
Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
Los Angeles private equity firm and 60% controlling owner of Topgolf and Toptracer since January 1, 2026.
Company Type
private
Founded
1989
Headquarters
Los Angeles, California, USA
Primary Market
United States
Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. Timeline
About Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
How much of Topgolf does Leonard Green own?
Funds managed by Leonard Green own 60% of Topgolf and Toptracer. The ownership became effective January 1, 2026.
Who owns the other 40% of Topgolf?
Callaway Golf Company retained 40%. It was previously named Topgolf Callaway Brands.
How much was the Topgolf transaction worth?
The transaction valued Topgolf at approximately $1.1 billion. Callaway reported about $800 million of net cash proceeds from the sale and related financing transactions.
Is Leonard Green publicly traded?
No. Leonard Green & Partners is a private partnership.
Does Leonard Green operate Topgolf venues?
Topgolf has its own management. Leonard Green exercises owner oversight through governance and board rights.
When did the Topgolf sale close?
The sale became effective January 1, 2026. Callaway announced completion on January 5, 2026.
History of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
Leonard I. Green established the firm in Los Angeles in 1989 after working in merchant banking and buyouts. The firm built a specialty in consumer-facing and service businesses and raised successive institutional private equity funds.
Its investments have included businesses in fitness, retail, healthcare, restaurants, and services. Ownership periods and percentages differ by transaction, and many portfolio companies have co-investors.
On November 17, 2025, Topgolf Callaway Brands announced an agreement to sell 60% of Topgolf and Toptracer to a Leonard Green affiliate. The sale became effective January 1, 2026. The equity purchase price for the interest was $660 million. Sale and related financing transactions produced approximately $800 million in net cash proceeds for Callaway, subject to adjustments. The deal valued Topgolf at about $1.1 billion.
Controversy, Regulation & Public Scrutiny
Private equity owners face scrutiny over leverage, fees, layoffs, and the treatment of portfolio-company stakeholders. Specific outcomes vary by investment. The Topgolf transaction reduced Callaway's debt exposure, but Topgolf remains capital intensive and privately reported after the sale.
Brands Owned by Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. owns 1 brand in our database. Explore the ownership tree below — click categories to expand and see individual brands.
Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
private · Founded 1989 · Los Angeles, California, USA
1
brands
Shop Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. Brands
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesLeonard Green & Partners, L.P. Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Private funds can support venue investment without public quarterly pressure
- +The firm has experience with consumer and service companies
- +Callaway retains a 40% strategic interest and golf-industry relationship
- +The operating agreement defines board rights for both owners
Considerations
- -Private reporting limits visibility into Topgolf results
- -Private equity return targets can influence capital allocation
- -Topgolf requires substantial maintenance and new-venue capital
- -The 60/40 structure requires coordination on reserved decisions
Frequently Asked Questions About Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
How much of Topgolf does Leonard Green own?
Funds managed by Leonard Green own 60% of Topgolf and Toptracer. The ownership became effective January 1, 2026.
Who owns the other 40% of Topgolf?
Callaway Golf Company retained 40%. It was previously named Topgolf Callaway Brands.
How much was the Topgolf transaction worth?
The transaction valued Topgolf at approximately $1.1 billion. Callaway reported about $800 million of net cash proceeds from the sale and related financing transactions.
Is Leonard Green publicly traded?
No. Leonard Green & Partners is a private partnership.
Does Leonard Green operate Topgolf venues?
Topgolf has its own management. Leonard Green exercises owner oversight through governance and board rights.
When did the Topgolf sale close?
The sale became effective January 1, 2026. Callaway announced completion on January 5, 2026.








