Salt Creek Capital Announces the Sale of Distinct Software Solutions
Feb. 13, 2017
Menlo Park, California – February 13, 2017 – Salt Creek Capital is pleased to announce the sale of Distinct Software Solutions (DSS), a leading provider of online marketing solutions with a primary focus on the golfing sector, to EZLinks Golf (EZLinks), a PGA TOUR affiliated company and a leading provider of software and services to the golf industry.
DSS’s portfolio of products, such as golf’s most advanced reputation management and social media management tools, data-triggered CRM, and a responsive web and email marketing platform, are used by thousands of golf courses. In addition to these products, DSS provides hands-on support, marketing expertise and reservation services designed specifically to support golf course operators. The DSS marketing technology complements EZLinks’ software suite, which includes a cloud-based tee sheet and Point of Sale services.
Salt Creek worked with entrepreneur Ali Murdoch to acquire CourseTrends and its associated golf companies and formed a new company, Distinct Software Solution, with Mr. Murdoch subsequently appointed as the Company’s CEO. Mr. Murdoch developed and led an aggressive growth strategy through product upgrades and innovative new product launches, developed new business partnerships, and expanded sales in domestic and international markets. Prior to the acquisition by EZLinks, DSS grew to a customer base of more than 2,500 golf courses worldwide.
“Ali Murdoch led the Company in developing new service offerings, expanding into new markets and building a world-class team,” said Dan Phelps, DSS Chairman and Managing Director at Salt Creek Capital. “The combination of the expanded DSS portfolio and EZLinks creates a leader in the industry with a broad range of products and services for golf course operators around the world.”
Mr. Murdoch, Chief Client Officer of EZLinks Golf and former CEO of DSS, added, “Salt Creek Capital was instrumental in positioning Distinct Software Solutions for accelerated growth, by providing strategic input, operational focus and transaction expertise to achieve this exciting new chapter with EZLinks.”
About Distinct Software Solutions
Distinct Software Solutions is an Austin, Texas-based internet marketing leader and the preeminent digital marketing technology partner to golf courses worldwide. Specializing in online marketing and social reputation management, Distinct Software Solutions serves more than 2,500 golf courses worldwide and has expanded its portfolio to serve additional industries, including the restaurant industry. To find out more about Distinct Software Solutions, visit www.distinctsoftwaresolutions.com.
About EZLinks Golf LLC
EZLinks Golf LLC, a PGA TOUR affiliated company, produces industry-leading software and services to power the operations and marketing needs of the golf industry. Founded in 2015 by a PGA TOUR affiliate and EZLinks Golf, Inc. (established 1995), EZLinks Golf LLC’s software and service suite is tailored for golf and includes: tee sheet, point of sale, 24/7 reservation center, online booking engines, marketing services, 24/7 support and TeeOff.com by PGA TOUR (www.teeoff.com) – an online tee time marketplace connecting millions of golfers with tee times at golf courses worldwide. For more information, visit www.ezlinksgolf.com.
About Salt Creek Capital
Salt Creek Capital is a San Francisco Bay Area-based private equity firm partnering with experienced operating executives to acquire profitable companies with up to $100 million in revenue. Salt Creek takes a long-term approach to investing in lower middle market businesses and seeks to create value by working closely with management teams to accelerate growth and to improve the operating efficiency of its portfolio companies. More information is available at www.saltcreekcap.com.