Heritage Golf Group buys Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 13, 2024

A Virginia-based owner-operator of golf courses and country clubs has added another Tampa Bay property to its portfolio.

Heritage Golf Group, based in Herndon, Virginia, said that it closed on Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club on March 8. A deed for the transaction has not been filed, and financial terms were not disclosed.

Heritage also owns TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz and TPC Prestancia in Sarasota.

The seller was Schroeder-Manatee Ranch Inc., the master developer of Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch is a 33,000-acre master-planned community that spans Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Steven Ekovich of Lutz-based Leisure Investment Properties Group represented the buyer and seller in the transaction.

“Our selection of Heritage Golf Group was the result of meticulous consideration, focusing on their extensive experience and dedication to our standards," Rex Jensen, SMR CEO, said in a statement. "Their respect for our community and the club’s identity, culture, and traditions, along with a strong emphasis on staff retention and operational efficiencies, positions them as the ideal partner. Heritage's proven track record in owning private country clubs within residential communities across the US played a pivotal role in our selection."

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club is 33.5 acres, according to Manatee County property records. The property includes three championship golf courses, two of which were designed by renowned Hall of Fame golfer Arnold Palmer (Cypress Links and King’s Dunes). There are also two clubhouses, an 18,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, 24-hour athletic facility and an aquatics center with two heated pools.

The property also includes 20 pickleball courts and a tennis complex.

“Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club is the crown jewel of the Lakewood Ranch community, and we are proud to become its new steward," Mark Burnett, Heritage Golf Group CEO, said in a statement. "We are honored that SMR selected Heritage Golf Group to continue building on its noteworthy tradition and impeccable nationwide reputation as the premier country club and lifestyle community. The continued growth of our network of clubs will only further enhance the member and guest experience as well as offer additional career growth for our employees."