8 Golf Investment and M&A Cases in Q1 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, Orange Bay Sports recorded 8 investment and M&A events in the golf sector, covering apparel, footwear, retail channels and technology.

1. British golf fashion brand Manors Golf receives investment from tennis star Murray

>Retired Scottish tennis star Andy Murray, through Redrice Ventures where he is a partner, led a £3 million funding round for London-based golf fashion brand Manors Golf.

The funding will drive the brand's next phase of international expansion, particularly accelerating its presence in the U.S. market, which accounts for approximately 40% of sales.

Manors Golf previously completed two £1 million rounds in 2023 and 2024, with a shareholder lineup including English footballer Theo Walcott, British actor Nicholas Hoult, and British TV personalities Ant & Dec.

Founded in 2019 by Jojo Regan, Luke Davies, and Nick Watts, Manors Golf specializes in functional golf apparel. In 2025, Manors Golf achieved sales of £2.7 million, up 167% year-on-year, and turned basically profitable for the first time.

2. U.S. golf brand Malbon Golf receives investment from LIV golfer Anthony Kim

LIV golfer and Korean-American Anthony Kim has joined U.S. golf brand Malbon Golf as an investor and partner, wearing the brand's apparel during non-LIV events.

Founded in 2017 by Stephen and Erica Malbon in California, Malbon Golf blends golf tradition with fashion, music, art, and street culture, quickly gaining recognition through collaborations with professional players and cross-industry partnerships.

In 2024, the brand's annual revenue approached $100 million, with 35% from international markets, especially Asia. Last September, Malbon Golf established its China headquarters in Shenzhen's Taizi Bay to expand into China and the Asia-Pacific region.

3. Golf shoe brand PAYNTR Golf acquired by golf ecosystem company 8AM Golf

Golf ecosystem company 8AM Golf has acquired a majority stake in golf shoe brand PAYNTR Golf, calling it "the fastest-growing golf shoe brand in North America" — with projected revenue growth of over 80% in 2025 and over 160% in 2026.

Post-acquisition, PAYNTR Golf will leverage the platform to expand brand awareness, broaden global distribution channels, and enhance its presence on tour.

Headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, PAYNTR Golf was co-founded by Mike Forsey and Michael Glancy, each with nearly 30 years of experience in the athletic footwear industry. Forsey was a former NIKE global category business director, while Glancy oversaw golf shoe design at Under Armour.

PAYNTR Golf is known for high performance, patented technology, and comfort, with users including professional players such as Min Woo Lee, Sam Burns, and Isaiah Salinda. Former PGA world No. 1 and Australian golf star Jason Day is also an equity partner.

4. Europe's largest golf retailer American Golf acquired

Europe's largest golf retailer American Golf has been acquired by an investment group led by renowned entrepreneur Peter Jones, from private equity firm Endless LLP. Specific terms were not disclosed. The acquisition will focus on driving online business and sales growth.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Warrington, UK, American Golf operates 88 stores across the UK and Ireland, employs over 1,000 people, and sells brands such as TaylorMade and adidas Golf, with annual revenue of £135 million.

The company was previously acquired by Sun European Partners from LDC (part of Lloyds Banking Group) in 2013, and then changed hands again to Endless LLP in 2018.

Peter Jones is widely known as a judge on the BBC business investment show Dragons' Den, and his investment group currently holds stakes in over 30 different companies.

5. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) injects $266 million into LIV Golf

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has injected an additional $266 million into global golf league LIV Golf, bringing total investment to at least $5.3 billion, with total spending expected to exceed $6 billion by the end of 2026.

LIV Golf, founded in 2021, is a global men's professional golf tour, with PIF as its primary investor. Annual injections: 2021 ($1.2B), 2022 ($1.3B), 2023 ($200M), 2024 ($1.2B), 2025 ($1.1B).

From 2024 to 2025, LIV Golf's average monthly net expenditure was $100 million. The UK company LIV Golf Ltd., which handles non-U.S. operations, posted a loss of $461.8 million in 2024, with cumulative losses exceeding $1.1 billion since inception.

6. U.S. indoor golf entertainment company Five Iron Golf closes Series E funding

U.S. indoor golf entertainment company Five Iron Golf announced the closing of a Series E funding round led by Coral Tree Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on sports and entertainment. The proceeds will primarily be used for expansion, technology development, and project investment. Coral Tree founding partner Alan Resnikoff will join its board.

Previously, Five Iron Golf received a $30 million investment from Callaway Golf Company in 2021, and a $20 million minority investment from Enlightened Hospitality Group, founded by Shake Shack's founder, in 2024.

Founded in 2017 in Manhattan, New York, Five Iron Golf locations combine golf simulators, professional instruction, club fitting, sports bars, and party events to create immersive social entertainment spaces. It now operates over 40 venues across 16 U.S. states and 5 countries. In April, it will open its largest U.S. venue in Coral Gables, Florida.

7. PGA TOUR makes strategic equity investment in smart navigation platform PAM

The PGA TOUR has made a strategic equity investment in smart navigation platform PAM, securing two board seats to accelerate the technology's application and development in golf and other fields. Additionally, PAM has become the PGA's official smart mapping and technology partner.

Founded in 2016 in Australia, PAM was founded by CEO Stephen Minning, who has over a decade of experience in graphic design and path navigation. The platform specializes in navigation solutions for large complex facilities, helping users orient themselves in sports venues, airports, hospitals, and other complex environments. PAM has announced its application for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

Currently, PAM's navigation features are integrated into the PGA TOUR's official app. During a trial run on the PGA Tour last season, its usage rate reached 40%.

8. U.S. integrated golf management software platform TenFore Golf closes $7 million Series A

U.S. integrated golf management software platform TenFore Golf has closed a $7 million Series A funding round led by Blueprint Equity. The proceeds will be used to accelerate product development and expand sales and customer service capabilities.

Headquartered in Bulverde, Texas, TenFore Golf was founded in 2016 by veteran software developer Jarrette Schule.

TenFore Golf's cloud-based integrated golf management software platform combines tee time management, retail and food & beverage point-of-sale, integrated payments, and other course operations, helping public golf courses, municipal agencies, and multi-course operators streamline operations and reduce costs.

| Information from: Orange Bay Sports historical articles