GreatLIFE Golf has expanded its portfolio with the purchase of River Run Golf Club in Berlin, Maryland. The newest addition is the company’s 54th 18-hole equivalent and the 21st facility it owns or leases.
“River Run is a fantastic asset for us and we are excited to bring GreatLIFE Golf to the Eastern Shore. The course is in a great location with significant growth potential and a robust golf population,” said John Brown, GreatLIFE Golf CEO. “Our vision for this facility is to combine proven turf management practices with a strategic operational approach to establish it as a must-play course in the region.”
GreatLIFE Golf is known for investing in its courses, and new acquisitions are no different. Using the strong foundation at River Run, GreatLIFE Golf anticipates making capital improvements to enhance the property’s playability and overall guest experience. The initial plans focus on improving tees, fairways, and greens through agronomic best practices, including targeted cultural, chemical, and fertility programs. Long-term improvements will include evaluating the irrigation system, implementing a multiyear overseed program, and executing a master tree removal and replacement plan.
“River Run already has an outstanding foundation — a beautiful Gary Player design that golfers consistently praise for its layout and scenery. Our opportunity is to build on that by elevating the conditioning, service, and overall experience,” said Jason Harshbarger, GreatLIFE Golf CFO. “As a part-time Eastern Shore resident, I’ve always believed this region deserves a golf experience that’s every bit as memorable as everything else Ocean City and the Eastern Shore have to offer. We want River Run to become one of those courses that every visitor puts on their itinerary and every local is proud to call their home course.”
Featuring an iconic design that reflects Gary Player’s signature “bump and run” philosophy, the course offers a layout that creates an enjoyable, accessible golf experience for players of all handicap levels. The front nine is open, with generous fairways and modest bunkering. The back nine winds through classic Maryland pines. Throughout the course, lakes, wetlands, and natural marshes enhance both the challenge and the beauty of the property while showcasing the area’s distinctive coastal landscape.
River Run is located just seven miles from the ocean and only minutes from Ocean City, Maryland.
About GreatLIFE Golf
Formed by the merger of GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness and Brown Golf on September 1, 2022, GreatLIFE Golf is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals and families through golf, positive social connections, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles. With a focus on the economic benefits clubs can bring to their local communities, GreatLIFE Golf aims to create a unified path forward in the golf and leisure industry.
