Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs Resigns Amidst Plans for Spinoff

Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs resigns to take another CEO position. He will remain on until September while Topgolf searches for a new chief executive. The spin-off of Topgolf, acquired by Callaway Brands for $2.6 billion in 2021, is still planned, but likely delayed until 2026. Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. also owns Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, and OGIO.

Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs has resigned to take on another CEO position, delaying the spinoff of Topgolf from its parent company, Topgolf Callaway Brands. Starrs will remain with the company until September to assist with a smooth transition. The spinoff, originally planned for this year, is now likely to occur in 2026 after a new CEO is appointed [1].

Starrs' departure does not affect the strategic direction or commitment to separating Topgolf, according to Chip Brewer, CEO of Topgolf Callaway Brands. Brewer stated that the company is still pursuing a spinoff or sale of Topgolf. However, the delay in the spinoff means that it will not happen until 2026, after a new CEO is in place [2].

Topgolf has been struggling with weak sales since the pandemic, as consumers have cut back on spending. The company has been working to improve its value proposition with initiatives like Sunday Funday and Topgolf Nights, which are aimed at a younger, late-night crowd. These efforts have shown some success, with the company reporting improving same-venue sales trends in the second quarter [3].

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. owns several global brands, including Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, and OGIO. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol MODG [4].

References:
[1] https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/leadership/topgolf-ceo-artie-starrs-resigns-delaying-its-spinoff
[2] https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/08/01/topgolf-callaway-split-delayed-after-ceo-leaves/?issueId=ZX4TXVSGQ5HMHDGNM4WDO3CYHI
[3] https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/topgolf-ceo-artie-starrs-resigns-delaying-spinoff/756627/
[4] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-resignation-of-artie-starrs-ceo-of-topgolf-302519081.html