Thursday, October 15, 2026

Apollo Explores IPO for Largest Golfing Chain in U.S.

  • Private equity firm Apollo Global Management is considering an initial public offering for ClubCorp.
  • An IPO could value the private golf club and resort operator at $4.5 billion.
ClubCorp

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Private equity firm Apollo Global Management is considering an initial public offering for ClubCorp that could value the private golf club and resort operator at $4.5 billion, according to Bloomberg. 

ClubCorp was taken private in 2017 after Apollo purchased the company from KSL Capital Partners in a deal valued at around $1.1 billion. The Dallas-based company is the largest golfing chain in the U.S. with more than 200 golf clubs, resorts, country clubs, and athletic clubs — including more than 430,000 members, according to its website. 

Apollo adds to a growing list of companies embracing golf’s popularity amid the global pandemic. 

  • South Korea-based private equity firm Centroid Investment Partners acquired TaylorMade Golf in May 2021 for $1.7 billion. 
  • SoftBank’s Fortress Investment Group agreed to acquire course operator Accordia Golf for $3.5 billion last November. 
  • Earlier this month, Tonal launched its first golf workouts with pro golfer and investor Michelle Wie West.

ClubCorp could go public for the second time as early as this year. Apollo is currently working with advisers on the potential IPO process, but no final decision has been made.

Promising Growth 

Apollo, which has roughly $498 billion of assets under management, generated $1.2 billion in revenue in Q4 2021, down from $1.3 billion in revenue for the same period the year prior.

Full-year revenue reached $6 billion in FY2021, compared to $2.4 billion in revenue in FY2020.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Matthew Mayich’s Family Rips Coach Exit as ‘Negotiated Agreement’

Now-former head coach Greg Powers was put on administrative leave in September.

Jon Rahm’s LIV Settlement Forfeits All Remaining Payments

Rahm earned more than $106 million in prize and bonus money with LIV.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
Jul 2, 2026; Silvis, Illinois, USA; Blades Brown smiles with his caddie, Brett Swedberg, on the 9th green during the first round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament.

Teenage Phenom’s Pro ‘Gamble’ Paid Off With PGA Tour Record

The golfer turned professional in December 2024 when he was 17.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/15/26 – Blake Griffin on Clippers Fine, Buck-Aikman Booth Tension, Elle Duncan’s ‘Toxic’ WNBA Warning

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Exclusive

SportsGrid Up for Sale Amid Revenue Slide

Bankers have been pitching suitors since this summer.
October 8, 2026

Filing Details Jeanie Buss’s Side Deal to Remain Lakers Governor

Jeanie Buss was granted five years as team governor.
UFL co-owner Mike Repole speaks to the crowd as the UFL franchise Louisville Kings are introduced at Lynn Family Stadium. Wednesday, October 8, 2025
October 9, 2026

Mike Repole Invests in Kentucky Derby Owner Amid Push for Change

The billionaire has amassed a 1.5% stake in Churchill Downs.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
A drone view shows the Paramount water tower at Paramount studios in Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2026.
October 6, 2026

Newly Formed Skydance Is a Force in Sports Media

The large-scale deal creates a sports media colossus.
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 3, 2026 Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in action during the race
Exclusive
September 24, 2026

Dolphins Owner Nearing Deal to Sell 20% Stake in Miami F1 Race

Stephen Ross has owned the Miami Grand Prix since 2021.
Drew Weatherford
September 23, 2026

Former FSU QB Drew Weatherford Says PE Can Fix Youth Sports

Weatherford tells FOS what’s ailing the youth sports industrial complex.
Exclusive
September 16, 2026

LeBron James Polymarket Deal Worth $15 Million a Year

James is not an investor in Polymarket, just an endorser.