In early 2010, Susan Dunnavant called her former colleague and friend Peter Nanula to ask about a job reference. Dunnavant got the job – but not the one she expected.
“He said, ‘Do you want to start Concert Golf?’’’ explained Dunnavant. “I said, ‘Absolutely!’’’
Thus, the two former executives at Arnold Palmer Golf Management (Nanula was CEO and Dunnavant was Director of Operations) founded Concert Golf Partners, the only purely private club owner in the industry, based in Lake Mary, FL., just outside of Orlando.
“We started that first year with about 50 business plans,’’ said Dunnavant, Concert Golf’s Chief Operating Officer. “We had no infrastructure. I was doing the financials, the marketing and the agronomy. It was a very grassroots and hands-on organization.’’
Concert’s Strategic Growth Plan
From those humble beginnings, Concert Golf has since grown into one of the most successful golf management companies in the industry, with a portfolio of 37 upscale private golf and country clubs nationwide…and growing.
In just this past year alone, Concert Golf has expanded its portfolio by adding seven new prestigious clubs. The company currently manages 37 private clubs, each designed to provide distinctive experiences for members, their families, and guests.
Yet, for Concert, it’s a focus on smart, strategic growth. Among the preeminent clubs added to Concert’s portfolio most recently include:
- The Club at Pasadera (Monterey, Calif.)
- TPC Jasna Polana (Princeton, N.J.)
- Penn Oaks Golf Club (Near Philadelphia)
- Golf Club of the Everglades (Naples, Fla.)
- The Georgia Club (Near Athens, Ga.)
- Walden on Lake Conroe Golf Club (Near Houston)
- Northgate Country Club (Houston)
The highest profile of those new clubs is TPC Jasna Polana. Concert Golf Partners was selected by the Piasecka Johnson Family – heirs to the Johnson & Johnson legacy – from among 20 competitive bidders to purchase the storied club near Princeton University in New Jersey. The family cited Concert’s vision for the Gary Player-designed golf course and its iconic clubhouse, which alleviated their concerns of new housing development on the historic American legacy property.
Susan Dunnavant (Concert Golf Partners)
This past October, Concert Golf acquired Golf Club of the Everglades – in Naples, FL . “Florida used to be a bad word for investing in clubs,’’ Dunnavant said. “With the golf boom – and people flocking from the Northeast and other places – it’s a great market. What I love about Golf Club of the Everglades is that it’s a neighborhood club. It has a good residential base, but we’re looking to take it away from developer-driven (CGP bought the club from Pulte Group) into a more people- and amenities-driven club. There’s a lot of upside.’’
Concert then followed up just a month later in November with the acquisition of The Georgia Club near Athens, GA. And they announced at the beginning of 2025 their latest acquisition, historic Penn Oaks Golf Club near Philadelphia, located on 130 acres of land granted by King Charles II to Pennsylvania founder William Penn during the pre-Colonial era.
Reinvesting in the Future of Its Clubs since Concert’s Inception
Every year since Concert’s beginnings, the company has invested millions into all of its clubs. And true to form, in 2024, Concert continued to make significant investments in clubs throughout its portfolio. In addition to greatly improving its clubhouse with a $3 million investment, Heathrow & Legacy Country Club, near Orlando, became the first private dual club in Central Florida to offer Toptracer Range. Additionally, The Club at Renaissance in Ft. Myers, FL, announced a multi-million dollar clubhouse improvement project in 2025, while The Club at Pasadera on the Monterey Peninsula launched the first phase of a $2 million of planned infrastructure improvements to its roof, irrigation and cart paths.
At MacGregor Downs Country Club near Raleigh, N.C., additional multi-million dollar renovations to the clubhouse and pool area were completed. Meanwhile, new indoor simulators and member friendly apps for reservations were among the state-of-the-art offerings implemented at several Concert Golf clubs nationwide.
“We need to provide the elevated product and services that members want. If we’re not doing what they think we should do, we hear about it. That’s why we’re always accessible to listen to their needs.”
Among the traditions preserved by Concert include its recent addition, The Georgia Club, which regularly presents a unique farm-to-table dining option for members and guests. Meanwhile, Northgate Country Club furthered its long-standing commitment to philanthropy during its annual “Golfers Against Cancer” charity fundraiser.
This past October, West Lake Country Club in Augusta, GA., endured the brunt of Hurricane Helene, which toppled more than 1,100 trees. Despite the storm’s fury, nine holes were reopened in just two weeks, and all 18 holes a few weeks later, as the West Lake staff worked tirelessly to restore the golf course for their members, despite the adverse conditions. Concert bore all the costs of the hurricane-related damage, and as is in their business model, they never assess members.
“We focus on preserving the unique cultures, identities and traditions at each of our clubs,’’ Dunnavant said. “As we grew from those first five or 10 clubs, we also grew the culture and success of the company. That’s what I love about this company. The culture is just such a family culture.’’
Members at the family of Concert clubs nationwide have the option to enjoy a reciprocal benefit, which enables special access to the Concert network of upscale private clubs. So, you have an opportunity to play 37 clubs from sea to shining sea (Muttontown on Long Island to Pasadera on the Monterey Peninsula). Plus, members can access hundreds of clubs worldwide through the Executive Golfer Collection and Links2Golf.
“The Boomers tend to want that ‘traditional club’ experience; younger members want family experiences and socialization,’’ Dunnavant said. “People now are looking at a club as a center of their lifestyle and community, with golf being just one part of that experience.’’
Feature Photo: Penn Oaks Golf Club (Concert Golf Partners)