KemperSports

Corporate Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois

Website: http://www.kempersports.com

Category: Course Management

LEADERSHIP

Steven H. Lesnik, Chairman

Steven K. Skinner, Chief Executive Officer

Josh W. Lesnik, President

Jim Lawler, Chief Financial Officer

Jeremy Goldblatt, Chief Operating Officer

Mark Freemott, Executive VP Operations

Company Overview

KemperSports, founded in 1978 by James Kemper Jr. and Steven H. Lesnik, has grown into one of the largest and most influential golf management companies in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago with regional offices throughout the U.S., KemperSports manages more than 150 properties across 27 states, including golf courses, private clubs, sports venues, and destination resorts.

The company has distinguished itself by managing more top 100 U.S. public and resort courses (as rated by GOLF Magazine, Golf Digest, and Golfweek) than any other management company in the industry. Their portfolio includes internationally recognized destinations such as Bandon Dunes (Oregon), Streamsong (Florida), and Sand Valley (Wisconsin).

“Golf is becoming a little broader,” notes KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “You don’t have to just be an avid golfer to enjoy the game. We’re seeing it can be just as much about families and communities. That’s great for golf because we can broaden the base.”

Key Facts:

• Manages more than 150 properties across 27 states
• Employs over 6,000 staff members
• Operates more top 100 U.S. public and resort courses than any other management company
• Sister company KemperLesnik provides PR, event marketing, and sports marketing services

Business Innovation

KemperSports has evolved beyond traditional operational models, as evidenced by its 2023 acquisition of Streamsong Resort and 7,000 acres of surrounding land for $160 million through a subsidiary. The company also manages significant tournament venues, including Chambers Bay, which hosted the 2015 U.S. Open and 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.

In 2024, the company launched several innovative programs to enhance the golf experience and grow the game:

• Frequent Fairways™ – A proprietary loyalty program offering rewards for regular play at KemperSports facilities
• KemperSports Hole-in-One Promotion – Offering Streamsong Resort trip prizes for holes-in-one at KemperSports properties
• KemperSports Youth Golf Week – Nationwide initiative featuring discounted tee times, clinics, and special events for young players

“For more than 45 years, we’ve been committed to inspiring a love and passion for golf in young people and using the sport to unlock new opportunities to help them grow on and off the course,” says Skinner.

Community Impact

KemperSports has demonstrated significant commitment to charitable causes, notably raising over $2.5 million for Folds of Honor, funding more than 500 educational scholarships for families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. This ten-year partnership exemplifies the company’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond the golf course.

Future Focus

• Continued expansion of property portfolio
• Enhancement of customer loyalty programs
• Growth of youth golf initiatives
• Development of innovative operational solutions
• Strengthening of community and charitable partnerships

KEY TAKEAWAYS

KemperSports has established itself as an industry leader through its management of prestigious properties and innovative operational approaches. The company’s strategic growth, including the Streamsong acquisition, demonstrates its evolution beyond traditional management services. With a strong focus on customer experience, employee satisfaction, and community impact, KemperSports continues to shape the future of golf facility management while maintaining its commitment to growing the game through inclusive programming and youth initiatives.