Meet the Team

Andreas Lagercrantz

Strategic Partner | Real Estate, Golf Advisory Team
Hilco Real Estate

Andreas helped create Hilco Real Estate’s Golf Advisory practice in 2020 to further expand upon his extensive business and golf-related expertise both in Europe and US markets.

With a master’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s in finance, Andreas has worked at financial institutions, banks and insurance companies since 2001. In 2010, following his passion for the game of golf, he started managing his younger brother, Alex Noren, who quickly emerged as a leading player on the European Tour. In the years following, Andreas traveled the world, attended professional tournaments and built a stable of professional players whom he managed - a venture that gradually evolved into IN/GOLF, an influencer destination marketing agency.

Over the last several years, Andreas has assembled the Hilco Golf Advisors platform, network and industry reputation together with Ryan Rafter. Focused on advising and assisting funds, family offices, premier resort owners and hospitality groups, Ryan and Andreas work to ultimately broker relationships and real estate transactions that leverage the sport and the experience directly for its players. Andreas can be reached at +46.7077.47740 and andreas.lagercrantz@peoplecanfly.se.

Don Groft

Senior Managing Director

Don is an accomplished golf industry business professional with expertise in facility development, management and business development.  He is also a “Life Member” of The PGA of America. In addition, Don has an extensive background in real estate development. With more than 25 years of professional experience, Don has built an unmatched network, including the top companies in golf development and hospitality, investors, architects and ownership groups. His analytical skills, strategic mindset and understanding of market trends have allowed him to navigate complex business landscapes with precision.

Known for his personalized approach, Don forges strong client relationships based on trust. He tailors solutions to meet each client's unique goals, earning a loyal client base and numerous referrals. Don holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Coastal Carolina University and continually enhances his expertise through ongoing professional development. He stays up to date with industry trends and regulations to provide clients with the most current advice and strategies.

Currently, Don works within Hilco Real Estate’s Golf Advisory Team, focusing on nurturing and expanding the network of golf industry partners, clients and investors. His responsibilities include identifying and qualifying land for development, assessing golf facility acquisitions and dispositions, asset marketing and valuation as well as overseeing the entire asset acquisition and disposition process. Don can be reached at 843.894.1755 and dgroft@hilcoglobal.com.

Ryan Rafter

Vice President
Hilco Real Estate

Ryan joined Hilco in 2017 with a unique perspective after working for one of the country’s largest commercial real estate data providers, Reis and 5 years of investment sales and leasing experience at Savills in Manhattan following graduation from New York Law School. After significant analysis, Ryan identified both a demand and need for golf course and resort owners to monetize their assets in a discreet manner that ensured maximum value which led to the formation of Hilco Real Estate’s Golf Advisory Team. Ryan brought several of Hilco’s top performing teams together including Valuations, Hilco Corporate Finance and Real Estate to ensure that all aspects of dispositions, acquisitions, valuations and capital are custom tailored to owner’s needs. Currently representing some of the largest owners and investors in the golf, hospitality, private equity and family office sectors, Ryan secured exclusive collaborations with both the National Golf Course Owners Association and the UK Golf Federation. Ryan can be reached at 631.514.9963 and rrafter@hilcoglobal.com.