The Walden Group has acquired three Arizona golf clubs from Thompson Golf Management: Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club in Cave Creek, Longbow Golf Club in Mesa and Power Ranch Golf Club in Gilbert for a reported $57 million. Thompson Golf Management will continue to handle operations for all three clubs.
“We’re incredibly proud of what these clubs have become and the teams that have helped shape them,” said Ryan Thompson, CEO of Thompson Golf Group and Thompson Golf Management. “We’re excited to partner with The Walden Group in this next chapter and continue leading operations at three clubs we know exceptionally well.”
The acquisition expands The Walden Group’s existing Arizona portfolio, which includes three clubs in the Tucson area.
“We loved the quality of the clubs and the locations,” said Steven Schorr, principal of The Walden Group.
Schorr said the properties have been well maintained and are positioned in areas with strong growth potential. Their positioning within the golf market also appealed to Walden, as the clubs do not cater exclusively to the highest-priced segment of golfers.
The acquisition also reflects Walden’s broader strategy of investing in markets with strong golf demand.
“We’re focused on areas where there’s demand for golf,” Schorr said. “These types of areas such as Arizona North Carolina and Florida are where people go to golf, vacation to golf, retire to golf and tend to benefit the most from the growth of that demand of the market.”
Walden already has investments in each of those states.
Dove Valley is an 18-hole daily-fee facility designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It opened in 1998 as the key amenity in the 850-acre Dove Valley Ranch master-planned golf community and features a par-72 layout that is player-friendly while still challenging.
Longbow opened in 1997 and underwent a complete redesign in 2003 that included a new clubhouse, expanded acreage and a revamped practice facility. The 18-hole course measures 7,050 yards from the back tees. Its clubhouse features an outdoor event patio with fans, heaters and misters, along with an outdoor kitchen and bar, patio fireplace, restaurant and golf shop.
Schorr said regular capital investment will continue across the properties. Construction is already underway at Longbow, including work involving the clubhouse and restroom areas.
Power Ranch was designed by Dick Bailey and features a 6,900-yard layout that winds through the desert and challenges golfers of all skill levels.
“We are excited to welcome these outstanding Arizona clubs into our growing portfolio,” Schorr said in announcing the acquisition. “Dove Valley Ranch, Longbow, and Power Ranch are exceptional clubs supported by talented teams and loyal guests. We look forward to partnering with Thompson Golf Management to continue investing in these properties and the communities they serve.”
The three clubs are staples of the Phoenix metropolitan area and strengthen The Walden Group’s presence in the region. The company has grown to a portfolio of more than 30 private and public golf clubs. Other Walden Group courses include Serenoa Golf Club in Sarasota, Florida; The Eagles Golf Club in Tampa, Florida; and The Revival Golf Club at The Crescent in Salisbury, North Carolina.