The golf courses and country clubs industry in Europe thrives on providing unique leisure experiences. It includes premium golf courses, country clubs, and hospitality services. Various players range from large corporations managing multiple facilities to private equity firms looking for growth opportunities. The industry is evolving with an increasing focus on sustainability and community engagement, aligning with modern lifestyle shifts. Tranquil environments and socializing spaces drive demand, while hospitality integration offers additional revenue. Emerging technologies in golfing equipment and eco-friendly practices are reshaping facilities, indicating lucrative potential ahead for investors and stakeholders.


Investors in the golf courses and country clubs sector range from corporate giants to private equity firms, primarily based in the UK and across Europe. With a range from small teams to large firms, the diversity facilitates various investment approaches. In 2024, the listed investors made significant headway, with 15 companies engaging in acquisitions or financing, showcasing their commitment. Founded as early as 1949 to as recent as 2016, these firms present varied experience levels. Collectively, they champion opportunities that cater to an active and affluent clientele across the continent.


Top 15 Golf Courses and Country Clubs Investors in Europe


1. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in transactions such as Manors Golf, which raised $750,560 in December 2023, highlighting their engagement in the golf courses and country clubs industry. Additionally, they have facilitated funding for other businesses, demonstrating their broad investment approach while still maintaining a presence in the golf sector.


2. The Club Company

  • Website: theclubcompany.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Reading, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: the-club-company

The Club Company is a leisure and hospitality provider based in Reading, England, founded in 1996. It specializes in offering a range of services, including golf courses, health clubs, hotels, and spas, catering to individuals seeking wellness and recreational activities. The Club Company has made significant strides in the golf and leisure industry, having acquired several prestigious golf clubs, including the Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club, Wharton Park Golf Club, The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club, and Greetham Valley. These acquisitions reflect their strategy to expand their portfolio and solidify their position as the UK's largest golf club operator, providing premium facilities and a community atmosphere for members.


3. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in Säfsen Resort, which is relevant to the golf courses and country clubs context, as it likely includes recreational facilities such as golf courses. Additionally, Almi has been involved in various other ventures, including Kittelfjall, which may also relate to leisure activities, showcasing its broader interest in the hospitality and leisure sectors.


4. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success through investment and advisory services. Notably, LDC acquired American Golf in 2004, which is a significant player in the golf industry, indicating their engagement in the golf courses and country clubs sector. Additionally, LDC has made various other acquisitions, such as Silverstone Circuit and Forest Holidays, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio and strategic approach to growth across different industries.


5. Henderson Park


Henderson Park is a private equity real estate firm based in London, England, specializing in real estate investment management. Founded in 2016, the firm has a strong focus on high-quality assets in prime locations, managing investments for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. With a commitment to transparency and collaboration, Henderson Park operates across the UK, Europe, and the US, having invested over $14 billion in various real estate asset classes. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, which features 360 keys and 99 holes of championship golf courses, highlighting their engagement in the golf industry. Additionally, they have partnered with Salamander Collection and South Street Partners in various ventures, further demonstrating their capability and interest in high-end resort properties.


6. Kings Park Capital LLP


Kings Park Capital LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in the European leisure sector, providing capital and strategic advisory services to help businesses accelerate growth and achieve their objectives. Kings Park Capital aims to create lasting value for its portfolio by focusing on companies with proven business models and growth potential. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Clawford Lakes in November 2022, which is likely related to leisure or hospitality, and the acquisition of Inn Collection in October 2013 for over $16 million. These transactions highlight their active role in the leisure industry, which includes potential investments in golf courses and country clubs.


7. Azora

  • Website: azora.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: azoragestion

Azora is a Madrid-based private equity investment management firm founded in 2003, specializing in real assets such as residential, hospitality, and commercial real estate. The firm focuses on identifying megatrends and transforming assets to deliver sustainable value. Azora's clients include institutional investors looking to enhance their portfolios with responsible investment opportunities. Notably, Azora has expanded its portfolio in the golf sector by acquiring the 5-star Marriott Praia d'El Rey hotel along with two golf courses in Óbidos, Portugal, in May 2024. This acquisition highlights their commitment to investing in golf-related assets, complementing their existing operations in hospitality and tourism. Additionally, their strategy includes significant investments in refurbishment and expansion of facilities, which may also enhance the golf experience at their properties.


8. Development Bank of Wales


The Development Bank of Wales is a public entity established in 2001 that provides financial support to Welsh businesses through loans and equity investments. It aims to facilitate business growth and economic development in Wales by offering various financial products tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. Notably, the bank has been involved in transactions such as providing a £50,000 micro loan to Just Play Golf in Penrhys to help buy and fit out a golf range, showcasing its commitment to supporting the golf industry. This investment highlights the bank's role in fostering growth within the golf courses and country clubs sector, alongside its broader mission to support diverse businesses across Wales.


9. Arrow Global Group

  • Website: arrowglobal.net
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: arrow-global-plc

Arrow Global Group is an investment management firm based in London, England, specializing in private credit and real estate. Founded in 2005, the firm caters to institutional investors and businesses, focusing on delivering risk-adjusted returns through opportunistic credit and real estate lending. In 2023, Arrow Global made significant strides in the golf and hospitality sector by acquiring the Palmares Ocean Living & Golf resort in Portugal for €115 million, showcasing their commitment to investing in golf-related properties. Additionally, they acquired 'Estalagem da Cegonha' in Algarve for €90 million, which includes plans for refurbishing a boutique hotel and developing tourist residences, further emphasizing their interest in leisure and recreational investments. Arrow Global operates across various European markets, leveraging local expertise to enhance their investment portfolio.


10. adidas

  • Website: adidas-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: adidas

Adidas is a leading sportswear manufacturer and retailer based in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1949. The company specializes in a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel, catering to athletes, sports teams, and consumers. Adidas is committed to innovation and sustainability, focusing on enhancing performance and creating engaging team environments. Notably, Adidas has made strategic acquisitions in the golf sector, including TaylorMade Golf in 2005 and Adams Golf in 2012 for approximately $70 million. These acquisitions were aimed at strengthening Adidas' presence in the golf category, highlighting its interest in the golf industry and its potential relevance to golf courses and country clubs.


11. Waterland Private Equity


Waterland Private Equity Investments B.V. is a private equity firm founded in 1999, based in Bussum, North Holland, Netherlands. The firm specializes in growth equity investments and partners with ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams to support their growth strategies through strategic planning and operational assistance. Waterland focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and sustainability, and operates across Europe. Notably, Waterland has made significant strides in the golf industry by acquiring a majority stake in GolfRange, a German golf court operator, in April 2015. This acquisition aimed to enhance GolfRange's growth in the German golf market, showcasing Waterland's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the golf sector. Additionally, their diverse investment strategy includes other sectors, but their involvement with GolfRange highlights their relevance in the golf courses and country clubs context.


12. Maven Capital Partners

  • Website: mavencp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: maven-cp

Maven Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and investment solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors. They support management buyouts and property development, helping clients unlock their potential and achieve significant growth. Maven serves a diverse range of industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, they have been involved in transactions that touch on the golf industry, such as their investment in Ski-Lifts Limited, which is expanding into the golf market. This indicates their potential interest in the golf courses and country clubs sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


13. Epiris

  • Website: epiris.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: epiris

Epiris is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1976. The firm specializes in transforming businesses through strategic investments and partnerships, managing over £2.75 billion in capital. Epiris focuses on delivering outstanding returns for its investors by working closely with management teams to resolve complexities and unlock growth potential across various sectors. Notably, Epiris acquired The Club Company, a UK country club operator, from Lone Star Funds on May 18, 2018. This acquisition highlights their commitment to the golf and country club industry, showcasing their capability to invest in and enhance businesses within this sector. Additionally, while they have been involved in other transactions, such as the Isle of Man Steam Packet, the acquisition of The Club Company is particularly relevant to their profile as an investor in golf courses and country clubs.


14. Boundary Capital Partners LLP


Boundary Capital Partners LLP is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2009, specializing in impact investments. They focus on high-growth private technology companies, particularly in AI and life sciences, providing investment management and consulting services to investors and entrepreneurs. Notably, they acquired The Club Company on June 1, 2006, which operates golf courses and country clubs, marking a significant transaction in the golf industry. This acquisition highlights their capability to invest in the golf sector, despite their broader focus on technology and impact investments.


15. Promethean Investments


Promethean Investments is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in consumer-focused investments and collaborates with management teams in the leisure, hospitality, and entertainment sectors to provide capital and strategic support for growth. Their investment approach emphasizes technology and innovation to enhance customer experiences. Notably, Promethean has been involved in significant transactions within the golf and leisure context, particularly with Puttshack, a tech-infused mini-golf venture. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Puttshack, including a $150 million growth capital round in 2022 and earlier rounds in 2021 and 2019, showcasing their commitment to innovative leisure activities that intersect with the golf industry. Additionally, they invested in State of Play Hospitality, further indicating their focus on leisure and hospitality sectors.



Golf Courses and Country Clubs Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
The Club CompanyReading, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019962
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
Henderson ParkLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020161
Kings Park Capital LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020070
AzoraMadrid, Madrid, Spain201-50020033
Development Bank of WalesWrexham, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)201-500200126
Arrow Global GroupLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500020054
adidasHerzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany10001+19491
Waterland Private EquityBussum, North Holland, Netherlands201-50019997
Maven Capital PartnersGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)51-200200925
EpirisLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019761
Boundary Capital Partners LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020091
Promethean InvestmentsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020050


Want to find more investors focusing on the golf courses and country clubs industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the golf courses and country clubsindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!