Heritage Golf Group has announced the addition of Ken Kasten as vice president of acquisitions. Kasten leaves Century Golf Partners, where he served as vice president of business development.
Kasten also served as senior vice president at ClubCorp for more than 30 years where he structured and negotiated acquisition, lease, and management while overseeing the operational and financial performance of recently obtained development clubs. As for now, no replacement for Kasten’s position at Century Golf Partners has been announced.
Kasten said he was attracted the Heritage Golf Group’s position in the market and the leadership of CEO Davis Senza.
“He’s a visionary,” Kasten said. “After talking with him about his vision for his operating model, I think there’s a unique opportunity for Heritage to separate themselves from others.”
The Charlotte, N.C.-based Heritage Golf Group — a boutique owner and operator of private clubs, resort and daily fee golf properties across the U.S. — has plans to expand its portfolio.
“First, we need to identify opportunities fit for us in markets we are already in. Second, we will identify markets we want to be in,” Kasten said. “We are and will continue to be a boutique operator of high-end properties and want to stay in the area of clubs and high-end daily fee.”
One possible route, Kasten said, is to pursue struggling equity clubs.
“One opportunity is to partner with some of these member-owned clubs that have gotten complacent,” he said. “We’ve got capital to provide upgraded facilities and can add amenities that members want.”
Under Senza’s leadership, the ownership group is looking for golf facilities where they can emphasize non-golf amenities including social programming.
“We understand the future of the club business is not just about golf,” Kasten said. “It’s got to be more about social and other activities for the whole family … We are looking for clubs that will be a good fit for that concept.”
Kasten is a graduate of Florida State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from the School of Business.
“We all at Heritage Golf Group are very excited to have Ken Kasten join our progressive team,” Sezna said in a news release. “Ken is one of the most seasoned and experienced management, acquisition and operational experts in our industry, which will enable us to accelerate the growth of our portfolio.”
Heritage Golf Group was established in 1999. It was ran by long-time industry veteran Bob Husband, who made a name for himself by building up Cobblestone Golf Group, which was at one time the third biggest owner-operator in the U.S. with 50 properties under its belt before it sold in 1998. Husband left the company because “he felt it was time to move on,” according to Kasten. As of July 2015, Senza is CEO.
Heritage Golf Group’s portfolio includes nine golf facilities with 14 18-hole equivalent courses in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Texas.