Company Overview
Founded in 1976, Landscapes Unlimited operates as two distinct yet complementary businesses that together provide comprehensive golf industry services. This unique dual structure allows the company to not only build and renovate golf facilities but also manage them with deep operational expertise.
Core Business Divisions:
- Landscapes Unlimited (Development & Construction)
As the cornerstone of the company’s operations for over 47 years, Landscapes Unlimited has established itself as the recognized leader in golf course development, construction, and renovation services. The company has built thousands of courses throughout its history, ranging from major championship venues and PGA Tour sites to beloved local layouts of various shapes, sizes, and budgets. Their project portfolio includes more Major Championship venues and top-100 courses than any competitor in the industry, demonstrating their exceptional expertise and reputation for quality.
The development and construction division provides comprehensive project services, guiding clients from initial capital strategies and master planning through total project management and construction completion. Their expertise spans both new construction and renovation projects of all sizes, supported by a dedicated irrigation division that specializes in system installation and upgrades. Beyond golf, the company has also become a trusted name in sports field construction, serving professional teams, colleges, and municipalities with the same level of excellence they bring to golf course development.
- Landscapes Golf Management
The management arm of Landscapes Unlimited has grown to become one of America’s largest and most trusted golf facility operators, with a portfolio spanning more than 60 properties across 25 states. Operating through strategically located regional offices, Landscapes Golf Management provides both turnkey management solutions and à la carte services tailored to each facility’s specific needs.
Their comprehensive management approach encompasses every aspect of golf facility operations, starting with high-level business strategy and planning. The division’s expertise includes detailed golf course maintenance programs, sophisticated clubhouse operations, marketing and IT solutions, and comprehensive staffing and training services. They also excel in specialized areas such as food and beverage management, health and wellness programming, merchandising, golf instruction, and financial management. This holistic approach allows them to maximize both the customer experience and operational efficiency at every facility they manage.
Strategic Advantage
“We have this unique perspective where we’re builders, owners, and managers,” said Jake Riekstins, Chief Development Officer. “That’s a big deal when we start to have conversations with clients because we share their pain and understand what construction costs on the front end can mean for operational costs on the back end. That’s the unique position that we have.”
Recent Major Projects
Construction & Renovation:
- Lazy J Sporting Club (SD): Selected in late 2024 to guide transformation and addition of an 18-hole championship course
- Baltusrol Golf Club (NJ): Installation of new irrigation systems
- Prairie Dunes Country Club (KS): Comprehensive irrigation infrastructure upgrades
- Vail Golf Club (CO)
- Tacoma Golf & Country Club (WA)
- Trinity Forest Golf Club (TX)
- Lost Rail Golf Club (NE)
Service Categories
Infrastructure Improvements:
- 3D property mapping and as-builts
- Maintenance structures and pump houses
- Irrigation and drainage systems
- Cart paths and bridges
Playing Surface Improvements:
- Re-contouring
- Re-grassing
- Fairway, green, and tee projects
- Bunker renovations
Future-Proofing Initiatives:
- Water conservation systems
- Environmental stewardship programs
- Xeriscaping implementation
- Native re-vegetation projects
Management Philosophy
The company’s success is built on attracting and developing the most talented people in the golf course industry, then empowering them to build long-lasting relationships. Their regionalized experts implement modern-day best practices and technological advancements through trained expertise, fiscal prudence, and a culture that promotes unwavering success.
“Hopefully, our growth is being driven predominantly by shared word of mouth,” said CEO John Pugliese. “Certainly, you get some efficiencies and some economies that bring people on, but you know for better or worse that ranking recognition is somewhat important in the market.”
Growth Initiatives
- Continued expansion of management portfolio across new regions
- Investment in water conservation and environmental sustainability
- Development of new golf and recreational amenities
- Involvement with four First Tee chapters demonstrating commitment to growing the game
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Landscapes Unlimited stands unique in the golf industry through its dual expertise in both development/construction and facility management. This integrated approach allows the company to provide comprehensive solutions throughout a golf facility’s entire lifecycle – from initial concept and construction through long-term operations. The synergy between its construction and management divisions creates a distinctive competitive advantage, enabling the company to deliver both immediate project success and sustainable operational efficiency.
