Media Contacts:
Adrienne Chance
Director of Corporate Communications, Topgolf
Ph: (214) 501-5025
E-mail: [email protected]
Topgolf Acquires World Golf Tour,
Launches New Media and International Divisions
Plus Holding Company
Deal positions Topgolf as leading golf industry
brand with the world’s largest digital golf audience
DALLAS – Jan. 27, 2016 – Global golf entertainment leader Topgolf has acquired sports
gaming company World Golf Tour (WGT), creating the world’s largest digital golf audience. In
conjunction with the acquisition, Topgolf® is adding two new divisions and reorganizing its
corporate structure with a holding company to support the organization’s rapid growth.
The deal represents a convergence of the offline and online golf experience. WGT is the leading
web and mobile golf game, with more than 14 million players worldwide across online, social
and mobile platforms. Topgolf has 24 venues worldwide and served 8 million guests in 2015. It
is opening venues in Las Vegas and several other key markets in 2016, increasing its projected
annual attendance to more than 12 million this year.
Topgolf will further engage guests through in-venue experiences, app enhancements,
compelling digital content and the emergence of a global golf entertainment community. WGT
fans will not only be able to play the existing games they love, but they will also be able to play
Topgolf virtually with new games featuring the signature dartboard-like outfield.
Topgolf, as it is known today in the U.S. and U.K., will operate as it does currently and will
continue to be led by CEO Ken May. Topgolf will be one of three divisions held by parent
company Topgolf International, Inc., dba Topgolf Entertainment Group (TEG). TEG will be led
by Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson.
“Topgolf has always signified so much more than a golf entertainment venue,” said Anderson,
who last year was recognized as the number one innovator in golf by Golf Inc. magazine. “We
envision ourselves as a global sports lifestyle brand where people go to have the best times of
their lives with golfing, gaming, food and beverage, music, apparel, digital content and much
more. We are excited to extend our brand into new mediums and locations while reimagining
the golf experience for our current and prospective fans.”
Topgolf | 8750 N. Central Expressway | Suite 1200 | Dallas, TX 75231 | p. 214.377.0615
TEG has formed Topgolf Media to deliver new entertainment options and content for Topgolf
guests beyond the four walls of each venue. Topgolf Media will enhance the Topgolf experience
through advanced digital media, strategic partnerships and sponsorships. The president of
Topgolf Media will be WGT Co-Founder and CEO YuChiang Cheng. All of the current WGT
associates will now be employed by Topgolf Media, which is hiring to fill additional critical
positions immediately.
“Joining forces with Topgolf means more growth opportunities for our associates, improved
service for our fans and additional development resources to advance our games,” Cheng said.
“The World Golf Tour team is excited to grow our existing games and build even more engaging
content with Topgolf for the future. Topgolf’s popular games will soon be available to play
anywhere in the world from the palm of your hand.”
In addition, TEG is forming Topgolf International, which will oversee development abroad so that
Topgolf may begin expansion in other countries. Topgolf International will be based in London
and run by the company’s former CFO/COO Neil Allen.
Topgolf
Entertainment
Group
Topgolf
Topgolf
International
TopgolfMedia
TEG headquarters will remain in Dallas, with additional presence in San Francisco, New York,
Seattle and London. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor and Gibson Dunn &
Crutcher LLP acted as legal advisor to Topgolf in connection with the acquisition of WGT.
“Our vision statement is, ‘Topgolf is a global sports entertainment community creating the best
times of your life,’” said Topgolf CEO Ken May. “These new divisions will allow us to invest in
the ‘global’ and ‘entertainment’ parts of our vision. One day, years from now, we’ll find it hard to
believe that we were ever just Topgolf.”
For more information, visit www.topgolf.com/pgashow.
Topgolf | 8750 N. Central Expressway | Suite 1200 | Dallas, TX 75231 | p. 214.377.0615
About Topgolf Entertainment Group
Topgolf Entertainment Group (TEG) is the parent holding company of Topgolf, Topgolf
International and Topgolf Media. TEG is led by Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson.
About Topgolf
Topgolf is a global sports entertainment community creating the best times of your life, with 24
locations serving 8 million guests annually. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips
that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while awarding points for hitting targets on the
outfield. Each venue offers an upscale and playful experience, featuring an impressive food and
beverage menu, music, games, climate-controlled hitting bays and hundreds of HDTVs. Topgolf
also brings fun, interactive experiences to the community through its Topgolf U lessons,
leagues, tournaments, KidZone parties and social and corporate events. To learn more about
Topgolf, visit www.topgolf.com.
About Topgolf International
Launched in December 2015, Topgolf International oversees the partnerships and development
for new Topgolf venues outside the U.S. and U.K.
About Topgolf Media
Topgolf Media creates and distributes advanced media content, enabling the Topgolf
community to experience the best times of their lives. The division enhances in-venue golf
games as well as creating experiences outside of the venues with apps, websites and virtual
experiences. In addition, Topgolf Media cultivates relationships with global partners, sponsors
and ambassadors to promote innovation within the Topgolf brand.
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Topgolf | 8750 N. Central Expressway | Suite 1200 | Dallas, TX 75231 | p. 214.377.0615