Escalante Golf
Officials with Escalante Golf announced that the operator of luxury golf properties has acquired its 25th location, in Illinois.
Canyata, a private course opened in 2005 by businessman Jerry Forsythe, has consistently found a place on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Courses. The 7,200-yard layout is best known for its immaculate bentgrass fairways and greens, water features, and sculpted bunkers.
It is believed only 5,000 rounds of golf have been played at Canyata, according to Escalante.
“It’s an honor to have the trust and support of Mr. Forsythe to build on Canyata’s impressive legacy,” said David McDonald, president of Escalante Golf, in a statement. “Despite its Top 100 pedigree, the club is the textbook definition of a hidden gem; there’s so much potential for us to further elevate its standing as one of the game’s premier private golf experiences.”
Founded in 1991, Escalante Golf is a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states. The Fort Worth-based company has assembled a collection of exclusive clubs in key markets that have hosted several prestigious amateur and professional golf tournaments, including the U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championship, the Charles Schwab Cup, the WGC Match Play Championship, the WinCo Foods Portland Open, the Shell Houston Open, and five LIV Golf events in Portland, Boston, Tucson, Nashville, and Houston.
With the acquisition, Canyata will become the home club for Escalante’s Icon Golf, a luxury golf and travel membership. Icon’s offerings will now include a national membership at Canyata as well as playing privileges at eight other Escalante-owned properties, the company announced.
This access to the Escalante network is paired with opportunities for Icon members to participate in an array of annual curated events. They include “Quests” (longer trips to top golf destinations around the world), “Experiences” (3-day, 2-night itineraries at Escalante clubs), and tournaments at places like Pebble Beach and other renowned courses.
Only Icon members and their guests will be able to play Canyata. Play will be limited to no more than 40 people per day.
“There are exceedingly few Top 100 clubs that are even accepting inbound membership requests, let alone any that offer such incredible value for $25,000,” said Jeff Goodsell, president and founder of Icon Golf.
Change is already underway at Canyata. A new general manager, Brent Allen, has been hired, as well as a new superintendent, Brock Burton.
By the time member play begins in May, a clubhouse remodeling project is expected to be completed. Landscape architect Randy Hoffacker of Destination Design is developing a long-term land plan for the entire property, while celebrated golf artist Lee Wybranski has been retained to establish a fresh brand identity.
No architectural updates are planned for the golf course. Rather, work will focus on improving its agronomic profile to encourage a firm and fast playing experience.
Additionally, onsite will be a par-3 course, comfort stations, practice facilities, lighted putting greens, a fish camp, and trails.