The Ford Field & River Club

What The Ford Field & River Club does

The Ford Field & River Club is a private, member-owned residential golf and sporting community located on 1,800 acres along the Ogeechee River in Richmond Hill, Georgia. The property was originally acquired by Henry Ford starting in 1917 and later developed with a championship 18-hole Pete Dye golf course (built 1987, renovated 2014) and the historic Main House (now on the National Register of Historic Places). Members assumed ownership of the property in 2008, transforming it from The Ford Plantation into a member-owned entity governed by a Board of Directors. The club generates revenue through membership initiation fees, recurring annual dues, real estate activity (third-party owned listings hosted on a dedicated portal), F&B operations across the Clubhouse, Lake Dye Grill, Golfer's Corner, and the Tin Lizzie mobile kitchen, and curated Discovery Visit packages ($950 for two adults).

The club serves two primary customer segments: ultra-high-net-worth residential property owners within the gated community (full membership tied to property purchase) and a newer non-resident National Member cohort (100+ miles from the club) paying a $50,000 initiation fee and $10,000 annual dues for up to 45 days of annual access. Amenities extend across golf, Deepwater Marina, Equestrian Center, Sports Barn, Spa, pickleball courts, a pool complex, and multiple dining venues, with reciprocal privileges at Club Bardo Savannah and Dorchester Shooting Preserve. GTM is exclusively referral-driven and appointment-based for qualified buyers, supported by a Field Notes content blog, organic social (Facebook, Instagram), and the 2025-launched Hotel Bardo Savannah Discovery Visit partnership.

Financially, the club maintains nearly $9M in capital reserves, only $750K of strategic debt at 3% interest, and a fully funded 30-year capital plan covering 1,000+ assets, with member equity compounding at a 7.63% CAGR (verified by ClubBenchmarking). A $24.5M Amenity Upgrade Initiative was approved by 90% of voting members — the largest member-owned renovation in Coastal Georgia and the Carolina Lowcountry. The Ford has held 5 Star Private Club status with Platinum Clubs of America (2019-2026) and Distinguished Club Elite status.

Name

The Ford Field & River Club

Legal name

The Ford Field & River Club

Website

https://fordfieldandriverclub.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Ford Field & River Club is a private, member-owned residential golf and sporting community on 1,800 acres along Georgia's Ogeechee River, anchored by a Pete Dye championship course and Henry Ford's historic estate, serving ultra-high-net-worth property owners and non-resident National Members.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Golf & Country Club

NAICS

Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Athletic Field & Golf Course Groundskeeping (IMAIAIAH)

Keywords

• Private golf club
• Luxury residential community
• Country club membership
• Championship golf course
• Private sporting amenities

Headquarters

HQ city

Richmond Hill

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Initiation Fees: One-time initiation fees charged upon joining. National Membership initiation is $50,000 (split into two $25,000 payments over 12 months for members under 40). Initiation fees are a primary revenue driver and reflect the club's exclusive positioning.
2. Annual Membership Dues: Recurring annual dues charged to all members. National Membership dues are $10,000 per year, providing up to 45 days of annual access.
3. Real Estate Transactions: The club hosts real estate listings on its platform. Properties at The Ford may be owned by third parties; the club facilitates access and visibility but is not directly involved in property sales.
4. Discovery Visit Packages: Curated two-night discovery experiences priced at $950 for two adults (plus tax), combining Hotel Bardo Savannah lodging with an overnight at the historic Main House, golf, and activities.
5. Food & Beverage Operations: On-property dining at the Clubhouse, Lake Dye Grill, Golfer's Corner, and pop-up locations served by the Tin Lizzie mobile kitchen. Includes wine dinners, seasonal events, and catering.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Ford Field & River Club is a private, member-owned residential golf and sporting community on 1,800 acres along Georgia's Ogeechee River. It sells National Memberships ($50,000 initiation / $10,000 annual dues) and facilitates residential real estate within the gated community, with core amenities centered on a Pete Dye-designed championship golf course, a deepwater marina, equestrian center, spa, sports barn, multiple dining venues, and the historic Main House (Henry Ford's former estate on the National Register of Historic Places).

Product overview

The Ford Field & River Club is a premier private residential coastal golf and sporting community located on 1,800 acres along Georgia's Ogeechee River. The club operates as a unified lifestyle offering centered around its award-winning Pete Dye-designed championship golf course, with diverse amenities including The Main House (historic estate and event venue), The Spa, Equestrian Center, Deepwater Marina, Sports Barn, pickleball courts, pool complex, and multiple dining venues (Clubhouse Restaurant, Golfer's Corner, Tin Lizzie Mobile Kitchen, Wine Dinners). The club offers various membership tiers including National Membership for non-residents, with amenities and properties accessible through a member portal and discovery visit program. The property's heritage dates to Henry Ford's Richmond Hill estate, with ongoing $24.5 million Amenity Upgrade Initiative enhancing facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• National Membership Non-resident membership option for individuals whose primary residence is more than 100 miles away, providing up to 45 days annual access to all club amenities including golf, boating, equestrian, spa, dining, and sporting facilities. Initiation fee $50,000 (or two payments of $25,000 over 12 months for members under 40); annual dues $10,000. Includes spouse and children under 18; accompanied guests limited to three per visit unless prior approval is granted.
• Real Estate Private residential coastal community set on 1,800 acres offering homes, new construction opportunities from multiple on-property spec builders, and guest cottages. Property listings are managed through a dedicated real estate portal; properties may be owned by unrelated third parties.
• Summer Discovery Visit Curated two-night discovery experience priced at $950 for two adults (plus tax) that pairs Hotel Bardo Savannah lodging with an overnight at the historic Main House. Includes golf on the Pete Dye course, marina activities, dining, member social events, and a club boat cruise or guided kayak adventure. Reserved for qualified buyers by appointment only.
• Golf Course Award-winning 18-hole championship golf course designed by World Golf Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye, spanning 250 acres of pristine Lowcountry terrain. Features a parkland-style front nine winding through ancient oaks and freshwater lakes, and a links-style back nine with sweeping views of the Ogeechee River. Members enjoy unlimited, unstructured access with no required tee times.
• The Main House Historic estate building, once the winter retreat of Clara and Henry Ford, now serving as the centerpiece for member gatherings, guest accommodations, and signature events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Features grand fireplaces, expansive windows, and sweeping views of the Lowcountry landscape.
• Deepwater Marina Marina facilities offering boating and fishing access on the Ogeechee River, with ODP captains available for guided fishing introductions.
• Equestrian Center Equestrian facility providing guided trail rides through miles of scenic trails, plus lessons and horseback riding experiences for members.
• The Spa Full-service spa offering massages, skin treatments, manicures, and body treatments.
• Clubhouse Restaurant Main dining facility serving fresh seasonal fare. Features a wraparound dining porch, casual dining lounge, expanded kitchens, and indoor golf simulators (under renovation as part of the Amenity Upgrade Initiative).
• Golfer's Corner Grab-and-go casual dining located upstairs in the Clubhouse, open Tuesday through Sunday, offering items such as hot dogs and Bavarian pretzels for golfers.
• Tin Lizzie Mobile Kitchen 32-foot custom-wrapped mobile kitchen serving as a roving culinary hub for pop-up dining experiences throughout the property, surpassing both the Clubhouse restaurant and Lake Dye Grill in cooking capacity.
• Wine Dinners Exclusive intimate 30-seat wine dinner events at The Main House, featuring multi-course meals curated by Executive Chef Luis Young paired with wines from various wine regions.
• Cookies and Cocktails Cherished member tradition held at The Main House, providing social gatherings with fellow friends and neighbors.
• Pickleball Courts Outdoor courts offering weekday Pickleball Clinics for all skill levels and weekend open play.
• Kayak Adventures Naturalist-led kayak tours including Sunset Moonrise Kayak adventures on Lake Clara and guided kayak adventures through the property's serene waterways.
• Dorchester Shooting Preserve Shooting preserve privileges included as a sporting experience for National Members alongside golf, equestrian, and marina activities.
• Club Bardo Reciprocal Privileges Reciprocal club privileges at Club Bardo Savannah, the private club within Hotel Bardo Savannah, available to Ford members through a reciprocal membership agreement.
• Junior Naturalist Program Quarterly environmental education program teaching children ages 9 and up about conservation and stewardship through hands-on experience with game cameras, radio tracking, and water quality monitoring.

Quantifiable outcome

• Member equity CAGR of +7.63% — exceeding industry best-in-class benchmark of +5.50%, as verified by ClubBenchmarking with 100% year-over-year consistency
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Richmond Hill Historical Society & MuseumminorOthers · 13 June 2025The Richmond Hill Historical Society & Museum partnered with The Ford to host its Centennial Celebration Soirée at the historic Main House, commemorating Henry and Clara Ford's first visit to coastal Georgia in April 1925. Salt Cured served as the title sponsor. Christy Sherman, Executive Director of the Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Historical Society assisted in documenting The Ford's history.
• Hotel Bardo SavannahcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 May 2025Hotel Bardo Savannah serves as the first night of The Ford's exclusive Summer Discovery Visit package. Guests check in at Hotel Bardo (Savannah's newest luxury boutique hotel) before traveling 20 minutes south to The Ford. The partnership combines Savannah hospitality with the Lowcountry club experience to create a curated buyer journey for qualified prospects.
• University of Texas, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Georgia Southern, South Carolina (Collegiate Golf Programs)minorOthers · 18 April 2025The 2025 Ford Collegiate brought together top collegiate golf programs including Texas, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Georgia Southern, and South Carolina for a championship tournament on The Ford's Pete Dye course. The event generated national attention, media coverage, and positive social engagement while showcasing the course to golf's rising stars.
• Club Bardo Savannah (Hotel Bardo Savannah)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Ford has established a reciprocal membership agreement with Club Bardo Savannah, the private club located within Hotel Bardo Savannah. National Members of The Ford enjoy privileges at Club Bardo, and Hotel Bardo guests have access to The Ford's discovery visit experience. This partnership expands the experiential offering for both clubs' members and serves as a key GTM lever for the National Membership program.
• Dorchester Shooting PreserveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDorchester Shooting Preserve is included as a privilege for National Members of The Ford. It represents one of the outdoor sporting experiences available to members alongside golf, equestrian, and marina activities, enhancing the club's sporting lifestyle proposition.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sea Island Company: A long-established private resort and club on the Georgia coast offering multiple golf courses, beach clubs, shooting, and residences. Operates across a broader portfolio than The Ford (multiple properties and lodging tiers) but targets the same coastal Georgia UHNW market.

Direct peers

• Palmetto Bluff: A private residential community and club in Bluffton, SC, with a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, equestrian, shooting, marina, and extensive Lowcountry real estate. Operates on a similar model of member-owned amenities, heritage-driven positioning, and UHNW buyer focus.
• The Landings on Skidaway Island: A large private residential golf and recreational community near Savannah, GA, with multiple golf courses, marinas, tennis, and club facilities. Comparable as a coastal Georgia private club community with extensive amenities and member-owned governance.
• Colleton River Club: A private golf club community in Bluffton, SC, with two championship courses (Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye), waterfront, and athletic amenities. Directly comparable coastal Lowcountry Pete Dye / Nicklaus private club with property ownership and high initiation fees.
• Berkeley Hall Club: A private golf club community in Bluffton, SC, with two Tom Fazio-designed courses, golf heritage, and full club amenities. Comparable coastal Carolina Lowcountry private club with strong golf and property component.
• Haig Point Club: A private island club on Daufuskie Island, SC, with a Pete Dye-designed golf course, equestrian, beach, and residential components. Comparable private island/coastal Pete Dye private club with membership model and heritage positioning.
• Kiawah Island Club: A private membership club on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, offering championship golf, beach, equestrian, tennis, and dining on a Lowcountry coastal preserve. Directly comparable to The Ford as a UHNW private residential golf/sporting community with deep sporting amenities and capped membership.
• Dataw Island Club: A private residential golf and recreational club community on Dataw Island near Beaufort, SC, with two golf courses, marina, tennis, and dining. Comparable coastal SC private club with member-owned governance and similar amenity set.

Regional players

• Golden Isles Golf Club: A private golf and residential community in the Golden Isles of coastal Georgia. Comparable geography and market, though smaller scale; serves as a regional alternative for UHNW buyers in the same coastal Georgia market.

Others

• ClubBenchmarking: The industry benchmarking firm that validates The Ford's +7.63% member equity CAGR and financial reporting. Comparable as an analytics partner and a comparable reference point for the financial standards against which The Ford's performance is measured.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/fordfieldandriverclub
• Instagraminstagram.com/fordfieldandriverclub
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ford-field-and-river-club

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 The Ford Field & River Club