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Who Owns Golf Digest? A Complete History
Wondering who calls the shots at one of the world’s most recognized golf publications? You’re not alone. The ownership of a major media brand like Golf Digest can be surprisingly complex, involving multi-million dollar deals and shifts in corporate strategy. This guide will definitively clarify exactly who owns Golf Digest today and unpack the entire history behind the iconic brand.
As of 2025, the parent company of Golf Digest is Warner Bros. Discovery. The magazine is published through its TNT Sports division, placing it alongside other major sports media properties.
Leveraging extensive analysis of press releases, SERP data, and historical records, this post provides a comprehensive look at the publication’s journey. We’ll explore the landmark 2019 acquisition, the reasons behind the sale, the previous media titans who held the reins, and clear up common points of confusion. This guide unpacks the critical insights to help you fully understand the business behind Golf Digest.
Key Facts
- Current Ownership: Golf Digest is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and operates under its TNT Sports unit, as confirmed by official company information.
- Landmark Acquisition: Discovery, Inc. (before its merger with WarnerMedia) acquired Golf Digest from Condé Nast on May 13, 2019, in a deal valued at approximately $30-35 million.
- Previous Media Giants: Before the 2019 sale, the magazine was owned by Condé Nast, which had purchased the publication from The New York Times Company back in 2001.
- Strategic Integration: A key reason for the Discovery acquisition was to create a global golf media powerhouse by integrating Golf Digest‘s authority with the GOLFTV international streaming service.
- Important Distinction: The US-based Golf Digest is a completely separate entity from Golf Digest Online (GDO), which is a distinct, Japan-based company.
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Who Currently Owns Golf Digest? A 2025 Deep Dive
As of 2025, Golf Digest is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and is published through its TNT Sports division. This places the world-renowned golf media authority within a massive global entertainment and sports conglomerate. The ownership change is the result of the 2022 merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc., the company that originally purchased the magazine in 2019. Today, Golf Digest continues its legacy, reaching nearly 19 million people across its print and digital platforms under this new corporate umbrella.
But how did one of the most iconic names in golf media end up here? The story involves major media titans and a strategic multi-million dollar deal.
The Landmark 2019 Acquisition: How Discovery, Inc. Bought Golf Digest
In a deal valued around $30-35 million, Discovery, Inc. acquired Golf Digest from Condé Nast on May 13, 2019, to integrate the brand with its GOLFTV streaming service. This acquisition was a pivotal moment, shifting the publication from a traditional print-focused home at Condé Nast to a digitally-driven media ecosystem at Discovery.
This wasn’t just about buying a magazine; it was a strategic move by Discovery to create a global golf media powerhouse. The deal was meticulously structured to combine Golf Digest‘s editorial authority with Discovery’s growing live and on-demand golf streaming ambitions.
Here are the key facts of the sale:
- The Buyer: Discovery, Inc. (which would later merge to become Warner Bros. Discovery).
- The Seller: Condé Nast, the publisher that had owned Golf Digest since 2001.
- The Date: The deal was officially announced on May 13, 2019.
- The Price: While not officially disclosed, sources like the New York Post reported the sale price to be in the range of:
> $30 to $35 million.
Why Did Condé Nast Sell?
The sale was part of a broader strategic shift at Condé Nast, which put three of its magazines, including Golf Digest, up for sale to refocus its business. The nine-month process that led to the sale began in 2018 when the publisher announced it was looking to divest certain titles. This move allowed Condé Nast to streamline its operations and concentrate on its core portfolio of brands, leading to the decision to find a new home for the world’s leading golf media brand.
What Did the Discovery Deal Include?
The acquisition gave Discovery, Inc. ownership of all assets under the Golf Digest umbrella, including its print and digital properties, creating a comprehensive golf content ecosystem with GOLFTV. This was a comprehensive purchase designed to leverage the full power of the Golf Digest brand. Under the agreement, Discovery took control of:
- The monthly print publication of Golf Digest.
- All digital platforms, including its website with millions of monthly unique visitors.
- The brand’s extensive content library and social media presence.
- All brand extensions and licensing agreements associated with Golf Digest.
A Look Back: The Ownership History of Golf Digest
Before Discovery’s 2019 purchase, Golf Digest was owned by Condé Nast, which had acquired the publication from The New York Times Company in 2001. The magazine has a rich history of being stewarded by some of the most influential names in American media. Tracing its ownership provides a fascinating look at the changing media landscape over the past several decades.
It’s fascinating to see how the magazine passed between some of the biggest names in media over the decades, isn’t it? Here’s a clear timeline of its ownership journey:
| Owner | Ownership Period | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The New York Times Company | (Until 2001) | Owned the magazine as part of its larger portfolio of publications before selling it. |
| Condé Nast | 2001 – 2019 | Acquired Golf Digest and managed it for nearly two decades as a premier lifestyle and sports title. |
| Discovery, Inc. | 2019 – 2022 | Purchased the brand to integrate it with its global GOLFTV streaming service. |
| Warner Bros. Discovery | 2022 – Present | Became the current parent company after the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. |
Clearing Up Confusion: Is Golf Digest the Same as Golf Digest Online (GDO)?
No, they are separate entities. Golf Digest is the US-based magazine owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, while Golf Digest Online (GDO) is a distinct, Japan-based company. This is a common point of confusion for many golf fans. While they share a similar name, they are entirely different businesses operating in different markets with no shared ownership.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking at golf media news from Asia, double-check if you’re reading about GDO to avoid any confusion!
Here is a simple breakdown to clarify the difference:
| Feature | Golf Digest (U.S.) | Golf Digest Online (Japan) |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Warner Bros. Discovery | Golf Digest Online Inc. |
| Primary Market | United States / Global | Japan |
| Business Model | Media and Publishing | E-commerce, Media, Golf Course Bookings |
| Relationship | Completely separate and unaffiliated companies. |
For those looking to deepen their understanding of the sport’s rich past, exploring books on golf history can provide invaluable context to the evolution of its media and culture.
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FAQs About Golf Digest’s Ownership & Operations
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the operations and leadership behind Golf Digest.
Who is the head of Golf Digest?
Jerry Tarde is the longtime Chairman and Editor-in-Chief at Golf Digest, providing leadership continuity through its ownership changes. He has been a pivotal figure at the magazine for decades, guiding its editorial voice and vision through its transitions from The New York Times Company to Condé Nast and now to Warner Bros. Discovery.
Where is Golf Digest headquartered?
Golf Digest’s headquarters is located at 4 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, US. The magazine maintains its base of operations in the heart of New York City, a central hub for media and publishing in the United States.
Who owns Golf Magazine?
Golf Magazine is a separate publication from Golf Digest and has a different ownership structure; it is not part of Warner Bros. Discovery. While both are leading voices in the golf world, they are direct competitors with entirely different parent companies and business strategies.
What is Discovery Golf?
“Discovery Golf” is the umbrella brand for Warner Bros. Discovery’s golf-related media assets, which includes Golf Digest and the global GOLFTV streaming service. When users see this name, such as on a credit card charge for a subscription, it refers to this broader business division that was formed following the acquisition to create a single, powerful entity in the global golf market.
Final Summary: The Complete Story of Golf Digest’s Ownership
The journey of who owns Golf Digest is a compelling story of strategic business decisions within the ever-evolving media industry. From its long tenure under publishing giants like The New York Times Company and Condé Nast to its transformative acquisition by Discovery, Inc., the magazine has consistently adapted. Now, as part of the massive Warner Bros. Discovery conglomerate, its legacy as the world’s number one golf media brand is positioned for the future, deeply integrated with digital streaming and global sports content.
Now that you know the full business history, does it change how you view the magazine on the stand? Here are the most critical takeaways:
- Current Owner: Golf Digest is firmly under the ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery, operating via its TNT Sports unit as of 2025.
- The 2019 Deal: The pivotal moment was the 2019 sale from Condé Nast to Discovery, Inc. for around $30-35 million, driven by a strategy to unite print authority with digital streaming.
- A Storied Past: Before its current ownership, the magazine was a key asset for media titans Condé Nast (2001-2019) and The New York Times Company (pre-2001).
Last update on 2025-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
