KANSAS CITY, MO (October 21, 2021) – Invited officials today announced it has acquired and will now own and operate the National Golf Club of Kansas City and the adjacent club, the Deuce, building on the traditions established by the Illig and Patterson families while bringing Invited’s unique ClubLife lifestyle experiences to the members both on and off the National Club’s legendary fairways.

Kansas City’s own Tom Watson designed The National in perfect harmony with the rolling terrain and wooded glens of the Parkville countryside. The 18-hole championship course has built a reputation as one of the most challenging—and rewarding— in the country. The Deuce is known for a slightly more laid-back atmosphere but boasts its own 18-hole golf club with stunning vistas, white sand bunkers and rolling hills. While the National and the Deuce have been connected by ownership and proximity, Invited will bring a more connected membership package that will bring both courses to life.

“The Patterson and Illig families established the National as one of the premier clubs in the region with ideals and membership experiences that align with Invited’s values,” said Invited CEO David Pillsbury. “As we went through this process, we found that Invited’s philosophy of bringing people together through extraordinary experiences, impeccable service and opportunities to build meaningful relationships fit perfectly with the existing membership and the core values that helped build The National. We specialize in incredible experiences and unforgettable events, and we cannot wait to bring ClubLife to The National and the Deuce.”

While there is already an existing first-rate membership experience, Invited has begun the process of finding areas to bring their increased level of service to both facilities, whether through practice facilities or throughout the dining and entertainment areas.

In a joint statement, Clay Patterson and Cliff Illig stated, "Over the past two decades, the Patterson and Illig families have committed to the design and delivery of an enviable, world-class, lifestyle and member experience here in Kansas City and have seen this realized in the Club and community at The National Golf Club properties. In transitioning the Clubs to their next phase of ownership, we wanted to make sure that the members and our associates will have the opportunity to continue this mission with a progressive, forward-thinking industry leader like Invited. We are proud of the legacy we have established together, what the Clubs now mean to Kansas City, and look forward to their continued success with Invited."

As a Member within the ClubLife family of clubs, members will now have access to a network of hundreds of private golf and country clubs, city clubs and stadium clubs. Members can enjoy access to reciprocal benefits at more than 450 private clubs and special offerings at more than 1,000 hotels, resorts and entertainment venues.

Additionally, Invited leads the private club industry in giving back and providing impact in the communities where their clubs call home. With more than 414,000 Members across the country, Invited is uniquely positioned to fulfill the promise of enriching lives.

David Pillsbury further commented, “We are thrilled to roll up our sleeves and show what makes Invited the leader of lifestyle, food and beverage and golf experiences in the private club space.”