CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Sports Facilities Companies has acquired Spirit Golf Management, a move that establishes a new golf division for the Florida-based firm.
Spirit Golf, which manages and consults on golf courses across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and New York, will continue operating under its existing brand as part of the expanded platform.
“Golf has a unique way of building character and challenging every participant, no matter the ability level,” says Jason Clement, founder and CEO of The Sports Facilities Companies. “Participation has exploded over the last decade in every measurable demographic. Spirit Golf has built an extraordinary reputation of improving communities through best-in-class programming, strong operations, and optimal guest experience. Their approach aligns with our mission to improve the health and economic vitality of the communities we serve.”
Clement adds, “With Spirit Golf inside the SFC Network, we are expanding our ability to support public-sector partners while introducing golf into our broader ecosystem of youth sport and recreation experiences.”
Spirit Golf brings a portfolio of municipal, public, residential, and private golf properties into SFC’s network, including facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The company currently manages or provides consulting services to 10 golf facilities in the Northeast.
As part of the acquisition, approximately 160 full-time and seasonal employees will join SFC, including a team of PGA of America professionals. Spirit Golf founder and president Mike Attara will lead the new division as senior vice president, with Kevin Beirne serving as vice president.
“Mike and Kevin bring deep golf expertise to SFC, and this partnership positions us to better serve the communities we partner with while adding meaningful operational and business resources to Spirit’s portfolio. At SFC, we win with people, and the Spirit team makes us better,” says Eric Sullivan, partner at SFC.
Attara, a PGA professional with more than 35 years of experience, was named the New Jersey PGA’s Golf Professional of the Year in 2025. Beirne, the current New Jersey PGA president, received the organization’s Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2024.
Spirit Golf also operates the Spirit Golf Academy, which provides instruction and player development programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels. The curriculum will be incorporated into future programming across SFC-managed facilities.
“Our focus has always been to make golf more accessible while creating welcoming environments for players of all ages,” says Attara. “Our standard of excellence in operations, teaching & coaching, event management, community engagement, and customer service aligns perfectly with SFC’s mission. Through SFC’s network, we have additional resources allowing us to expand youth programming and integrate the Spirit Golf Academy model to off course facilities nationwide.”
SFC plans to integrate golf into its broader sports and recreation offerings, including youth camps and community events, as part of its nationwide expansion strategy.
