ClubLink plans to purchase four to five additional courses in Florida, following its April acquisition of the 36-hole Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac, Florida.
The Canadian-based operator acquired the club from its equity membership for $5 million in late April. Steven M. Ekovich of Marcus & Millichap who represented ClubLink on the deal, said it took two years to come to final terms. He said it takes time to get equity members on the same page, similar to herding cats.
“The acquisition of Woodlands Country Club further solidifies southeast Florida for us,” said ClubLink President and CEO Rai Sahi. “ClubLink members now have convenient reciprocal play opportunities in two major centres in South Florida.”
ClubLink first entered the Florida market in early September with the purchase of eight 18-hole equivalent golf courses in Sun City Center from WCI Communities for $8.7 million. It later added Heron Bay Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida in October for approximately $3 million.
ClubLink is the world’s tenth largest operator of golf courses, and one of the most active buyers in the market. Regional Director of Operations John Finlayson continues to check on clubs in Tampa, Naples and West Palm Beach for future acquisitions.
Woodlands Country Club opened in 1969, designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert Van Hagge. ClubLink will extend reciprocal privileges between its Florida golf clubs and other golf properties it owns in Ontario and Quebec.
ClubLink uses internal capital for purchases and did so in The Woodlands deal. It finished 2010 with operating revenue of $189 million.