The Golf Company, founded by the Saunders Family in 2006, has built a legacy in the world of golf through marketing and developing an innovative international golf course access product. Geoff Saunders and his son David Saunders are key pillars of the organization, each contributing their unique experiences and skills.
Geoff Saunders, a seasoned golfer from the 1970s, built enduring relationships with legends such as Peter Thomson and Bob Charles. His major collaboration with Thomson in the extensive redevelopment of the Christchurch Golf Club began in 1997 and is now nearing completion. Geoff's vast golfing experience includes being the Chairman of the NZ Open and a Board Member of New Zealand Golf during the 2000s. A lawyer by profession, he also has a substantial record in golf resort developments and brings comprehensive knowledge of development, governance, and strategy to The Golf Company. Additionally, Geoff is an accomplished author, having written "Sir Bob Charles – The Biography" in 2020, and continues to contribute articles to golf publications such as "The Cut."
David Saunders, Geoff's son, has accumulated over a decade of experience in Golf Club Management in Australia, serving at two premier clubs on the Gold Coast. He later founded Re:Sourced Direct and inCaps, golf accessory ventures that were eventually amalgamated into The Golf Company. Today, David steers the daily operations of the company and oversees the development of the world-class Sir Bob Charles Golf Centre by Heller Golf, a driving range and practice facility at Clearwater in Christchurch.
Historically, the Saunders family held a significant share in the iconic Australasian golf club manufacturer PGF and operated two retail stores in South Island. Concurrently, The Golf Company expanded its footprint in the golfing world by investing in golf course real estate at high-profile resorts such as Terrace Downs and Clearwater.
Currently, The Golf Company operates as a diverse business covering all aspects of the golf industry, focusing on:
- Golf Club Management Consulting – Enhancing operations, strategy, and governance.
- Golf Accessory Supply – Offering custom accessories for Golf Clubs and Corporates.
- "Sir Bob Charles: The Biography" – Managing its promotion, distribution, and associated events.
- Heller Golf – Supervising the Sir Bob Charles Golf Centre development.
- Mayfly Books – Providing golf journalism and writing services