Nearly $40,000 in Golf Clubs Stolen by Arizona Man
In a shocking turn of events, a man has pled guilty to stealing an astonishing nearly $40,000 worth of golf clubs from various stores across the Valley. Walter Dougoud, the man at the center of this scandal, is now cooling his heels behind bars in Maricopa County. On July 24, Dougoud entered his plea, admitting to three felony counts of organized retail theft. This investigation, led by the Scottsdale Police, covered multiple thefts that took place in different locations throughout the area.
A Golfing Crime Wave
Originally, Dougoud was facing a staggering 11 counts, with each one representing a separate theft incident. As it turns out, some of the thefts occurred at the same stores, making it all the more puzzling for store owners. One of those stores, Hornacek’s Golf in Scottsdale, experienced a particularly brazen incident on March 6, when Dougoud swooped in during business hours.
Michael Savoie, president of Hornacek’s Golf, shared some details about the crime. “It was just another day, and then in walks this guy who decided today was the day to steal,” Savoie recounted. Dougoud managed to nab seven of the hottest golf drivers on the market, the AI Smoke Paradym drivers, worth about $3,600. He didn’t seem too fazed while plotting his getaway, as Savoie noted, “He was looking around not at the merchandise, but he was looking at the staffing.” Just like that, Dougoud waltzed out the door with the expensive gear.
Community Huddles Together
Between March and June, Hornacek’s Golf and a total of 11 other stores experienced similar thefts, racking up a shocking total of $43,000. Store owners started to suspect something was off and began talking to each other about their experiences. “Once we all connected the dots, we realized it was the same guy,” Savoie mentioned. With the help of surveillance footage and community chatter, authorities ramped up their investigations, ultimately leading to Dougoud’s arrest on July 16.
The thefts sparked a significant shift in Hornacek’s Golf’s operations. “We’ve had to move things around so that everyone passes by our repair shop, allowing us to keep a closer eye,” Savoie explained. “We’ve also installed additional cameras and have increased our staff.” The sense of trust that once filled the golf shop has taken a hit, as Savoie highlighted, “It’s hard to focus on offering hospitality when you’re on guard, wondering if someone is going to walk out with your goods.”
Dougoud’s Motive and Future
According to Scottsdale Police, Dougoud’s motives seem clear. Sergeant Aaron Bolin made it known that “Mr. Dougoud was stealing these golf clubs to then go ahead and basically sell them or trade them for money or other things of value.” His organized retail theft charge speaks to the cunning nature of his crime spree.
But not everything stolen is a steal for the buyer. If you happen to see a brand-new golf club at an unrealistically low price, it might be cause for concern. “If you see a PGA Superstore charging a certain price, and you find that same brand-new club for a couple hundred dollars less, that’s definitely a red flag,” Savoie advised.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, Scottsdale police believe Dougoud may not have acted alone. There is speculation about accomplices, including a man and a woman who were reportedly present during some of the thefts. Dougoud is set to face his sentencing on August 21 at 8:30 a.m., and it remains to be seen what fate awaits him.
This case serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the tight-knit community focused on the golfing industry. With vigilance and communication, hopefully, this sort of theft can be curtailed, and the joy of golfing can return to local shops.
