A Triangle technology entrepreneur who is now building a golf empire is getting back to his software roots.
John McConnell previously started and ran several successful Triangle companies in the medical-software industry. His McConnell Golf venture now owns a chain of golf clubs, including Raleigh Country Club, Treyburn County Club in Durham and Cardinal Golf & Country Club in Greensboro.
This morning, the company announced it has acquired a stake in ClubSoft North America, which sells software that helps manage private clubs.
"We have experienced how technology can assist clubs in containing cost and providing a high level of service to the membership," McConnell said, in a prepared statement. "We feel there are many clubs today that are looking for state-of-the-art technology as well as a company that understands the challenges of operating a membership club in these tough economic times."
Kansas-based ClubSoft was founded in 2005. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
McConnell co-founded and ran Medic Computer System and A4 Healthsystems. Both companies are now controlled by Allscripts-Misys Healthcare Solutions, a publicly traded, Chicago-based company with more than 1,000 employees at its North Raleigh campus.
In 2003, McConnell began making bets on the long-term strength of the golf industry by buying by the struggling Raleigh Country Club. He has since added four more clubs across the Carolinas.
