Robert Henry Dedman Sr.

Robert Dedman, Sr. set a goal at the age of eighteen to achieve $50 million by the time he was 50 and to give away $1 million a year thereafter. As the founder and chairman of Club Corporation International, Robert has well surpassed his goal. He is one of Forbes 400 wealthiest individuals, and has appeared on the Forbes list every year since 1985.

Having grown up in an impoverished family during the Great Depression, he soon came to realize that education and a strong work ethic were the way to a better life. After graduating from high school, Robert enlisted in the Navy and proceeded to earn three degrees in four years from the University of Texas while selling insurance and real estate full time. After college graduation, he returned to Dallas and proceeded to earn an L.L.M. from Southern Methodist University while he established a law practice. By his mid twenties Robert was a partner in a prominent Dallas law firm.

While on a vacation with his wife, Dedman learned of the real estate craze surrounding a newly built country club. At that time, however, it was a known fact that whatever you made on the course you would lose in the clubhouse. Robert thought to himself why not build three courses around one clubhouse. The club would then triple its income without increasing its operating costs. He also realized it would be more profitable to cater to the upper 10% of the community rather than the top 1% that most clubs were geared to. When he returned to Dallas, he bought 400 acres in North Dallas. Within three months he had taken deposits for 2,000 memberships. He was able to build an expansive clubhouse and 54 holes without having to take a loan. Brookhaven Country Club established its charter in 1957. After the construction of Brookhaven, ClubCorp simply acquired existing clubs. ClubCorp owns and operates over 200 country clubs, resorts, public fee golf courses and real estate developments, making ClubCorp the largest championship golf course chain.

Robert has received numerous awards throughout his career. In 1987, he was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame and in 1989 he was honored with the Horatio Alger Award.

In his autobiography he lists Robert Dedman's Ten Rules of Order. The 10th rule is "Don't forget to have fun. The more fun you have, the more money you make." Robert has definitely practiced what he preaches. He plays golf or tennis on a daily basis. In his office there is a needlepoint sign that reads, "I only play golf on days that end in Y."

 Print Friendly