Owner-Operator Commits to Preserving Legacy While Investing in the Club’s Future
BYRON, MN – Evergreen Partners, an emerging owner-operator of private golf and country clubs, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Somerby Golf Club in Byron, Minnesota. This strategic addition strengthens Evergreen’s growing portfolio and reflects its long-term commitment to elevating exceptional clubs into enduring lifestyle destinations for members and their families.
Located just outside Rochester, Somerby Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the Midwest’s premier private clubs. The club features an acclaimed 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Lehman and John Fought, consistently ranked by Golf Digest among the top courses in Minnesota. Somerby has hosted numerous MGA and USGA competitions, reinforcing its reputation for championship-caliber golf and elite conditioning.
Preserving a Legacy
When Evergreen Partners first approached Shawn Dahl, President at Ames Asset Management, ownership was not actively pursuing a transaction.
“We built and operated Somerby for decades and have significant residential development still ahead,” said Dahl. “We were not interested in transitioning the golf operation to a group with short-term motivations.”
He continued, “The importance of selecting the right long-term owner was heightened by the ongoing real estate development within the community. With several million dollars in planned investment over the coming decade, Ames will remain deeply vested in ensuring Somerby’s future is guided by capable operators who share our long-term vision. Evergreen distinguished itself through its patient capital, operational depth, and clear commitment to elevating both amenities and the overall member experience.”
The club’s founding members also had a right of first refusal to acquire the property, but after a town hall meeting in December to meet the Evergreen team and have their questions answered, the membership voted 96% in favor of Evergreen becoming the next steward of the property. In a message to club members, Dahl added, “Evergreen Partners has embraced Ames’ vision for Somerby and will continue to grow the club into one of the finest private club communities in the Midwest.”
A Distinctive Club Lifestyle
Somerby offers a thoughtfully curated lifestyle that extends well beyond the golf course. The club’s 35,000-square-foot clubhouse serves as the social heart of the community, featuring refined dining experiences including The Grille and Chophouse, which cater to both relaxed gatherings and elevated culinary occasions.
Members enjoy a comprehensive suite of amenities designed for year-round engagement, including:
- State-of-the-art golf simulator and instruction programs, supporting year-round play and player development
- Expansive practice facilities, including a premier driving range, short-game areas, and one of Minnesota’s largest dedicated putting courses
- Ice skating, resort-style aquatics, along with tennis and pickleball courts supporting active, family-friendly recreation
- Fitness and wellness facilities designed to support holistic health and everyday leisure
The club also serves as a sought-after venue for weddings, corporate events, and community celebrations, offering elegant indoor and outdoor spaces set within a beautifully landscaped environment.
A Vision for the Future
Matthew Hobbins, Founder and CEO of Evergreen Partners, shared:
“Somerby Golf Club reflects everything we value in private clubs—exceptional golf, strong amenities, and an engagedmembership. We’re excited about the Rochester market, which is experiencing durable growth driven by the $5.0b expansion of the Mayo Clinic. Somerby is uniquely positioned to serve as the premier private club for this growing community. We’re grateful to have been selected by Ames and look forward to investing thoughtfully in the club, preserving its traditions, and building on its strong legacy for generations to come.”
Media Contact:
Matthew Hobbins – Founder & CEO
matthew@evergreenclubs.com | 949.482.8008
About Evergreen Partners
Evergreen Partners specializes in acquiring and operating private golf and country clubs, focusing on elevating the member and employee experience through thoughtful investment and community engagement. Evergreen’s people-first culture, unique model of broad employee ownership, and commitment to relentless hospitality has attracted significant investment capital and a team of passionate, high-quality operators.
