Planning to tee up a golf vacation to the iconic courses in Ireland? If that\u2019s on your bucket list, there\u2019s now a Fort Worth connection to the Emerald Isle to help you play through.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fort Worth\u2019s Escalante Golf, a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf courses and clubs across 17 U.S. states, announced Tuesday it has acquired GreenGolfBall, a Dublin-based golf tour operator.<\/p>\n
The acquisition reinforces Escalante\u2019s commitment to investing in premier golf businesses and expanding its presence across global travel, said David McDonald, president and partner at Escalante Golf, in a news release.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis acquisition provides Escalante Golf with an exciting platform to expand our international footprint while strengthening our connection to the global golf traveler,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
GreenGolfBall has been in the golf travel industry for 25 years, designing bespoke excursions centered around the sport in Ireland. The travel firm offers access to many of the game\u2019s most celebrated courses and resorts in the country, such as Waterville Golf Links, according to Escalante.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The acquisition comes at a time when international golf travel is thriving after rebounding from the pandemic. Nine out of 10 golfers plan to spend more on travel in 2026, according to a report<\/a> from Buffalo Groupe, with Ireland and Scotland remaining the international destinations of choice.<\/p>\n \u201cIreland and Scotland represent two of the most important and iconic golf destinations in the world,\u201d McDonald said. \u201cGreenGolfBall has established itself as a trusted and highly respected operator with deep relationships throughout the industry and a genuine passion for delivering outstanding experiences.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n With Escalante\u2019s backing, GreenGolfBall will accelerate its growth plans, expand product offerings across Ireland, Scotland and Great Britain and increase connections throughout Europe and North America, according to the release. No purchase price for the transaction was announced.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are no immediate changes to GreenGolfBall\u2019s day-to-day operations and the firm will continue to operate under its established brand and leadership team.<\/p>\n Escalante Golf has been on the acquisition trail<\/a> recently, acquiring Georgia\u2019s Hawks Ridge Golf Club in May. Hawks Ridge is one of 10 U.S. courses hosting the final qualifying rounds for the 126th U.S. Open Championship, which begins this week at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2025, Escalante acquired its 25th property, Canyata, a highly ranked club in Marshall, Illinois.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fort Worth\u2019s connection to Ireland is on the upswing. Last year, TCU announced<\/a> it will meet the University of North Carolina in Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Aug. 29 this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org.\u00a0<\/p>\n