KemperSports Acquires Fire Pit Productions

In one of the most intriguing collaborations we’ve seen in golf media and management in a while, Northbrook-based KemperSports has announced it is acquiring Fire Pit Productions. The move is more than just a business transaction—it’s a creative partnership aimed at telling the stories behind the courses, people, and destinations KemperSports manages.

As part of the deal, Fire Pit founder Matt Ginella—well-known to many golfers as a former Golf Channel personality and travel insider—will become KemperSports’ new Chief Storyteller.

“Golf has a 500-year-plus history of great stories and legends,” said Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports. “No one is better at telling those stories and capturing the soul of the game than Matt Ginella.”

A Natural Fit for Golf Storytelling

If you’ve followed Ginella’s career, you know he has a knack for finding the heart of a golf experience—whether it’s an iconic buddy trip to Bandon Dunes or the understated charm of Pasatiempo.

Fire Pit Productions, Ginella’s creative shop, has built a reputation for producing compelling video, print, and podcast content that celebrates golf travel, architecture, culture, and community. Since 2020, Fire Pit’s work has highlighted destinations like Gamble Sands, Streamsong, and countless hidden gems.

Now, the storytelling lens turns toward KemperSports’ portfolio—over 200 golf properties, private clubs, athletic facilities, and live events across the country.

Streamsong and Beyond

Expect the first big project under this partnership to focus on Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Florida—already one of the nation’s must-play destinations and soon to be even better with a new fifth course designed by David McLay Kidd.

But it won’t stop there. From local munis to high-end private clubs, KemperSports’ properties are diverse and full of character—ideal raw material for Ginella’s authentic, immersive style.

KemperSports manages a dozen local Chicago-area golf facilities including The Glen Club, Deerpath Golf Club, Harborside International and The Evans at Canal Shores. 

Fire Pit Productions Remains Independent

Importantly, Fire Pit Productions will continue to serve its current roster of clients. That list includes Youth on Course, Areté Collective, Pasatiempo, Tourism Ireland, Waste Management, and many others.

This ensures the creative team keeps its independent, wide-ranging spirit while bringing new energy and visibility to the KemperSports brand.

Ginella’s Journey to This Moment

Ginella’s career is a classic golf-media evolution story. He started as a photo editor at Sports Illustrated in 1996, rose to Director of Photography at Golf Digest, then became the magazine’s travel editor. After earning a master’s in journalism at Columbia University, he built a reputation as one of golf’s premier travel storytellers.

Many golfers got to know him through Golf Channel, where he was a co-host of Morning Drive and the face of Ginella’s Journeys. In 2020, he pivoted to launch Fire Pit Productions, further honing his personal, culture-driven style.

“In a sense, I have been working with [KemperSports] at places like Bandon Dunes, Chambers Bay, Streamsong and countless other destinations for a better part of 25 years,” Ginella said. “This is an ideal opportunity to continue to grow together.”

What It Means for Golfers

For golf fans, especially here in the Midwest where KemperSports is headquartered, this is good news. It promises more rich storytelling about places we know (or want to visit).

Expect polished videos, authentic interviews, and immersive travelogues that don’t just show off a course layout, but explore its soul—who built it, who plays it, and why it matters.

It’s a big step forward for golf storytelling and a sign that even large management companies see the value in capturing and sharing what makes the game special.

Stay tuned—we’ll be following what Ginella and KemperSports produce together.