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Lewis Remington’s journey from a passionate golf enthusiast to a thriving entrepreneur culminated in the sale of his business to billionaire investor Fred Done. In 2017, Lewis Remington set out to establish Golf Holidays Direct with a clear vision: to provide memorable, high-quality golf travel experiences tailored to the needs of discerning clients. What began as a modest venture operating from a small office has since transformed into a market leader serving over 300,000 travellers and generating £22 million in annual revenues.
A Vision Born of Passion
Lewis Remington had a great passion for golf and his determination to deliver exceptional service underpinned every decision he made. He recognised early on that the golf travel sector lacked a provider committed entirely to customer experience, and he seized that opportunity. Drawing on his own experiences as a golfer, he meticulously researched premier courses, negotiated exclusive partnerships, and assembled a team capable of delivering personalised itineraries. From sourcing luxury accommodation to organising transportation and ground services, Lewis insisted on excellence at every touchpoint.
Building the Business from the Ground Up
In the initial years, Lewis Remington worked around the clock to establish Golf Holidays Direct’s reputation for reliability and quality. He personally took customer calls, negotiated with golf course management, and coordinated complex logistics to ensure each trip met or exceeded client expectations. When the business faced its earliest challenges, including scepticism from established competitors and unpredictable demand, Lewis remained undeterred. He reinvested every pound of profit back into the operation, expanding his team, enhancing the website, and broadening the range of destinations offered.
Despite the extraordinary challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis Remington’s determination never wavered. At a time when travel restrictions threatened to derail operations, he pivoted to maintain client engagement through virtual consultations and meticulously crafted safety protocols. By adapting quickly, he not only protected the company’s reputation but also positioned Golf Holidays Direct to rebound strongly as restrictions eased.
Achieving Rapid Growth and Industry Recognition
By 2024, Golf Holidays Direct had firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most dynamic travel companies. Lewis’s leadership and commitment to service excellence translated into substantial year-on-year growth. The business was recognised in The Sunday Times’ Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies list for 2024 and a testament to Lewis Remington’s entrepreneurial acumen and the company’s rapid ascent within the travel sector.
Under his stewardship, Golf Holidays Direct cultivated a loyal customer base that praised the company for its attention to detail, bespoke itineraries, and seamless execution. Lewis introduced innovative approaches to customer feedback, incorporating real-time surveys and investing in continuous staff training. His insistence on collecting and analysing performance metrics enabled the company to refine its offerings and maintain high satisfaction rates across all service categories.
Culmination in a Billion-Pound Acquisition
Having built a strong, profitable enterprise from scratch, Lewis received interest from several major players in the travel industry. Ultimately, he negotiated a deal with Sports Tours International—the global leader in running and cycling travel, owned by Fred Done, chairman and founder of Betfred. In mid-2025, Golf Holidays Direct was acquired for an undisclosed eight-figure sum.
The acquisition marked a remarkable achievement: Lewis Remington had not only founded and grown a successful business but had also positioned it as a valuable asset attractive to one of the UK’s most prominent investors. Throughout the negotiation process, Lewis’s professionalism and transparency were frequently praised. He retained his position as Managing Director, ensuring continuity for clients and staff and providing strategic guidance as the business integrated into its new corporate structure.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Lewis Remington’s story exemplifies the qualities of resilience, customer focus, and strategic foresight essential to entrepreneurial success. By identifying a market gap, relentlessly pursuing operational excellence, and responding adeptly to unforeseen challenges, he created a business from the ground up that achieved remarkable growth in under eight years. His ability to forge strong partnerships—with golf courses, suppliers, and staff—was critical to delivering the high standard of service that became Golf Holidays Direct’s hallmark.
Lewis Remington often emphasises the importance of combining passion with pragmatic business acumen. He credits his team’s dedication and his willingness to learn from setbacks as fundamental drivers of success. His transparent leadership style fostered a culture of ownership and accountability, motivating employees to contribute ideas and take pride in the company’s achievements.
Looking Forward
Although the sale represents a significant milestone, Lewis’s entrepreneurial spirit remains undiminished. As he continues in his role as Managing Director, he focuses on leveraging the resources and global reach of Sports Tours International to further expand Golf Holidays Direct’s offerings. His ambition is to introduce new golf destinations, develop cutting-edge booking technologies, and establish the company as the premier choice for golfers worldwide.
Lewis Remington’s journey from a start-up founder to a successful business owner selling his company to a billionaire investor demonstrates what can be achieved through passion, perseverance, and strategic leadership. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs determined to turn their vision into a thriving enterprise.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
