Man Arrested After Allegedly Swiping $40,000 in Golf Clubs in Under 20 Seconds

Walter Dougoud, 52, has pleaded guilty to some of the charges and awaits sentencing.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A crime wave targeting one of the Valley’s favorite pastimes has come to light.

Multiple high-end golf clubs, valued at $43,000, were stolen in broad daylight from various golf shops across Scottsdale and beyond over a four-month period, according to court documents.

Scottsdale Police apprehended Walter Dougoud, who recently admitted guilt to the retail theft in July.

One affected venue was Hornacek’s Golf in north Scottsdale. Co-owner Michael Savoie recounted the March incident. Surveillance footage captured Dougoud entering, seizing several drivers, and exiting within 20 seconds.

“This guy got seven in his hands and did it in less than 20 seconds,” Savoie said.

Each driver was valued at approximately $600, making the haul from Savoie’s store alone worth $3,600.

Dougoud reportedly committed similar thefts at other golf stores throughout the Valley. He confessed to investigators he stole from stores at least 15 times and recognized himself in 11 incidents on surveillance.

Court documents indicate Dougoud sold the stolen clubs for less than half their retail value.

In some instances, Dougoud disclosed to police that he had accomplices, including his wife, her daughter, and a man known as “Porkchop.”

Having accepted a plea deal, Dougoud’s sentencing is scheduled for August.

“We’re glad that there is getting some resolve and some awareness that, you know, this, this is going on, and it’s not just the golf industry,” Savoie remarked.

The incident prompted Savoie to bolster security measures at his shop. He installed extra security cameras, increased staffing, and redesigned the store’s layout.

“We have thwarted, probably about, five or six [theft] attempts since then,” he added.

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