Today in Capstone Management Study of Golf Operations with PGA Professional Warren Pitman, we were talking about ClubCorp and specifically, CEO Eric Affeldt. For the second year in-a-row, Affeldt finds his name atop Golf Inc.’s “Most Powerful People in Golf” list, which ranks individuals’ influence and their organizations’ ability to positively impact the golf industry.
The leader of golf’s largest ownership group watched his company’s stock price (NYSE: MYCC) jump 30 percent as of second quarter ending in 2015 thanks in large part to projected revenues exceeding $1 billion. As of June, ClubCorp had also experienced record revenue growth of 24 percent year-over-year while increasing its membership 23 percent to 185,000.
The growth has been fueled by aggressive reinvention, and since 2007, the Dallas-based world leader in private clubs has spent $480 million on capital investments with planned improvements for 30 clubs last year alone. ClubCorp describes itself as a “premier network of private clubs… unrivaled in their scope, quality of facilities, and services.”
The bottom line is this: once you’re a member of one club, you’re a member of them all.
“It’s an honor to be named to the list,” said Affeldt, “And a testament to our many employee partners for their service and dedication to our members, helping ClubCorp stay on top in the industry.”
Affeldt topped Golf Inc.’s list in 2014 and 2010 and has ranked in the top five every year since 2007, less than a year after taking over as CEO and President following ClubCorp’s acquisition by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners in 2006. Here is the top ten:
The Most Powerful People in Golf: 2015
1. Eric Affeldt – CEO, ClubCorp
2. Dana Garmany – CEO, Troon Golf
3. Jack Nicklaus – Chairman, Nicklaus Cos.
4. Tim Finchem – Commissioner, PGA Tour
5. Michael Keiser – Developer
6. Peter Hill – Chairman & CEO, Billy Casper Golf
7. Blake Walker – Chairman & CEO, Arcis Golf
8. Mike McCarley – President, Golf Channel
9. Steve Skinner & Josh Lesnik – CEO & President, Kemper Sports
10. Jim Hinckley – CEO, Century Golf Partners & American Golf