Chinese investment group Founders Group Int'l has "become the largest operator" of golf courses in Myrtle Beach, S.C., according to Paul Welitzkin of CHINA DAILY. Founders Group Int'l "acquired last month the majority of the assets of National Golf Management," which had been the largest owner/operator in the area with 12 courses. Founders has "not been alone in acquiring courses in the area." Other Chinese groups, families and individuals have "purchased courses and related assets." Investors from China have "purchased 27 of the area's 80-plus public courses" since June '13. Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Brad Dean estimated that Chinese "now own" about 25% of the region's golf industry. Founders is mainly owned by Chinese investor Dan Liu and President Nick Dou. Before the latest purchase, Founders had "acquired several other courses in the area." Dou: "I was attracted by the golf, Myrtle Beach's close location to the ocean and the wonderful weather. Many Chinese have heard of, and in many cases visited, San Francisco, New York and Florida. But almost none of them knew about Myrtle Beach" (CHINA DAILY, 5/7).
