GreatLIFE Golf

Corporate Headquarters: Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Website: https://greatlifegolf.com

Category: Course Management

LEADERSHIP

John Brown, CEO/Owner

Rick Farrant, Co-Owner

Jason Harshbarger, CFO/Co-Owner

PJ Politan, COO

 

Company Overview

GreatLIFE Golf, formed through the late 2022 merger of GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness and Brown Golf, stands as one of the largest golf holding and management entities in the country. The company’s roots trace back to 1984 when Rick Farrant leased his first course, Lake Perry Country Club in Ozawkie, KS. The company formally adopted the GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness name in 2007, pioneering an innovative golf and fitness hybrid concept.

“Our vision is to continue revolutionizing the golf management space through innovative solutions and strategic growth,” says CEO John Brown. “We’re not just managing courses – we’re creating environments where golf, fitness, and community intersect to deliver exceptional value to our members while driving strong economic benefits for local communities.”

Key Facts:

• Portfolio includes 55 golf courses across 9 states
• Properties located in Vermont, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Texas, and Kansas
• Operates four key brands: Signature, Premier, Classic, and Destination
• Proprietary booking engine GolfBack serves over 75 clubs
• Comprehensive service offerings in acquisitions, leases, third-party management, and accounting

Business Innovation

GreatLIFE’s innovative approach began with Farrant’s early vision of affordable memberships and expanded with the integration of fitness centers in the early 2000s. The company demonstrated the success of this model at Berkshire Country Club in Topeka, KS, where membership grew from 2,000 to 6,000 members in just 120 days after adding a fitness center.

The merger with Brown Golf in 2022 brought together complementary strengths: Brown Golf’s robust infrastructure and operational expertise with GreatLIFE’s strong brand presence and innovative membership model. The company’s GolfBack technology platform, developed under Brown Golf’s leadership, now serves as a comprehensive booking engine and customer relationship management tool.

Service Offerings:

• Golf course acquisitions
• Property leasing
• Third-party management
• Accounting services
• Technology solutions through GolfBack platform
• Integrated fitness facilities at select locations

Strategic Advantages:

• Proven hybrid golf and fitness model
• Proprietary technology platform
• Extensive geographic presence
• Scaled buying power
• Expert execution in turnaround situations
• Comprehensive accounting support

Future Focus

GreatLIFE Golf continues to focus on strategic expansion while maintaining its commitment to enriching lives through golf and fitness. The company’s integrated approach to golf management, combined with its technology platform and scaled operations, positions it for continued growth in the golf management sector.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

GreatLIFE Golf has successfully merged two industry leaders to create a comprehensive golf management company that combines innovative membership models, technological solutions, and operational excellence. With its diverse portfolio and multiple service offerings, the company is well-positioned to continue its expansion while maintaining its mission of enriching lives through golf, fitness, and community engagement.