Longbow Golf Club, one of Mesa’s most recognizable public golf destinations, has changed hands as part of a major Arizona golf transaction. The sale saw New Jersey-based investment firm The Walden Group acquire three prominent golf courses across the Phoenix metropolitan area from Thompson Golf Group in a package valued at approximately $57 million, according to commercial real estate records. While some reports and social media posts incorrectly referenced the transaction as a “$75 million deal,” public property records and multiple business publications place the combined sale price at roughly $57 million.
Longbow Golf Club Becomes Part of Major Portfolio Acquisition
The transaction included three established Arizona public golf courses:
- Longbow Golf Club in Mesa
- Power Ranch Golf Club in Gilbert
- Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club in Cave Creek
All three properties were purchased by The Walden Group, a New Jersey-based real estate investment and golf ownership company that has steadily expanded its golf portfolio throughout the United States.
The acquisition represents another significant investment in Arizona’s thriving golf market, where public courses have continued to attract investors due to strong participation and year-round play.
Longbow Golf Club Accounted for the Largest Share of the Sale
Among the three properties included in the portfolio transaction, Longbow Golf Club carried the highest individual sale price.
According to commercial real estate tracking data:
- Longbow Golf Club sold for approximately $23.5 million.
- Power Ranch Golf Club sold for roughly $17.1 million.
- Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club sold for approximately $16.4 million.
Together, the three properties totaled about $57 million.
About Longbow Golf Club
Longbow Golf Club has long been regarded as one of Mesa’s premier daily-fee golf facilities.
The course:
Opened in 1997
Longbow was developed on land near Falcon Field and quickly established itself as one of the East Valley’s signature public golf courses.
Covers Nearly 162 Acres
The property spans just under 162 acres near Higley and McDowell roads in northeast Mesa.
Features Award-Winning Facilities
The property includes:
- An 18-hole championship golf course.
- Approximately 2,996-square-foot clubhouse.
- Nearly 5,000-square-foot maintenance and service garage.
- Facilities renovated in 2003.
Longbow also serves as a centerpiece of the broader 330-acre Longbow mixed-use development, which includes residential, commercial and hospitality projects.
Thompson Golf Group Will Continue Operating the Courses
Although ownership has changed, golfers are unlikely to notice immediate operational differences.
As part of the agreement, The Walden Group selected Thompson Golf Management to continue overseeing day-to-day operations at all three golf facilities under a multi-year management agreement.
This means:
- Existing management teams are expected to remain in place.
- Daily operations will continue under Thompson Golf Management.
- The transition is designed to be seamless for golfers, members and employees.
Executives Describe the Transaction as a Strategic Partnership
Ryan Thompson, CEO of Thompson Golf Group and Thompson Golf Management, said the sale reflects years of investment in developing the three Arizona courses into respected public golf destinations.
He added that the company looks forward to continuing operations through its management partnership with The Walden Group.
Meanwhile, Walden Group founder Steven Schorr described the Arizona clubs as exceptional properties supported by talented staff and loyal customers, saying they fit well within the company’s expanding national golf portfolio.
The Walden Group Continues Expanding Its Golf Holdings
Founded in 1993, The Walden Group operates as a diversified real estate investment company with a growing collection of golf properties throughout the United States.
The acquisition strengthens the firm’s presence in Arizona, where it already owns other golf-related assets.
The company has focused its acquisition strategy on established golf courses with strong operational performance and long-term growth potential rather than pursuing redevelopment opportunities.
Thompson Golf Group Retains Strong Arizona Presence
Although the three golf courses have been sold, Thompson Golf Management will remain closely involved through the long-term operating agreement.
The company has developed a reputation as a multi-state golf ownership and management organization with properties and management responsibilities in Arizona, Minnesota and Texas. The continued management contract allows Thompson to maintain its operational expertise while reducing direct ownership exposure.
Longbow Remains a Key Part of Mesa’s Growing Development
The ownership change comes during a period of continued investment around the Longbow area.
Recent projects include:
Luxury Apartment Development
A 339-unit luxury apartment community known as Ascend at Longbow Highpoint recently sold to a new owner, reflecting continued residential investment adjacent to the golf course.
Proposed Hotel Development
Mesa officials have also been reviewing plans for a new hotel and commercial development near Longbow Golf Club as part of broader efforts to expand lodging and mixed-use amenities in the area.
What the Sale Means for Golfers
For regular players, no immediate operational changes have been announced.
Because Thompson Golf Management will continue operating the facilities:
- Tee-time booking systems are expected to remain unchanged.
- Existing staff and course maintenance practices are anticipated to continue.
- The clubs are expected to maintain their current level of service and hospitality.
Future capital improvements, pricing decisions and long-term investments will ultimately be determined by the new ownership, but no immediate changes have been publicly announced.
Arizona Golf Continues to Attract Investors
The Longbow transaction highlights the continued strength of Arizona’s golf industry.
Since the surge in golf participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, many public golf courses have experienced sustained demand, making well-established facilities attractive investments for institutional buyers and private ownership groups.
The acquisition of Longbow Golf Club, along with Power Ranch and Dove Valley Ranch, reflects continued confidence in the long-term value of Arizona’s public golf market and reinforces Mesa’s position as one of the region’s premier golf destinations.
