Historic Battleground Club Joins Concert Golf's Expanding Portfolio

MANALAPAN, NJ – January 16, 2026 – Concert Golf Partners has acquired Battleground Country Club, a 220-acre private club on land rich with American history, marking the 40th property in the investment firm's rapidly growing nationwide portfolio. The deal further solidifies the company's strategic expansion in the competitive Northeast corridor and highlights a major trend of corporate consolidation within the private club industry.

For Battleground, a club whose grounds are near the site of the 1778 Revolutionary War Battle of Monmouth, the acquisition signals a new era under a well-capitalized owner. For Concert Golf, it represents another premier asset in a portfolio stretching from Cape Cod to California.

A New Chapter for a Storied Club

Battleground Country Club is more than just a golf destination; it is a property interwoven with the nation's founding. It is situated near the historic site where General George Washington is said to have rallied the Continental Army. This unique historical backdrop has long been a point of pride for its members, offering a blend of modern amenities and a palpable connection to the past.

The club features a nearly 7,000-yard, par-71 golf course originally designed by Hal Purdy in 1961 and later renovated by Robert McNeill. Beyond the fairways, the club boasts two swimming pools, four tennis courts, and a large Colonial-style clubhouse capable of hosting events for up to 500 guests. The club even has a link to modern sports history, as legendary CBS commentator Jim Nantz worked there in the 1970s, an experience that helped foster his passion for golf.

The previous owners, the Maschler Family and Michael McCarty, who had stewarded the club since 2009, chose Concert Golf to carry on its legacy. "We are tremendously proud of what we have built at Battleground Country Club," said Co-Owner Erik Maschler in a statement. "We are confident that Concert Golf Partners is the right steward to continue investing in the Club as they offer our members a standard of service that enriches and enhances Battleground's storied tradition."

Concert Golf echoed this commitment to preservation. "Battleground's remarkable history and engaged membership make it a natural fit within our portfolio," said Senior Vice President Jordan Peace. "We seek out exceptional private clubs where thoughtful investment and a member-first approach can further elevate the overall club experience."

The Business of Golf: Consolidation and Capital

The acquisition of Battleground is emblematic of a larger shift in the private club industry, where member-owned or family-owned clubs are increasingly being acquired by specialized investment and management firms. Orlando-based Concert Golf Partners is a key player in this trend, operating as a boutique owner dedicated exclusively to upscale private clubs.

The company’s growth has been swift. A partnership with Clearlake Capital from 2022 to 2025 saw the firm double its revenue and acquire 14 clubs. Now, with a recent strategic investment from Bain Capital that valued the company at over $1.3 billion, Concert Golf has more than $250 million in capital ready for future all-cash investments.

This financial firepower is central to the company’s pitch, known as "The Concert Way." The model involves an all-cash purchase that eliminates a club's debt and provides immediate capital for improvements, all while guaranteeing that members will not face future capital assessments. This strategy is particularly appealing to clubs facing significant capital expenditure needs for aging infrastructure.

The Battleground deal is a strategic move to deepen the firm's presence in the affluent New York-Philadelphia corridor. It's their second New Jersey property, following the 2024 acquisition of the prestigious TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton. This growing regional cluster, which also includes clubs near Philadelphia and New York City, allows for operational synergies and strengthens the company's market position.

The Member Experience Under New Management

For members at Battleground, the transition brings both promises and questions that are common in such acquisitions. The new owner pledges to uphold traditions while investing significantly in facilities and services. Members also typically gain reciprocal playing privileges across Concert Golf's extensive network of 40 clubs, a significant perk for those who travel.

However, the shift from a traditional ownership model to a private equity-backed corporate structure is a significant cultural change. While Concert Golf's "no assessment" guarantee is a major selling point, experiences at other clubs acquired by large firms suggest that members can sometimes face other financial adjustments. Anecdotal reports from members at various corporately-owned clubs across the industry mention notable increases in annual dues, food and beverage minimums, and new service fees that can offset the lack of assessments.

Staff stability is another area of focus. High turnover rates among key personnel like general managers and head golf professionals have been observed at some clubs following acquisitions by large operators, which can disrupt the personal relationships and consistent service that are hallmarks of the private club experience.

The core of the private club model is exclusivity and a member-first culture. A recurring concern within the industry is whether a for-profit model, driven by investor returns, can maintain that delicate balance. Members will be watching closely to see how Concert Golf manages the club's tee sheet, the frequency of outside corporate and charity events, and its overall attentiveness to member feedback.

Balancing Legacy with Long-Term Investment

The success of this new chapter for Battleground Country Club will ultimately be measured by Concert Golf's ability to deliver on its dual promise: to act as a faithful steward of the club's rich history while simultaneously deploying capital to secure its future. The firm has a track record of this, having been selected to acquire TPC Jasna Polana in part to protect the historic property from potential housing development.

A well-funded and professionally managed club can have a positive ripple effect on the local community. In Manalapan, where the median sale price for homes in the "Battleground Country Club" neighborhood approaches $900,000, a thriving club is a significant local asset that can support property values.

As the ink dries on the deal, members, staff, and the local community will be looking for tangible signs of the promised investment and commitment. The acquisition of Battleground Country Club is more than just a business transaction; it is the passing of a torch for a landmark property. The challenge for Concert Golf Partners will be to prove that corporate stewardship can enhance, rather than dilute, the unique character and storied tradition of one of New Jersey's historic gems.