Golf Club Heist Shocker: Man Steals $40,000 Worth of Gear!
In a stunning twist that’s more exciting than a hole-in-one, a man has pleaded guilty to stealing almost $40,000 worth of fabulous golf clubs from shops all over the neighborhood! Talk about a swing and a miss for local retailers! The story unfolded as the accused, let’s just say he wasn’t quite an ace, ended up in hot water after multiple thefts spread across various stores over several months.
The Great Golf Club Caper
Walter Dougoud is now facing the consequences after he confessed to three counts of organized retail theft on July 24. Though he was founded guilty on a few counts, there were actually 11 incidents involving this guy and his sneaky escapades to grab golf equipment. From March to June, Dougoud struck various stores, lifting clubs and other gear under the radar—and guess what? He wasn’t exactly quiet about it!
It started like any normal day at one local golf shop. On March 6, Dougoud waltzed in and amid the normal buzzing of customers, he picked up an impressive haul of brand-new AI Smoke Paradym drivers. According to staff, he swiped $3,600 worth of equipment without skipping a beat. He must not have read the “eyes on the prize” vibes of the shop, focusing more on the staff than the actual merchandise—he grabbed seven expensive drivers and simply strolled out! Talk about chutzpah!
Shopkeepers Speak Out
Michael Savoie, the president of a nearby golf store, was left scratching his head over the impact of Dougoud’s antics. “We want to bring a little hospitality to the golf industry,” he explained. “But when you’re constantly thinking, ‘Is this person gonna come in and walk out with our goods?’—well, that’s a tough scene.” And it’s not just Savoie feeling the pinch. Each shop owner was on high alert.
After sharing stories, owners pieced together the puzzle, leading to an investigation and ultimately, Dougoud’s arrest on July 16. Turns out, he wasn’t just hitting one shop—he had targeted several within a single timeframe!
Changes in the Golf World
Due to the alarming rate of thefts, many shops have had to rethink their entire operations. “We’ve had to rearrange the inside of the store to ensure everyone passes by our repair shop. That way, we can keep a closer eye on them,” Savoie noted. “We’ve added more cameras and extra staff—it’s no longer just business as usual.”
Scottsdale police are treating this as more than just petty theft. Sergeant Aaron Bolin revealed that Dougoud’s game plan seemed focused on profit, “He was stealing these golf clubs to make money or trade for something valuable. That’s why it falls under organized retail theft.” Sounds like Dougoud should have stuck to playing the game rather than swiping clubs!
A Word to the Wise
So, what does this mean for you, the avid golf enthusiast? If you’re out shopping and come across a deal that seems too good to be true, be cautious! “If you see a PGA Superstore selling a certain price, and you find it for $200 less elsewhere—be wary! That’s your red flag that something might be fishy,” Savoie warned. If it’s a steal, it just might be a stolen good.
What’s Next for Dougoud?
As for Dougoud, he’s expected to face sentencing on August 21, at 8:30 a.m. Could this mark the end of his golf career? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure—this saga has certainly put a spotlight on the world of golf shops and how they protect their precious equipment.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and remember, folks, let’s keep our golf clubs where they belong—in the hands of honest players!
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
