CBRE Expands its Golf & Resort Group

CBRE has expanded its golf and resort group with the addition of Billy Knight, Brandon Schempp and Jeff Rice.

The CBRE Golf & Resort group, led by Jeff Woolson, has been successful in executing successful marketing strategies for leisure properties, resulting in over $2.8 billion in transactions. The team specializes in providing real estate services for golf clubs, ski resorts, marinas and developable land associated with these properties.

"As the leading real estate advisor in the leisure industry, we collaborate with professionals in CBRE's hotels and land practice to remain at the forefront of the market, maintain active investor connections, and close high-end transactions more effectively than any other firm," said Mr. Woolson, who was recently promoted to vice chairman at CBRE, the company's highest title designation.

In 2023, the Golf & Resort Group had its most successful year, advising on the sale of seven golf and resort properties totaling over $282 million. Prominent transactions included the sale of Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., Tijeras Creek Golf Club in Orange County, Calif. and The Grove in Nashville, Tenn.

"Adding Brandon, Billy and Jeff to the Golf & Resort group further strengthens the team’s capabilities and propels us to the next level in underwriting, sales, and marketing," said John Frager, executive managing director for the CBRE San Diego and Hawaii offices.

Mr. Knight joins CBRE as vice president, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in corporate development for Invited (formally ClubCorp). He has been directly involved in over $600 million in golf and country club transactions. He attended Kennesaw State University, where he played on the men's golf team and played professionally for two years.

Mr. Schempp joins CBRE as first vice president, with 15 years of experience in sales management. Most recently, he served as the head of commerce, content, and data insight sales in North America for DEPT®, a Holland-based tech and marketing company.

Mr. Rice rejoins CBRE as an investment sales analyst after working for Integra Realty Resources for the past eight years. During his tenure, he completed more than 415 appraisal reports, generating over $1.51 million in revenue.