PAYNTR Golf joins the 8AM Golf family of premium brands, all dedicated to enhancing enjoyment of the game
PORTLAND, Ore. — 8AM Golf, the world’s leading holding company of premium golf-related brands, today announced it has taken a significant equity stake in performance footwear leader PAYNTR Golf, marking a major milestone in PAYNTR Golf’s evolution while also bolstering its strong growth trajectory since launching in 2021.
The strategic investment further validates PAYNTR Golf’s rapid ascent within the premium golf footwear category, driven by its biomechanics-led design philosophy, proprietary propulsion technology, and growing presence across green-grass, direct-to-consumer, and leading big-box retail channels including PGA TOUR Superstore, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy.
With more than a dozen golf-related companies in its portfolio, 8AM Golf makes investments in high-quality brands that share its focus on enhancing enjoyment of the game for golfers at all levels. 8AM Golf was founded by businessman, philanthropist and golf entrepreneur Howard Milstein as the holding company for his golf businesses. Renowned entertainer and golf enthusiast Justin Timberlake joined 8AM Golf as a partner in 2020 and is now leading creative initiatives across the 8AM portfolio of companies.
“PAYNTR Golf represents everything we look for in a modern golf brand, with its authentic innovation, clear performance benefit and an experienced leadership team deeply rooted in the science of the game,” said Hoyt McGarity, CEO and President of 8AM Golf. “Their commitment to building products around the biomechanics of the golf swing, combined with their impressive traction at retail and on TOUR, makes PAYNTR Golf a natural fit within the 8AM portfolio.”
“This investment is our first in the field of golf apparel and footwear,” McGarity added. “It reflects our belief in PAYNTR’s long-term vision, along with their ability to continue to scale globally.”
Since its launch, PAYNTR Golf has established itself as the fastest-growing footwear brands in the game, earning credibility at the highest level of professional golf. The brand’s PGA TOUR ambassador roster includes Jason Day, who also holds an equity stake in PAYNTR Golf, along with Min Woo Lee, Sam Burns and Isaiah Salinda, while elite players such as Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson and Patrick Rodgers have also been seen competing in PAYNTR Golf footwear.
“At its core, PAYNTR Golf was founded to challenge convention by creating footwear that truly enhances how golfers move, generate force and perform on the course,” said Mike Forsey, Co-founder and President of PAYNTR Golf. “Partnering with 8AM Golf is a powerful validation of that mission. Their deep understanding of the golf ecosystem, from media and entertainment to equipment and fitting, makes them an ideal strategic partner as we continue to expand our footprint globally and invest in innovation.”
PAYNTR Golf’s product development is grounded in the biomechanics of the golf swing, focusing on how golfers interact with the ground to generate speed, stability, and power. Its proprietary propulsion technology is engineered to optimize ground reaction forces, translating athletic movement into measurable performance gains while maintaining refined, modern aesthetics.
The partnership also brings together elite performance innovation with world-class creative vision. Through 8AM Golf, PAYNTR Golf will have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most influential creative minds in the game and entertainment industry, including Justin Timberlake. Timberlake’s deep passion for golf and proven creative leadership across entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle brands add a powerful new dimension to PAYNTR Golf’s evolution, uniting cutting-edge biomechanics and product engineering with compelling storytelling, design and cultural relevance. Together, the partnership represents the convergence of performance and creativity at the highest level of the modern game.
“Performance and creativity have always gone hand in hand with our brand,” said Michael Glancy, Co-founder and Creative Director of PAYNTR Golf. “Collaborating within the 8AM Golf ecosystem alongside creative leaders like Justin Timberlake allows us to pair true biomechanical innovation with elevated design and storytelling, pushing us forward in a meaningful way.”
With 8AM Golf, PAYNTR Golf is positioned for its next phase of growth, leveraging the platform’s expansive network across media, equipment, instruction, fitting and experiential golf to amplify brand awareness, TOUR presence and global distribution.
About 8AM Golf
8AM Golf is a collection of premium golf brands dedicated to enhancing enjoyment of the sport at all levels. It was established by businessman, philanthropist and golf entrepreneur Howard Milstein as the holding company that oversees his golf businesses. Renowned entertainer and golf enthusiast Justin Timberlake partnered with 8AM Golf in 2020 and is now leading creative initiatives across the 8AM portfolio of companies.
Current 8AM companies include: GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com, the #1 media brands in golf; legendary handmade club maker Miura Golf; Club-Conex a global leader in the design and manufacturing of adjustable golf club adapter systems; True Spec Golf, a brand-agnostic club-fitting company; Fairway Jockey, which provides golfers with the ability to buy custom clubs online; 3’s, which combines a fun atmosphere and top-notch hospitality with a quality par-3 course and putting area; T-Squared Social (in partnership with Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake), a dynamic new concept in food, drink and sports entertainment; Bounty Club (in collaboration with Justin Timberlake), an exclusive 18-hole golf course project in Nashville; and Chirp, a free-to-play gaming app that lets golfers virtually wager on the outcome of pro golf tournaments, rounds, and shots. Website: 8amgolf.com
About PAYNTR Golf
Based in Portland, Oregon, PAYNTR Golf designs, markets, and distributes golf footwear and accessories created to enhance the performance of the golfer. Founded by long-time sports performance footwear experts Mike Forsey, Michael Glancy, and David Paynter, PAYNTR Golf is guided by the principle Performance Multiplied.
More than a tagline, Performance Multiplied is foundational to everything the brand does. PAYNTR Golf’s design methodology is deeply grounded in the biomechanics of the golf swing and a profound understanding of on-course demands. By blending informed style with true performance benefit, PAYNTR Golf is positioned as a compelling alternative for the passionate golfer.
PAYNTR Golf products are available in premium golf specialty locations worldwide, including North America, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, and select European markets. Website: www.payntrgolf.com
Contact
PAYNTR Golf
Bo Wood
Bo@payntrgolf.com
PRCG | Haggerty LLC
(212) 683-8100
Jim Rocco jrocco@prcg.com
Cris Bruce cbruce@prcg.com
