Our Company
On September 1, 2022, GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness and Brown Golf merged creating a new company called GreatLIFE Golf combining two different histories that are now united to forge a new path forward.
2022
History of GreatLIFE
Rick Farrant began his journey in the golf industry in 1984 when he leased his first course. While the company wouldn’t formally adopt the GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness name until 2007, the roots of the company date back to 1984 under Rick’s watch. Below is a look at the history of Rick’s experience and how GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness became the brand it is today:
1984
The Start
Rick Farrant, CEO of GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness, leased Lake Perry Country Club in Ozawkie, KS This began the foundation of what would later become GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness in Topeka, KS.
1984
1991
Course #2
Rick added his second course in Topeka via acquisition in Prairie View
1991
2004
Gym Hybrid Concept
Rick purchased a Family Golf Center and transitioned the center with a new gym hybrid concept. The center had 9 holes, miniature golf, driving range, and banquet space which he converted to gym space. After bringing in 2,000 members in year one he was hooked on the golf & fitness concept.
2004
2006
Acquisition #1
Rick bought and opened his first 18-hole golf course & gym concept at Berkshire Country Club in Topeka, KS. He increased the membership roster from 2,000 to 6,000 members in a 120-day window after adding a brand-new fitness center to the club.
2006
2007
Rebrand
Rick rebranded his company after an internal company contest to rename his seven locations. The winning name was GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness which has stood since that time.
2007
2007 - 2017
Growth
GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness grew through franchising and licensing opportunities while also continuing to purchase golf facilities and gyms. GreatLIFE expanded in multiple markets and states with Kansas City, MO. becoming one of the largest markets.
2007 - 2017
2019
New Partners
Jim Klausman & Butch Eaton, who were owners of multiple Kansas City GreatLIFE locations, bought into GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness with Rick to create a new ownership group.
2019
History of Brown Golf
Brown Golf started as a company in January of 2011. The company was founded by John A. Brown, and his two sons John M. Brown and Todd Brown. Jason Harshbarger, CFO and owner joined the Brown Golf team in November of 2011 to become the fourth owner. The company began with a venture capital funding source, allowing the company to start acquiring golf courses. Under this model the venture capital partner owned the land and Brown Golf leased back the golf club operations. Below is a brief look at Brown Golf’s history:
2011
The Start
Pinecrest Golf Club in Bluffton, SC, was added in March of 2011 as its first facility.
2011
2014
Growth
By 2014, the company had expanded its footprint to thirteen facilities with locations primarily in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Florida. Some of these include Eagle Ridge Golf Club, a 36-hole facility located in Summerfield, FL. Windsor Parke Golf Club, an 18-hole facility located in Jacksonville, Fl. And Julington Creek Golf Club, an 18-hole facility also in Jacksonville, FL.
2014
2017
Passing the Torch
In 2017, founder John A. Brown retired. John M. Brown was named his successor and CEO.
2017
2020
Revolutionizing Online Tee TImes
In 2020, Brown Golf owners, now consisting of John M. Brown, CEO, Jason Harshbarger, CFO, and Lee Arroyo, elected to develop, fund, and launch their own proprietary booking engine, GolfBack. GolfBack now works with over 75 clubs on booking engine, email/customer relationship management tools, and website technology. Brown Golf implemented GolfBack as the main data, marketing, and revenue optimization platform for the entire portfolio.
2020
2021
Reaching New Heights
In Fall of 2021, Golf Inc. named John M. Brown, one of The Most Powerful People in golf. Read the article here – The Most Powerful People in Golf – Fall 2021 Golf Inc.
2021
2021
Acquisitions
In 2021, Brown Golf purchased Carolina National Golf Club, a 27-hole Fred Couples designed golf course located in Bolivia, NC..
2021
Our Team
John Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Jason Harshbarger
Chief Financial Officer
PJ Politan
Chief Operating Officer
Teresa Madden
HR Director
Our Business
Leasing
Here’s where ownership can achieve a guaranteed monthly cash flow without the hassle and risk of operating a country club. We handle everything while you’re able to enjoy the club stress free. This is a great option to recover struggling clubs, or as an initial phase of your exit strategy.
3rd Party Management
Leave the daily operations to us, and enjoy your club. Turn key management services cover every area of your facility from golf operations, to agronomy, to accounting and procurement. Efficiencies gained through scaled buying power and expert execution is sure to help your club win in your local competitive set.
Acquisitions
Thinking of buying or selling a golf course? Transitional management can help you revitalize your asset and ramp up operations post purchase. Conversely, when it’s time to sell, there are many areas of your club that can serve to boost valuation and produce maximum returns.
Accounting
GreatLIFE provides support to your onsite controller through a team of golf industry accountants that have worked with over 80 golf courses to ensure your business motor continues to operate at peak performance, even when unexpected circumstances arise.