Myrtle Beach, January 27, 2026
A U.S. Federal Judge’s ruling has allowed Dan Liu, owner of Founders Group International, to sell his golf courses in Myrtle Beach. This decision could bring new ownership and investment to the local golf industry, which is vital to the region’s economy. The ruling highlights the significance of private enterprise in reshaping the Myrtle Beach golf landscape and the potential for continued economic growth in the area.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What’s the latest development regarding golf courses in Myrtle Beach?
A U.S. Federal Judge recently cleared the way for Dan Liu, owner of Founders Group International (FGI), to sell his extensive portfolio of over 20 golf courses and related holdings in the Myrtle Beach area. This decision marks a significant moment for the region’s prominent golf industry.
Who is Founders Group International and what courses do they own?
Founders Group International (FGI) is a substantial player in the Myrtle Beach golf market, owning over 20 key golf courses. These include notable properties like Pine Lakes Country Club, TPC Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes Resort Club, and Myrtle Beach National Golf Club.
How important is the golf industry to Myrtle Beach’s economy?
The golf industry is a crucial economic engine for Myrtle Beach, generating $1.6 billion annually and supporting approximately 13,340 jobs. It also contributes significantly to wages, benefits, and state and local taxes, solidifying the region’s reputation as “The Golf Capital of the World.”
Why were these golf courses subject to a judge’s ruling?
The ruling resolves complex legal proceedings involving allegations from investors in a Chinese firm, who claimed money was siphoned to purchase the golf courses. Dan Liu, identified as the majority partner, was the exclusive authorized U.S. agent for the Chinese corporations owning approximately 90 percent of FGI properties.
What opportunities might this sale bring to Myrtle Beach?
This sale presents substantial opportunities for new investment and entrepreneurial innovation, as new owners could bring fresh capital, management strategies, and marketing approaches to the courses. It could lead to upgrades, enhanced visitor experiences, and stimulate related small businesses, further solidifying Myrtle Beach’s standing as a premier golf destination.
Myrtle Beach
Judge Clears Path for Sale of Founders Group International Golf Courses
A recent U.S. Federal Judge’s ruling has opened the door for Dan Liu, owner of Founders Group International (FGI), to sell his extensive portfolio of golf courses and related holdings in Myrtle Beach. This development marks a significant moment for the region’s prominent golf industry, potentially ushering in new ownership and investment opportunities for these key local assets. The decision highlights the dynamic nature of private enterprise and the continuous evolution of the Myrtle Beach SC business landscape.
The entrepreneurial spirit that has long characterized the Grand Strand’s economic growth is once again at the forefront as this major asset group becomes available on the market. Such events underscore the importance of clear legal frameworks that allow for the efficient transfer of assets, thereby facilitating new rounds of investment and innovation. For a region deeply reliant on tourism and its robust golf offerings, the potential sale of these courses could invigorate local commerce and reinforce Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier golfing destination.
Founders Group International: A Core Part of Myrtle Beach Golf
Founders Group International has been a substantial player in the Myrtle Beach golf market, owning a portfolio that includes over 20 golf courses in the area. These courses are a vital component of the local tourism infrastructure, drawing golfers from across the nation and internationally. Some of the notable courses within FGI’s portfolio include Pine Lakes Country Club, TPC Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes Resort Club, and Myrtle Beach National Golf Club, among others. FGI also manages online tee time bookings and golf package outlets, further integrating its operations into the local golf tourism ecosystem.
The golf industry in the Myrtle Beach area is a significant economic engine. A comprehensive economic impact study based on 2024 data revealed that golf is a $1.6 billion industry in the region. It supports approximately 13,340 jobs, generates $482.9 million in wages and benefits, and contributes $134.8 million in state and local taxes annually. The region, often referred to as “The Golf Capital of the World,” encompasses Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina, extending into Brunswick County, North Carolina, and features 78 golf courses at 63 public facilities and six private clubs. This strong economic foundation underscores the importance of the FGI courses to the overall financial health of the Grand Strand.
The Judicial Decision and Its Implications
A U.S. Federal Judge recently issued a ruling allowing Dan Liu, the owner of Founders Group International, to legally sell each of his golf course holdings or the entire FGI entity to private equity investors. This decision paves the way for a major restructuring of ownership within a significant segment of Myrtle Beach’s golf industry.
The legal proceedings have a complex history, involving allegations from investors in a Chinese investment firm who claimed that money was siphoned to purchase the golf courses. Dan Liu was identified as a majority partner of the FGI entities, with three Chinese corporations owning approximately 90 percent of the Founders Group properties, for which Liu was the exclusive authorized agent in the U.S.. These legal challenges have been ongoing, with previous filings indicating disputes over asset control and allegations of misappropriated funds. The recent ruling provides clarity regarding the permissibility of selling these assets, potentially resolving a long-standing legal entanglement and enabling new investment.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurial Innovation and Investment
The availability of FGI’s extensive golf course portfolio presents a substantial opportunity for new investment and entrepreneurial innovation in the Myrtle Beach area. Private investors or new ownership groups could bring fresh capital, management strategies, and marketing approaches to these established courses. This could lead to upgrades, enhanced visitor experiences, and a renewed focus on community engagement, further solidifying Myrtle Beach’s standing as a premier golf destination.
The transfer of ownership can stimulate a healthy market for business acquisitions, attracting South Carolina entrepreneurs and larger investment firms looking to capitalize on the region’s robust tourism sector. Such transactions often lead to a ripple effect, encouraging related small businesses—from golf equipment retailers to hospitality providers—to innovate and expand. A dynamic market that allows for the fluid exchange of assets can be a catalyst for economic growth, fostering competition and driving efficiency within the Myrtle Beach small business community.
Community and Economic Growth Considerations
While the prospect of new ownership brings economic opportunities, local communities and Horry County zoning authorities will likely play a role in how these transitions unfold. Discussions around zoning and land use are natural components of large-scale property transactions, ensuring that development aligns with community interests and preserves the character of the region.
Maintaining the quality and accessibility of these golf courses is crucial for the continued economic vitality of Myrtle Beach. Golf tourism is a cornerstone of the Grand Strand’s identity, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who contribute significantly to the local economy through spending on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. Any changes in ownership will undoubtedly be watched closely by residents and stakeholders, all hoping to see outcomes that benefit the entire community and support sustainable economic growth.
Key Features of Founders Group International Golf Course Sale
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Owner Permitted to Sell | Dan Liu, owner of Founders Group International, can legally sell his golf course holdings. | Nationwide |
| Number of Courses | Founders Group International owns over 20 golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. | Local |
| Economic Impact of Golf | The golf industry in the Myrtle Beach area is a $1.6 billion industry, supporting over 13,000 jobs, generating $482.9 million in wages and benefits, and producing $134.8 million in state and local taxes annually. | Local |
| Legal Context | The ruling follows complex legal proceedings involving allegations related to a Chinese investment firm. | Nationwide |
| Potential Buyers | The courses can be sold to private equity investors or individual buyers. | Nationwide |
Looking Ahead for Myrtle Beach Golf
The federal judge’s ruling concerning the Founders Group International properties marks a pivotal moment for the Myrtle Beach golf industry. This development opens avenues for new investment, potentially reinvigorating some of the region’s most cherished golf courses and contributing to overall Myrtle Beach economic growth. It exemplifies how private ownership and the strategic flow of capital can drive change and create new opportunities within a market. We encourage our readers to stay informed about these developments and support the local businesses that form the backbone of our vibrant community.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
