About Us
About Private Club Marketing
The nation’s leading consultancy dedicated exclusively to private clubs — delivering membership growth, luxury branding, and transformative results since 2009.
“Our mission is to enrich the member experience by offering unparalleled lifestyle expertise that inspires opportunity, influences choice, and celebrates the achievements of the clubs and communities we serve.”
Zack Bates, Founder & CEO
Built for Private Clubs
Founder Zack Bates began his career at ClubCorp, where he developed internal marketing standards and cross-club communication strategies. In 2009, he founded Private Club Marketing with a singular conviction: private clubs deserve a marketing partner that understands their unique culture, challenges, and the aspirations of the members they serve.
Exclusive Focus
100% dedicated to the private club industry since day one. Every team member, every process, and every case study is rooted in club operations.
Elite Clients
Worked with world-renowned Top 100 Golf, Yacht, City & Country Clubs across the nation and internationally.
Industry Recognition
Named to the Top 25 Luxury Digital People by Verb Brands. Frequent speaker at CMAA, NCA, and club industry conferences.
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What Sets Us Apart
Proven Results
We measure success by the numbers: membership revenue generated, initiation fee increases, member satisfaction improved, and capital goals met.
End-to-End Capabilities
Strategy, branding, photography, websites, membership consulting, and development advisory — all under one roof for better results with less friction.
Partnership Approach
We don’t believe in one-and-done project work. Many client relationships span 5–10+ years because we continue to deliver value as your club evolves.
National Reach
With clients coast to coast, we know what’s working in the most competitive club markets — and we bring those insights to your local strategy.
Our Team
Zack Bates
Founder & CEO
Zack Bates founded Private Club Marketing in 2009 after a career at ClubCorp, where he developed internal marketing standards, cross-club communication strategies, and membership growth programs across a portfolio of premier private clubs.
Over the past two decades, Zack has worked with more than 200 private clubs nationwide — from Top 100 golf and country clubs to city clubs, yacht clubs, and resort communities. His hands-on approach combines strategic consulting with creative execution, helping clubs generate over $100 million in membership revenue and advise on more than $500 million in capital development projects.
Named to the Top 25 Luxury Digital People by Verb Brands, Zack is frequently featured in international news outlets including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Forbes, Golf Digest, BBC, and Business Insider. A speaker at CMAA, NCA, and club industry conferences on topics including membership sales strategy, luxury branding, and the future of private club marketing. He oversees the firm’s three offices in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Jackson, Wyoming.
Senior Consultants
Kathy Sanders
VP of Sales
30+ years in private club membership sales. Former Director of Membership at multiple Top 100 clubs. Expert in sales process development and team training.
Meghan Holobetz
Golf & CC Consultant
15+ years in golf and country club operations. Former membership director at premier California clubs. Specializes in member retention and engagement programs.
Kynderly Haskins
City Club & Hotel Advisor
20+ years in city club and hotel membership development. Former executive at leading urban clubs. Expert in corporate membership programs and event-driven acquisition.
Jim Croghan
Spa & Wellness Consultant
25+ years in spa and wellness club development. Former VP at leading wellness brands. Specializes in wellness programming, facility design, and membership models.
Trusted by Leading Private Clubs
Press & Media
Let’s Work Together
Whether you’re looking for membership consulting, creative services, or club development advisory, we’d love to discuss how we can help your club achieve its goals.
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