Golf has been booming over the last decade, and among the executives in the middle of that investment and activity has been 8AM Golf president and CEO Hoyt McGarity.
Founded in 2018 by Howard Milstein, 8AM Golf now operates as a holding company with roughly 15 portfolio companies, including GOLF.com, GOLF Magazine, True Spec Golf, Miura Golf, and the recently opened Bounty Club in Nashville—a venture forged in partnership with Justin Timberlake.
In a recent episode of “The Deal” podcast hosted by Jason Kelly and Alex Rodriguez, McGarity laid out six key takeaways from his conversation about the firm’s investment approach and the future of the sport.
On the evolution of 8AM Golf…
“We began with about six golf‑related companies in 2018‑2019, each owned individually, and we consolidated them under the 8AM Golf holding company,” McGarity said. “Since then we have assembled a collection of best‑in‑class brands across every facet of the game—hospitality, equipment, media, events, and travel. We are essentially in every segment except for an owned apparel line, though we have acquired a stake in PAYNTR shoes to broaden into that area.”
On what kind of companies appeal to 8AM Golf…
“We look for uniquely superior products and the right leadership fit,” he explained. “Over the past decade we have examined more golf businesses than almost anyone else. We evaluate how well we mesh with CEOs and operate the businesses, seeking synergies that allow our portfolio to reinforce one another. This disciplined, partnership‑focused strategy has helped us build one of the first true golf holding companies.”
On 8AM Golf developing the Bounty Club in Nashville…
McGarity described the venture as a long‑standing dream. “We never imagined we’d own a golf course, let alone design one from the ground up,” he said. “Since opening just over a month ago, we now have about 140 members—roughly 100 from outside Tennessee—and we’re trending toward a cap of 150‑160. The 12‑minute‑from‑downtown location in a rapidly growing city has been an instant success.”
On the Bounty Club vibe…
“We wanted a championship‑quality course that also delivers an exceptional social experience,” McGarity noted. “Justin Timberlake emphasized that a great golf course paired with a lively atmosphere is more appealing than either element alone. That philosophy guides the club’s design and member experience.”
courtesy T-Squared Social
On the new‑age golf boom…
“The younger generation is redefining how they engage with golf,” McGarity observed. “Whether it’s simulator play at T‑Squared Social in St. Andrews, Scotland, or the massive growth of Golfzon in Korea—where they operate more locations than Starbucks—they’re drawn to a less intimidating, tech‑forward experience. This trend is reshaping interest in the sport worldwide.”
What’s next for 8AM Golf…
McGarity emphasized a relentless growth trajectory. “We have added three new businesses in the past four months alone, and we continue to attract interest from private‑equity firms, celebrities, and other partners eager to enter the golf space. As long as cash flow remains strong and strategic opportunities persist, we have no intention of slowing down.”