Golf Inc. Magazine Names Most Powerful Person in Golf

Affeldt jumped from No. 4 in 2009 to the top spot on the 2010 list, which is based on the influence of an individual and their organization to positively impact the golf industry.

Dallas-based ClubCorp, Inc. is The World Leader in Private Clubs®. Since its founding in 1957, ClubCorp has operated with the central purpose of Building Relationships and Enriching the Lives® of its members. ClubCorp owns or operates a network of more than 150 golf and country clubs, business clubs, sports clubs, alumni clubs, and resorts in 25 states, the District of Columbia and two foreign countries that serve over 350,000 members, with more than 15,000 dedicated employees. ClubCorp properties include: Firestone Country Club (Akron, Ohio); Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Austin, Texas); Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, California); Capital Club Beijing; and Metropolitan Club Chicago.

Affeldt has taken a strong approach towards strategic growth this year, completing the acquisition of The Country Club of the South, in Johns Creek, Georgia in June of 2010, and focusing on expanded family-friendly initiatives. Affeldt told Golf Inc., “I think we are in a good position now to grow more aggressively and add more properties.”

Affeldt commented, "ClubCorp's goal of Building Relationships and Enriching Lives® is realized through the reinvention of our vast network of clubs which offer ClubCorp members more opportunities to network, relax and have fun. In addition, membership benefits also provide personal and professional growth opportunities through ClubCorp's national strategic alliances."

In ranking Affeldt at the top of the list, Golf Inc. cited his aggressive business attitude and ClubCorp's current position to grow and add properties, the company's ownership portfolio, and its access to capital. The company also provides membership programs that allow members access to more than 200 private clubs and resorts and over 700 renowned hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.

"Eric has re-energized ClubCorp and has his eyes set on new course acquisitions at a time when most golf course owners, especially private clubs, are retreating," said Jack Crittenden, Golf Inc. editor-in-chief. "His attitude, more than anything, creates opportunities and should open doors for the world's largest golf course owner."

Since the seasoned hospitality executive joined ClubCorp in 2006 from private equity firm KSL, Affeldt has led the company as it has invested an estimated $200 million into its more than 150 golf and country clubs, business clubs, sports clubs, alumni clubs, and resorts, and focused on making clubs more family-friendly.

The remaining top 10 spots on the list of 35 include Hud Hinton, CEO, Troon Golf (No. 2); Jack Nicklaus, CEO, Nicklaus Design (No. 3); Peter Hill, CEO, Billy Casper Golf (No. 4); Gary Player, CEO, Gary Player Design/ Black Knight International (No. 5); Tim Finchem, CEO, PGA Tour (No. 6); Steve Lesnik & Steve Skinner ,Chairman and CEO, KemperSports (No. 7); Tiger Woods (No. 8); David & Ken Chu, Mission Hills Group (No. 9); and Joe Steranka, CEO, PGA of America (No. 10).