Combination strengthens ClubWorks’ portfolio of companies with integrated marketing services for the golf, hospitality, and real estate industries
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – ClubWorks, LLC, a premier club, leisure, and hospitality-focused professional services platform, announced today that it has added Charleston-based marketing firm Buffalo Groupe, LLC to its growing portfolio of companies.
The combination enhances the ClubWorks platform with Buffalo Groupe’s award-winning marketing collective, focused on connecting golf, hospitality, and real estate brands with escape-seeking consumers.
“Our portfolio of companies is purpose-built, assembling best-in-class firms with focused expertise to meet the diverse needs of club, leisure, and hospitality businesses,” said Michael Leemhuis, Chairman and CEO of ClubWorks. “With the addition of Buffalo Groupe, we’re elevating our offering with industry-leading expertise in creative, digital marketing, events, public relations, and research as a significant value-add to existing clients and prospects.”
“Buffalo Groupe brings another incredibly talented, dedicated and experienced team of professionals into the ClubWorks family,” said Derek Johnston, Managing Director and Partner at GGA Partners. “Buffalo Groupe expands ClubWorks’ impressive portfolio of clients and universe of services that are available to them. GGA Partners is thrilled to add a world-class marketing agency with unparalleled golf industry expertise to help us continue to support our clients.”
Buffalo Groupe becomes the sixth company to join the ClubWorks portfolio, including Peacock + Lewis, JBD JGA Design & Architecture, Private Club Films, Visionary Spectacle Studios, and GGA Partners.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of ClubWorks, Buffalo Groupe will operate as an independent firm, maintaining its brand, culture, and people. Kyle Ragsdale will remain CEO of Buffalo Groupe and join the ClubWorks board. Emily Clark has been promoted to President and Chief Marketing Officer of Buffalo Groupe and will also join the ClubWorks board.
“Buffalo Groupe was founded on the premise that golf and other highly engaged ‘escape’ industries represent an incredible marketing vehicle,” said Ragsdale. “Our roster of clients and passionate team members have validated our strategy.”
Clark added, “Joining ClubWorks is a natural strategic and cultural fit that will accelerate our expansion plans into hospitality, travel, and real estate and further Buffalo Groupe’s position in golf.”
Buffalo Groupe was formed when Buffalo Agency spun out from Billy Casper Golf in 2019. Since then, it has grown through several acquisitions, including Rawle Murdy (Charleston), 54 Brands (Charlotte), Longitudes Group (Portland), The Friars Golf Society (DC), Baseball’s World Series of Golf (Pebble Beach), and Sports Marketing Surveys (Palm Beach).
Buffalo’s “Herd” of 100 professionals serves a roster of clients boasting some of the most well-known golf and hospitality brands in the world, including USGA, Omni Hotels, The Charleston Place, Club Champion, Sun Mountain, Casa de Campo, Southworth, Golf Channel, and more. Investors include, among others, MLB All-Star Mike Trout, Symphony Ventures and NBC Universal.