Two men have been accused of theft sprees targeting Valley golf stores. Connor Burgess, 31, was caught in a motel with nearly $12,000 in stolen clubs and narcotics following thefts at the PGA Tour Superstore and Dick's Sporting Goods, ABC15 reported. Separately, Walter Dougoud admitted to stealing over $40,000 in golf gear from 11 shops, according to Indoor Golf Solutions.
Detectives began investigating after noticing a pattern of thefts by Burgess, who would walk out of stores with high-end golf clubs. Online ads selling brand-new equipment at unusually low prices helped connect the cases. In a separate spree, Dougoud stole expensive clubs, including AI Smoke Paradym drivers, according to Your Indoor Golf Solutions.
Burgess, facing multiple felony charges, was arrested on Nov. 25 at a Travelodge in Phoenix with illegal drugs. Detectives identified him by matching his appearance and tattoos to an OfferUp profile. Dougoud was caught after local authorities tracked his thefts, ultimately leading to his guilty plea on July 24.
In response, the affected stores have increased security. Hornacek's Golf Shop, one of Dougoud's targets, added cameras and rearranged its layout to prevent future thefts. Local police have also reminded store owners of the importance of community vigilance to deter the sale of stolen golf equipment.
Both men now face the consequences of their actions—Burgess, with a criminal history including assault, burglary, and drug possession, and Dougoud, whose sentencing is set for August 21. These cases also serve as a reminder for buyers to be cautious of deals on high-end golf equipment that seem too good to be true.
