Company Overview
Arcis Golf, established in 2013, has grown to become one of the most significant owner-operators of golf facilities in the United States. Under the leadership of founder Blake Walker, who previously served as chief acquisitions and development officer at ClubCorp, the company has expanded to manage over 70 courses across the country and is the second largest and fastest-growing owner and operator of private, resort and daily fee clubs in the U.S.
Key Facts:
- Manages over 70 golf courses and clubs across multiple states
- Portfolio valued at approximately $1.5 billion
- Backed by private equity firms Fortress Investment Group and Atairos
- Has invested more than $120 million in facility upgrades and improvements
- Employs approximately 7,000 people nationwide
- Maintains 35,000 national subscribers, with 7,000 in North Texas alone
Strategic Vision
“Golf was either high-equity private clubs or municipal courses and not much in between,” said CEO Blake Walker. “So, if I could create a platform that owned everything from entry-level daily fee courses to high-end daily fee courses, and everything from entry-level private clubs to high-end private clubs in every major metropolitan area in the U.S., we could build an ecosystem of a much larger consumer segment.”
Business Model Innovation
Arcis provides dynamic direction and unrivaled amenities that complement diverse playing experiences that enhance the golf and country club lifestyle. The company is also known for innovative management, with a best-in-class leadership team that is reinventing the modern club experience, making it more relevant to the lifestyles of today’s consumers.
Arcis Golf operates on a unique subscription model that fills the middle-market gap in golf. Members can access courses through flexible monthly subscriptions ranging from $55 to $75, without traditional initiation fees. Benefits include:
- Up to 20% off tee times
- 10-day advanced booking
- Unlimited range balls
- Free weekly golf clinics
- Preferred rates for club events and programs
Major Acquisitions and Growth
- Initial acquisition of three clubs in 2013
- Landmark $320 million acquisition of CNL Lifestyle’s portfolio of 46 golf courses in 2014
- Recent acquisitions include Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia
- Addition of the prestigious Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale
Commitment to Inclusion
Arcis Golf has demonstrated commitment to growing the game through various initiatives, including a focus on expanding accessibility across diverse populations:
- Hosting the inaugural Arcis HBCU Collegiate Golf Championship at The Club at Weston Hills
- Showcasing 16 HBCU men’s and women’s golf teams in tournament competition
- Presenting sponsor for the National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship (held in 2024 at The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, an Arcis facility near Houston)
- Nationwide partnership with Els for Autism for sixth year
Future Plans
The company continues to invest in innovation while maintaining golf traditions. As Walker notes: “I’m looking at doubling the company in totality—doubling our revenue, doubling our cash flow, doubling the size of our ancillary businesses. To do that, we’re going to lean into innovation while embracing the tradition of the game of golf.”
Focus areas include:
- Installation of golf simulators
- Development of putting courses
- Integration of shot-tracking technology
- Enhanced F&B concepts
- Expanded health and wellness offerings
- Increased tournament and event hosting
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Since entering the golf space, Arcis Golf has made a noteworthy splash with aggressive growth and a rapidly expanding course portfolio.
Financial backing from Fortress Investment Group, one of several private equity firms that invested in the golf industry after the Great Recession, helped fuel that momentum. But so too has a focus on lifestyle experiences at its facilities, with a special emphasis on enhanced off-course amenities.
