Adapted from and crediting Golf Inc.’s “Most Powerful People in Golf 2025” (November/December 2025 issue).

Golf Inc.’s annual Most Powerful People in Golf list is more than an industry vanity exercise. It is a snapshot of who actually controls where we play, how clubs are run, and what the future of the game looks like from the boardroom down to the Saturday medal play.

The 2025 list highlights a key shift: power in golf is broadening. Management companies, technology platforms, architects, and media executives now share the stage with traditional governing bodies and superstars. For AmateurGolf.com readers—competitive amateurs, serious public players, and private-club members—that shift is already affecting course access, tournament venues, and the overall playing experience.

Why Golf Inc.’s List Matters to Amateur Golfers

Most of the names on Golf Inc.’s list don’t hit shots on TV every Sunday—but they influence far more rounds than any tour player. Troon, KemperSports, Invited, Arcis, Heritage, Century, and Concert Golf collectively touch hundreds of courses and millions of players. Governing bodies like the USGA and PGA of America write the rules and shape pathways for competitive amateurs. Technology and media companies decide how we find tee times, train in the off-season, and consume golf content.

In other words, this list helps explain:

• Which companies are running the courses you play.
• Who is investing in the facilities that host amateur and mid-am events.
• How technology, simulators, and dynamic tee time platforms are changing access and pricing.
• How governing bodies and policy decisions will affect equipment, setups, and competitive opportunities.

No. 1 – Tim Schantz, CEO, Troon

Topping Golf Inc.’s list again, Troon CEO Tim Schantz oversees the world’s largest golf management company, serving more than 900 venues worldwide. Under his leadership, Troon has continued to expand through acquisitions and strategic partnerships, including moves into caddie technology, food and beverage consulting, racket sports, and HOA management.

For AmateurGolf.com’s audience, Troon’s scale has real-world implications. Many high-level amateur and mid-am events are held at Troon-managed facilities. Consistent conditions, strong agronomy, and professional operations help ensure tournament setups that reward skill rather than luck. Troon’s newer verticals—like events and racket sports—also reflect how clubs are evolving into full lifestyle hubs, attracting younger and more diverse players who might eventually move into the competitive amateur ranks.

No. 2 – Steve Skinner, CEO, KemperSports

Steve Skinner’s KemperSports, ranked No. 2 by Golf Inc., continues to blend traditional course management with a strong focus on innovation and engagement. The company’s partnership with Touchstone Golf, expansion into new states, and creation of loyalty programs like Frequent Fairways show a commitment to rewarding regular play and strengthening relationships with everyday golfers.

For serious amateurs, this kind of portfolio strategy matters. Frequent Fairways encourages multi-course play and can make it more affordable for competitive players to keep their games sharp across different layouts. Kemper’s acquisition of Fire Pit Productions also hints at richer storytelling around the places we play—something that aligns well with AmateurGolf.com’s own interest in course features, tournament recaps, and destination coverage.

No. 3 – David Pillsbury, CEO, Invited

David Pillsbury has reshaped the private-club giant Invited (formerly ClubCorp) into a more accessible, multi-generational network of clubs with roughly 350,000 members. Under his watch, the company has emphasized inclusivity, innovation, and a broader club experience that extends beyond golf.

Invited’s pilot programs in sustainability and autonomous maintenance—such as testing robotic mowing with Graze Robotics—directly relate to course conditions and long-term cost control. That benefits competitive amateurs who demand firm, consistent playing surfaces and clubs that can afford to reinvest in infrastructure. Pillsbury’s focus on reducing friction for new members and engaging younger families mirrors the demographic shifts we see in amateur golf fields, where more players are juggling careers, kids, and tournament schedules.

No. 4 – Blake Walker, Founder & CEO, Arcis Golf

Blake Walker’s Arcis Golf continues an aggressive acquisition and reinvestment strategy, including landmark purchases like The Woodlands Country Club and multiple high-profile clubs in Georgia and Texas. Importantly, Arcis is not just buying properties—it is pouring tens of millions of dollars into renovations, technology upgrades, and expanded amenities.

For competitive amateurs, Arcis facilities increasingly serve as ideal training and tournament environments. Driving ranges with Toptracer, creative short-game spaces, and fitness-focused partnerships like iFIT and OutFit Training reflect what serious golfers already know: modern competition demands year-round preparation. Arcis’ insistence on accessibility and a welcoming club culture also aligns with the growing expectation that elite golf experiences should not be reserved for an exclusive few.

No. 5 – Jim Hinckley, CEO, Century Golf Partners

Century Golf Partners, led by Jim Hinckley, has quietly built one of the most influential portfolios in the game. Its continued acquisition growth, significant capital reinvestment, and emphasis on employee training support both member satisfaction and operational excellence.

Century’s reciprocal network—now the largest in the industry—has a direct impact on traveling amateurs and mid-am competitors. For players who build their schedules around state, regional, and national events, reciprocal access can mean more practice rounds, better familiarity with host venues, and an easier path to experiencing top-tier courses.

No. 6 – Mark Burnett, President, Heritage Golf Group

Mark Burnett’s Heritage Golf Group is steadily pushing deeper into key golf markets, particularly in the Southeast and Mountain West. New acquisitions in Florida and Tennessee underscore Heritage’s belief in the long-term strength of the golf industry.

Heritage’s growth matters because it tends to target clubs with strong member bases and regional influence. As these properties are improved and repositioned, they become logical candidates for state championships, USGA qualifiers, and elite invitationals—exactly the kind of events that AmateurGolf.com tracks and covers.

No. 7 – Peter Nanula, CEO, Concert Golf Partners

Concert Golf, led by Peter Nanula, focuses on acquiring and stabilizing upscale private clubs, often with rich histories and strong member cultures. Their model emphasizes preserving club identity while investing in facilities and amenities.

Many of these clubs host significant amateur events, member-guest traditions, and interclub competitions. By choosing to respect local traditions while upgrading infrastructure, Concert helps ensure that classic venues remain relevant for modern competition, rather than being sidelined or underfunded.

No. 8 – Derek Sprague, CEO, PGA of America

Derek Sprague’s elevation to CEO of the PGA of America places a longtime insider and former president at the helm of an organization that touches nearly every corner of the game. His public opposition to the proposed golf-ball rollback on behalf of 28 million recreational golfers is one of the starkest examples of how policy debates now directly involve everyday players.

For competitive amateurs, the PGA’s decisions affect professional pathways, grassroots instruction, PGA Section championships, and events like the PGA Professional Championship and PGA Works Collegiate Championship. Sprague’s stance suggests that the PGA of America will be a strong advocate for the broader playing public as equipment and competition standards evolve.

No. 9 – Oliver “Chip” Brewer, President & CEO, Topgolf Callaway Brands

Despite business headwinds and a delayed corporate split, Topgolf Callaway Brands remains one of the most important players in the equipment and entertainment space. Golf Inc. notes revenue pressures in both the equipment and Topgolf segments, but the combined brand still drives a huge amount of participation and product innovation.

Callaway’s equipment line is heavily represented in elite amateur bags, while Topgolf venues act as an entry point for new golfers. For AmateurGolf.com readers, Brewer’s decisions about research and development, sponsorship, and player programs will help shape the equipment landscape and the pipeline of new golfers graduating from social golf to serious competition.