EZLinks Golf announced a significant minority investment by an affiliate of Providence Equity Partners, a global private equity firm with more than $50 billion in assets. While terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the investment helped EZLinks close on the acquisition of Austin, Texas-based Distinct Software Solutions (DSS), a leading marketing technology company specializing in golf.
Distinct Software’s flagship product is CourseTrends, which offers websites, social media marketing, online reservations software for tee times, and other related tools for golf courses and private clubs.
“The investment by Providence Equity will accelerate our growth through the expansion of our technology portfolio designed for the exacting needs of the golf industry,” said Gary Cohen, chief executive officer, EZLinks Golf. “Through innovation, acquisition and service, EZLinks continues to build on our commitment and vision to be golf’s most valued partner.”
EZLinks is a PGA TOUR affiliated company and a leading producer of golf management technology with more than 3,500 clients worldwide.
The investment will also increase marketing of TeeOff.com by PGA TOUR, EZLinks’ tee time reservation site and the TeeOff.com mobile app launched in November 2016. The official tee time reservation site and app of the PGA TOUR, TeeOff.com provides millions of tee times to golfers that prefer to book rounds online.
Previous and current sports and sports media-related investments by Providence Equity and its affiliates include TopGolf, Ironman Triathlon, Major League Soccer (MLS) Media, Learfield Sports, Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network (YES), Blue Star Sports and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
“EZLinks has a track record of providing golf courses with solid technology to drive operations, which is why 20 out of the top 20 management companies use EZLinks’ services,” said Scott Marimow, managing director, Providence Equity. “As a PGA TOUR affiliated company, EZLinks is well positioned to be a leading innovator in the industry. Providence Equity is proud to work with EZLinks’ proven management team to accelerate its success.”
The acquisition of DSS by EZLinks follows the March 2016 acquisition of Integrated Business Solutions, the developer of golf’s leading point of sale solution.