Key Takeaways
- • Sandpiper Group, a Vancouver-based private equity firm owned by the Manji family, has completed the acquisition of Gallagher's Canyon Golf Club (including Pinnacle course) and The Okanagan Golf Club (Bear and Quail courses) in Kelowna, along with Nicklaus North Golf Course, Crystal Lodge, and The Beacon Pub in Whistler from Burrard International.
- • This marks Sandpiper Group's first investment in the golf industry, expanding its real estate portfolio which already includes over 4,000 hotel rooms and 2,000 multifamily units.
- • GolfBC Group will continue operating and managing the acquired golf courses under the GolfBC Group brand with existing leadership and operational teams remaining in place.
- • Burrard International retained ownership of Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club in Richmond and Olympic View Golf Club in Victoria, which will continue to be managed by GolfBC.
- • GolfBC had owned the Kelowna properties since 1999, with land initially leased for 15 years before purchase through Burrard International in 2013.
Summary
Sandpiper Group, a private equity firm based in Vancouver and owned by the Manji family, has completed a significant acquisition of premier golf and hospitality assets across British Columbia. The transaction includes two flagship Kelowna golf courses—Gallagher's Canyon Golf Club with its Pinnacle course and The Okanagan Golf Club comprising The Bear and The Quail courses—along with Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, Crystal Lodge, and The Beacon Pub.
The sale was executed by Burrard International, the parent company of GolfBC Group, which had maintained ownership of the Kelowna properties since 1999. The golf courses represent Sandpiper Group's entry into the golf industry, complementing its established real estate portfolio of more than 4,000 hotel rooms and 2,000 multifamily units. This diversification into golf and leisure assets aligns with broader private equity interest in the hospitality and recreational sectors.
Operationally, continuity is a central feature of the transaction. GolfBC Group will continue to operate and manage all acquired golf courses under the established GolfBC Group brand, supported by the existing corporate team. Leadership at individual golf properties and their staff will remain unchanged, with day-to-day operations proceeding as usual. This operational stability underscores Sandpiper Group's acquisition strategy—leveraging existing management expertise rather than implementing wholesale operational changes.
The transaction does not encompass the full GolfBC portfolio. Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club in Richmond and Olympic View Golf Club in Victoria remain under Burrard International ownership and GolfBC management. Notably, the Kelowna land parcels—initially leased for 15 years—were purchased by GolfBC through Burrard International in 2013, indicating established title and operational stability at the time of sale.
The sale was executed by Burrard International, the parent company of GolfBC Group, which had maintained ownership of the Kelowna properties since 1999. The golf courses represent Sandpiper Group's entry into the golf industry, complementing its established real estate portfolio of more than 4,000 hotel rooms and 2,000 multifamily units. This diversification into golf and leisure assets aligns with broader private equity interest in the hospitality and recreational sectors.
Operationally, continuity is a central feature of the transaction. GolfBC Group will continue to operate and manage all acquired golf courses under the established GolfBC Group brand, supported by the existing corporate team. Leadership at individual golf properties and their staff will remain unchanged, with day-to-day operations proceeding as usual. This operational stability underscores Sandpiper Group's acquisition strategy—leveraging existing management expertise rather than implementing wholesale operational changes.
The transaction does not encompass the full GolfBC portfolio. Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club in Richmond and Olympic View Golf Club in Victoria remain under Burrard International ownership and GolfBC management. Notably, the Kelowna land parcels—initially leased for 15 years—were purchased by GolfBC through Burrard International in 2013, indicating established title and operational stability at the time of sale.
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