GolfSuites allowing players to invest in their game

In our October 2019 issue, we wrote about the growth of driving ranges and entertainment centers, especially facilities like Topgolf. Now, a new company is positioning itself to take apiece of that alternative golf market with a chain of golf andentertainment facilities.

When Tampa-based ERC Homes founders Jerry Ellenburg andRyan Koenig saw that a Topgolf location was being built next totheir offices, the developer/builders were curious. They watchedconstruction be completed and the facility open to massivecrowds. Not long after they called in golf enthusiast and customerexperience designer, John Galvin, to join them and formwhat was to become the GolfSuites brand.

“We’re very much a competitor to Topgolf,” said GolfSuiteschairman Jerry Ellenburg. “These types of facilities makehealthy amounts of money and we think we can provide asuperior product that guests will really enjoy.”

GolfSuites will bring together the most realistic golf entertainmentand game improvement experience, including a250+ yard driving range, simulated green sites and hazards,professional quality golf balls and equipment, swing and golffitness coaching, restaurants, bars, multiple types of videoand live music entertainment all under one roof. The facilitieswill be designed with differing levels of amenities for avid andrecreational golfers, as well as space for corporate and team

building events, fundraisers, family celebrations, and amateur and professional events.

GolfSuites will also pair with top instructors and technologies to provide game improvement for guests both in-person and virtually. The idea behind GolfSuites is a holistic one, giving players the chance to have a great time and improve their swing and game.

“Our first location in Tulsa, Oklahoma was taken over last fall and we’re in the process of converting it to a full GolfSuites facility. Our plan is to be a nationwide company, and we’re actively looking for the right pieces of property in the right markets,” said Ellenburg.

How did GolfSuites develop its next-level experience? Ellenburg said the key to success is the company’s management team. Nick Flanagan (President and Chief Operating Officer) spent years in charge of operations at The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store chain and has been instrumental in developing the food and beverage program and all other senior operational aspects; Scott McCurry (Vice President of Operations) came from Topgolf and has used his expertise to fine-tune the national expansion of GolfSuites; and Kyle Morris (Golf Director) has developed the golf experience from the ground up using his experience as a professional player and teacher. John Galvin (Marketing Director) has designed overall brand concepts and Ryan Koenig (Development

Director) has overseen all initial facility design and is in charge of national site selection. Larson Architects and ROWE Creative Union in Columbus have been engaged for all design aspects of the brand and facilities.

As you can probably imagine, building a GolfSuites facility isn’t cheap. Ellenburg said the company estimates the cost between $35 and $40 million each for full-sized 100-bay configurations. To get started, GolfSuites is offering investors the opportunity to buy preferred stock in a Reg A offering and is concurrently procuring institutional and private equity funding.

“We’re pleased with ongoing fund raising efforts to date,” added Ellenburg. “Now we’re just making sure we research potential markets and find the best possible locations for our facilities. We’re confident that GolfSuites will be successful in the locations in which we choose to open.”

To learn more about GolfSuites and the company’s investment opportunities, visit www.golfsuites.com.