website
• Over 25 True Spec fitting locations across North America and Europe
• More than 420 Nicklaus-designed golf courses in 45 countries
• Over 6 million downloads of GolfLogix app
• Partnership with Justin Timberlake since 2020

Business Model Innovation

8AM Golf operates a diverse ecosystem of golf-related businesses that complement and strengthen each other. At its core, the company’s media division, anchored by GOLF magazine and Golf.com, provides authoritative content and reaches millions of golfers monthly. This digital presence is enhanced by technology offerings through the GolfLogix app and Chirp betting platform, which bring interactive experiences to both on-course play and professional tournament viewing.

The company’s equipment and fitting segment represents the premium end of the golf market, with True Spec Golf providing expert club fitting services while maintaining brand neutrality. This approach is supported by the exclusive distribution of Miura’s handcrafted Japanese clubs, Club Conex’s innovative adapter systems, and Fairway Jockey’s custom club retail platform.

Course design and development services through Nicklaus Design connect 8AM Golf to the real estate and golf facility management sectors, while the newer entertainment ventures like 3’s facilities and T-Squared Social venues bridge the gap between traditional golf and modern entertainment experiences. The Nicklaus Companies’ licensing and branding activities round out the portfolio, leveraging one of golf’s most prestigious names across various products and services.

Growth and Development

The company has expanded through strategic acquisitions and partnerships:

• Formation through Howard Milstein’s partnership with Jack Nicklaus
• Acquisition of GOLF magazine and True Spec in 2018
• Justin Timberlake partnership in 2020
• Launch of T-Squared Social with Tiger Woods
• Development of The Bounty Club in Nashville

KEY FACTS FOR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES

GOLF/Golf.com:

• Leading digital and print golf media platform
• Focus on service journalism, lifestyle, and news
• Comprehensive gear coverage and reviews

True Spec Golf:

• Premium club fitting service
• Brand-agnostic approach
• Locations in key golf markets globally

Nicklaus Design:

• Created over 420 courses worldwide
• Comprehensive design and renovation services
• Real estate development expertise

GolfLogix:

• Leading golf GPS and scoring app
• Green reading and course management features
• Digital yardage book capabilities

Miura:

• Premium Japanese forged irons
• Handcrafted club manufacturing
• Exclusive distribution rights outside Japan

Fairway Jockey:

• E-commerce platform for design and purchase of custom clubs
• Companion to True Spec’s custom fitting services & GOLF’s coverage of golf gear
• One-stop destination for top-tier, coveted golf brands and aftermarket shafts

Future Plans

The company continues to focus on:

• Expansion of True Spec fitting locations
• Development of 3’s golf entertainment venues
• Growth of digital platforms and technologies
• Enhancement of custom club building capabilities
• Integration of entertainment and traditional golf experiences

KEY TAKEAWAYS

8AM Golf represents a unique approach to golf industry integration, combining premium brands across multiple sectors while maintaining their individual excellence and authenticity. The company’s portfolio strategy emphasizes both heritage elements, like Nicklaus Design and Miura craftsmanship, alongside modern innovations in technology and entertainment.

The company’s partnership with Justin Timberlake and recent ventures like T-Squared Social demonstrate its ability to bridge traditional golf with contemporary entertainment experiences. Through its diverse yet interconnected brands, 8AM Golf is positioned to serve both traditional golf enthusiasts and new audiences discovering the game through modern channels.

The combination of authoritative media presence through GOLF.com, premium equipment and fitting services, and emerging entertainment venues creates a comprehensive ecosystem that touches multiple aspects of the golf experience. This integrated approach, coupled with the company’s focus on premium quality across all brands, positions 8AM Golf as a distinctive force in shaping the future of golf participation and engagement.