Golf Business Network LLC

What Golf Business Network LLC does

Golf Business Network LLC (GBN) is a private, invitation-based professional membership network founded in 2004 and headquartered in Apex, North Carolina. The company serves the private club golf industry by connecting three primary constituencies: PGA Professionals (Directors of Golf, Head Golf Professionals, Directors of Instruction, Assistant Professionals, and Merchandisers), club leadership/General Managers at private clubs, and golf industry vendors. Membership is curated through an application-based enrollment process with a confidential fit conversation, and the platform explicitly excludes public and daily-fee facilities, limiting its addressable market to the top of the private club hierarchy.

GBN delivers its offering through an integrated web-based platform that combines membership management, an exclusive job board for PGA Professionals, an event management system (used in conjunction with GolfGenius for tournaments), and GBN University, an online education platform built on the Thinkific LMS that delivers approximately seven self-paced courses covering personal finance, leadership, hospitality, and networking — all qualifying for PGA Professional Development Requirement (PDR) credits. Additional product lines include Executive Search and recruitment services, a Destination Golf / Stay-and-Play program, a Custom Shop e-commerce module, ParMarks member benefits (advertised at $4,000+ annual savings), Career Pass resources, advisory board services, advertising slots, and a GBN University podcast. Operational scale includes 2,300+ PGA Professional members, 700+ partner clubs (including Golf Digest Top 200 and Platinum Clubs of America properties), and approximately 20 active vendor partners.

The company's revenue model is diversified across five streams: tiered recurring membership subscriptions ($645 Individual Pro, $995 Staff, $1,494 Premium Staff, plus optional GBN University add-ons at $199–$499), professional-service fees from Executive Search placements, vendor partnership and sponsorship revenue, advertising (Hero, Sidebar, In-line tiers), and content/event sponsorships. Go-to-market is sales-led with enterprise field-sales characteristics, distributed through direct website application, dedicated executive-search engagement, and vendor relations contact workflows. The seven-person team is led by Patrick Seither (President/CEO) and Matthew Marciniak (General Manager, COO/CFO), with functional leads across business development, education, digital, events, and finance.

Name

Golf Business Network LLC

Legal name

Golf Business Network LLC

Website

https://golfbusinessnetwork.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Golf Business Network LLC is a private, invitation-based membership network founded in 2004 for PGA Professionals, private club leadership, and golf industry vendors. It operates a curated platform combining tiered subscriptions, executive search, education (GBN University), events, and vendor partnerships across 700+ clubs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Golf Industry Professional Network

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Golf Clubs & Tournament-Host Clubs (Professional/Elite Golf Clubs) (MPAKABAE)

Keywords

• Golf industry network
• PGA professional membership
• Private club services
• Golf executive search
• Golf professional education

Headquarters

HQ city

Apex

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: Three-tier membership structure: Individual Pro ($645/year), Staff Membership ($995/year), and Premium Staff ($1,494/year). Provides access to job boards, events, vendor benefits, destination golf, and education.
2. Executive Search Services: Recruitment and placement services for placing PGA Professionals in Director of Golf and Head Golf Professional positions at private clubs.
3. Vendor Partnerships: Marketing and relationship-building programs connecting vendors to PGA Professionals. Includes event sponsorships and custom shop placement.
4. Advertising: Website advertising options including Hero, Sidebar, and In-line advertisements with tiered pricing (3-12 month options).
5. GBN University Add-on: Optional education platform upgrade: $499/year for Staff Program add-on, $199/year for Individual add-on.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Golf Business Network (GBN) is a curated, application-based professional membership network serving the private club golf industry. It connects PGA Professionals, club leadership, and golf industry vendors through tiered memberships, GBN University online education, executive search and recruitment, a job board, destination golf access, vendor partner programs, and in-person events such as leadership summits and regional retreats.

Product overview

Golf Business Network (GBN) operates as a membership-based professional network for the private club golf industry. The platform offers a unified suite of services including tiered memberships (Individual Pro, Staff, and Premium Staff), GBN University online education (powered by Thinkific), Executive Search recruitment services, Destination Golf access, Vendor Partner Programs, a Job Board, the GBN Podcast, In-Person Events, a Custom Shop, ParMarks benefits, Career Pass resources, Consultation Services, and an Advisory Board. The core value proposition centers on connecting PGA Professionals with career advancement, education, networking, and business development opportunities within private clubs. GBN University delivers self-paced courses qualifying for PGA PDR credits, while Executive Search places professionals in leadership roles. The platform is invitation-only and serves over 2,300 PGA Professional members across more than 700 partner clubs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GBN University: Online education platform delivering courses by industry experts and GBN Members, offering PGA PDR credits for professional development.
• GBN Executive Search
• GBN University Podcast

Products and services

• GBN Memberships Tiered annual memberships including Individual Pro ($645/year), Staff Membership ($995/year for clubs with up to 6 PGA Professionals plus 1 Merchandiser), and Premium Staff ($1,494/year). Provides access to job boards, events, vendor benefits, destination golf, compensation reporting, and education.
• GBN University Online education platform built on Thinkific LMS offering seven self-paced courses covering personal finance, leadership, hospitality, and networking. Qualifies for PGA PDR credits. Available as a $499/year Staff Program add-on or $199/year Individual add-on.
• GBN Executive Search Recruitment and placement service placing PGA Professionals into Director of Golf, Head Golf Professional, and Assistant Golf Professional roles at private clubs nationwide. Operated by a dedicated search team reached via direct contact form.
• Vendor Partners Program Partnership program providing golf equipment, apparel, and service vendors with direct access to PGA Professionals and private clubs, including event sponsorships, marketing exposure, and placement on the GBN Custom Shop.
• GBN Website Advertising Direct advertising on the Golf Business Network website with Hero ($1,000–$3,550), Sidebar ($250–$900), and In-line ($500–$950) placement options sold on 3- to 12-month contracts.
• GBN Job Board Exclusive members-only job board featuring postings from private clubs across the United States. Members receive unlimited job postings; candidates access private-club career opportunities.
• GBN In-Person Events Calendar of paid networking, professional development, and golf competition events including the Annual Leadership Summit, Regional Leadership Retreats, Merchandising Summit, and Instructing Summit. Hosted across multiple U.S. locations.
• GBN University Podcast Audio podcast (Getting Better Now) featuring golf industry experts and GBN members discussing professional development, leadership, and industry trends. Distributed via Apple Podcasts and other podcast channels.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,300 PGA Professional members
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bourbon LoreminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 June 2026Modern bourbon and lifestyle brand joining GBN's Vendor Partner Program. Brings luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand storytelling to GBN's member network.
• Golf PridecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Premium grip technology leader with 75+ years experience. Vendor partnership bringing golf equipment manufacturer to GBN members.
• Premier ExcursionscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 May 2026Preferred vendor partnership with 25+ years of bespoke, concierge-level travel experiences for private clubs and their members.
• Created Co.minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 April 2026Lifestyle drinkware partner providing member-exclusive products through GBN vendor program.
• Ahead LLCminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 March 2026Premium golf headwear brand joining GBN's Vendor Partner Program, offering GBN Members access to Ahead's headwear products.
• PuttView BookscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2026Third year of partnership. Leading provider of premium, highly detailed custom yardage books and green maps for private clubs.
• ForeTeescoreTechnology or Integration · 22 February 2026Preferred vendor partnership bringing fully web-based club management software specifically designed for private clubs.
• Stitch GolfminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 February 2026Second year of partnership renewal. Premium golf accessories brand continuing collaboration with GBN.
• GolfForevercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2026Partnership to elevate member fitness and performance. GBN members gain access to GolfForever's training technology and programs.
• Donald Ross SportswearcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 January 2026Fourth year of collaboration. Premium golf apparel brand with timeless style and advanced performance fabrics. Title sponsor for Closest-to-the-Hole Challenge.
• Dormie NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGolf lifestyle brand featured in GBN vendor partner showcase.
• E-Z-GOcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-standing partnership with golf cart industry leader. Sponsors E-Z-GO Shootout competition at GBN Leadership Summit. Golf carts provided as prizes.
• Land & LinksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGolf lifestyle brand featured in GBN vendor partner showcase.
• CaddieNowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCaddie services platform featured in GBN vendor partner showcase.
• GolfGeniuscoreTechnology or IntegrationEvent management platform used for GBN member events and tournament management.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Clubessential: Largest U.S. private club management software platform serving GMs, boards, and staff at hundreds of clubs. Competes for club-side budget and could absorb GBN's professional services/education modules into its suite.
• ForeTees: Web-based tee-time, member, and club-management software purpose-built for private clubs. Already a GBN technology partner; competes for the same private club IT and PGA staff budgets and holds the operational data layer GBN's job board and education sit on top of.
• Jonas Club Software (Constellation Software): Enterprise club management platform used by many private clubs for accounting, POS, and membership. Comparable because it sells into the same private-club buyer and could expand into HR/staff workflow where GBN currently monetizes via executive search and benchmarking.
• Cobalt Software: Private club management software covering membership, accounting, and operations. Sells to the same private club GMs and is a credible adjacent competitor for club-side spend that could otherwise flow to GBN.

Broad incumbents

• PGA of America: National governing body serving all PGA members with training, education, networking, and career resources. Could expand its private-club-focused professional services to directly compete with GBN's education and networking stack.
• TPC Network (PGA Tour Enterprises): Network of premium golf clubs owned by the PGA Tour. Sits in the same private-club ecosystem, employs PGA professionals, and competes indirectly for the same high-end private-club services budget that GBN monetizes.
• Lightspeed Golf: Golf-specific POS and tee-sheet platform used by public and private courses. Adjacent technology incumbent in the same buyer ecosystem that could expand into club-side professional services.
• Invited (formerly ClubCorp): Largest U.S. operator of private golf and country clubs. Adjacent because Invited sets PGA compensation benchmarks across hundreds of clubs and is both a potential customer of GBN's executive search and a competitor for staff mindshare.

Others

• National Club Association: Membership association serving private clubs with advocacy, benchmarking, and education. Closest peer to GBN's membership-organization model from the club (rather than PGA professional) side of the same market.
• Premier Excursions: Concierge travel experiences for private clubs and their members — a current GBN vendor partner. Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor, but relevant because vendors in this slot could expand into member travel/discount programs adjacent to GBN's Destination Golf offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/golf-business-network
• Instagramlinkedin.com/company/golf-business-network
• Xx.com/GolfBizNetwork
• Facebookfacebook.com/Golf-Business-Network-LLC-117164738365776

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Golf Business Network LLC