Toronto-based investment firm purchases popular local golfing hotspot

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

Investment firm Longridge Partners Inc. has purchased the Devil's Pulpit Golf Association in Caledon. 

Longridge Partners was founded by John Clark and Mackenzie Crawford who both obtain extensive experience in the investment industry. John Clark founded several other investment companies such as Connor Clark, Connor Clark and Lunn, JC Clark, CommonWealth Fund Services and Caledon Trust Company. Mackenzie began her career as a real estate salesperson before joining John at CommonWealth Fund Services. 

Devil's Pulpit Golf Association felt like a good fit for the team, not only for its location and reputation, but because both Clark and Crawford are both members. 

“The principals of Longridge are existing members of DPGA, as are the group of member-investors that Longridge represents. Some members-investors have been with the club since the day it opened,” said Mackenzie Crawford. 

When an investment firm dives into an agreement to purchase a loved area within a community, residents tend to fear the worst, thinking about potential redevelopment or restructuring. That's not the case with this agreement.

The course was opened on July 1, 1990. Chris Haney and Scott Abbott took it upon themselves to build their own course, taking two whole years to find the perfect location to start building. Devil's Pulpit Golf Association and Devil's Paintbrush today is rated in the top 20 golf course's in all of Canada. 

The investment firm believes in the value of the property and wants to improve the reputation with adding more services, more employees and more investors. 

“We hope to give the members a voice, and take advantage of an opportunity to expand the reputation of DPGA as one of the best providers of excellent dual-course golf experiences in North America. We are excited for the club to become the top destination for GTA golfers seeking top calibre golf in an untouched natural setting, with family-friendly amenities. We hope to retain members and gain new ones through enhanced offerings.”

The purchase is expected to be finalized in April of this year. 

For more information about Longridge Partners please visit longridgepartners.ca or visit devilspulpit.com to learn more about the Devil's Pulpit Golf Association.