Stephen Johnston is the founding Partner of GGA and one of the leading authorities on operational analysis and financial solutions for clubs and golf businesses.

Steve began his career at the accounting firm of Thorne Gunn/Thorne Riddell in Toronto in 1973. He earned his Chartered Accountant designation while with Thorne Riddell in 1976 and in 1984 was promoted to Partner and given responsibility for major client accounts. His audit experience with major accounts subsequently expanded into real estate, communications and insurance.

When the firm became known as KPMG, Steve continued as an Audit Partner and in 1992 created the KPMG Golf Industry Practice and assumed responsibility as National Director. In 2006 Steve purchased the KPMG Golf Industry Practice and created Global Golf Advisors Inc., bringing with him the entire staff complement and client files to the new firm.

Steve’s main focus is developing financial and business solutions for private clubs, public golf courses and resorts, golf communities, investors and lenders. He provides a keen insight for banking and finance solutions arising from his years of advising numerous international financial institutions.

He has completed due diligence and valuation assignments for some of the largest golf-related transactions in North America and has completed multiple market studies to reposition various golf assets.

In addition, Steve has been actively involved with workouts/receiverships, providing operational and financial guidance. These assignments typically lead to member buyouts/transitions from developers or to an outright disposition of property.

Steve has been recognized as one of the Top Powerbrokers in Canadian Golf by The National Post over the past 15 years.