The business of belonging: How G&W changed club trading
‘Maintaining the same personal attention our clients value remains one of our core strengths.’
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‘Maintaining the same personal attention our clients value remains one of our core strengths.’
JUST as the Eiffel Tower symbolizes timeless elegance and enduring legacy, G&W, led by Sarah Medina, continues to set the standard in the Philippines’ club shares industry.
When G&W Clubshares opened its doors 25 years ago, buying or selling a club share in the Philippines was far from the streamlined process it is today. Transactions were often informal, market information was scarce, and investors had little assurance that their interests were protected.
Today, G&W Clubshares stands as the country’s largest and leading SEC-registered club shares brokerage firm — a milestone that reflects not only the company’s longevity but also the transformation of an entire industry.
For G&W Clubshares president Sarah Medina, the company’s silver anniversary represents more than two decades of business success. It marks a sustained commitment to building trust in a niche market that has evolved into an increasingly attractive investment and lifestyle segment.
“Our vision from the very beginning was simple,” Medina said. “We wanted to create a trusted and professional marketplace for club share transactions in the Philippines.”
At the time, club share transactions lacked structure and transparency. Buyers and sellers often navigated deals on their own, with limited access to professional advice or reliable market information.
Recognizing the gap, G&W positioned itself as more than a broker. It sought to become a trusted adviser, providing ethical, professional and transparent services while helping clients maximize both the lifestyle and financial value of club memberships.
“We wanted families and investors to enjoy the benefits of club ownership while protecting their investments,” Medina said.
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Building a reputation
Growing from a three-person operation into the country’s biggest club shares brokerage was not without challenges.
According to Medina, the biggest hurdle was convincing Filipinos that club shares deserved a place alongside more traditional investments.
“The biggest challenge was building trust and educating the market,” she said. “Many people were unfamiliar with club shares as an investment asset.”
That meant years of consistently demonstrating integrity, professionalism and market expertise. As the company expanded, preserving personalized service also became a priority.
“Maintaining the same personal attention our clients value remains one of our core strengths,” she said.
Those efforts have paid off. Beyond market leadership, Medina considers the company’s reputation its greatest achievement.
“I am most proud of earning the trust of thousands of clients and becoming the leading name in club shares brokerage in the Philippines,” she said. “More importantly, we’ve built lasting relationships and helped families enjoy a better lifestyle through club ownership.”
Why SEC registration matters
One factor that distinguishes G&W from many players in the market is its SEC registration.
For Medina, this is more than a legal requirement — it is a commitment to accountability.
“SEC registration signifies that G&W operates under government regulations and complies with legal and professional standards,” she said.
For investors, that translates into confidence that they are dealing with a legitimate company backed by transparent business practices.
“In any investment, credibility, transparency and compliance matter,” she added.
Lifestyle meets investment
The growing popularity of club shares reflects changing priorities among Filipino families.
While golf remains a major attraction, club memberships increasingly serve as gateways to wellness, recreation, networking and quality family time.
“Club shares offer a unique combination of lifestyle and investment value,” Medina explained.
Families gain access to premium recreational and social facilities while owning an asset that has the potential to appreciate over time.
She believes this balance between financial and lifestyle benefits is driving demand.
“As more Filipinos prioritize quality family experiences, wellness and work-life balance, club memberships continue to become increasingly attractive.”
The expansion of premium clubs, stronger interest in golf and alternative investments, and the rise of family-oriented recreational communities have also fueled the market’s growth.
Choosing the right investment
For first-time investors, Medina emphasizes understanding the distinction between proprietary and non-proprietary club shares.
Proprietary shares provide ownership rights and generally offer stronger long-term appreciation potential, while non-proprietary memberships primarily grant access to club privileges without ownership.
“For investors looking at long-term value, proprietary shares are often preferred,” she said. “But the best choice ultimately depends on an individual’s goals, budget and intended use.”
Regardless of the type of membership, Medina advises buyers to look beyond price.
The most common mistake, she noted, is purchasing solely based on cost while overlooking factors such as the club’s reputation, membership demand and long-term value.
Equally important is dealing only with reputable brokers.
“Investors should prioritize credibility, market knowledge and proper documentation to protect their investment,” she said.
Service beyond the transaction
G&W’s business model centers on providing end-to-end support for buyers, sellers and clients looking to lease club shares.
Most transactions can be completed within a few weeks after all documentary requirements have been submitted.
Dedicated consultants guide clients through every stage — from pricing and negotiation to documentation, transfer and after-sales support — making the process as seamless as possible.
Rather than simply closing transactions, Medina said G&W aims to build long-term relationships with clients by providing market insights and personalized advice tailored to each investor’s objectives.
Looking ahead
As G&W Clubshares celebrates its 25th anniversary, Medina believes the company remains well positioned for continued growth.
With increasing appreciation for golf, wellness, leisure communities and alternative investments, club shares are becoming more than symbols of prestige. They are evolving into assets that combine lifestyle enhancement with long-term financial potential.
After 25 years of helping shape the market, G&W Clubshares continues to pursue the same vision that inspired its founding: providing Filipinos with a trusted, transparent and professional partner in club share ownership.
