Starfire Golf Club, the first public-access golf course built in Scottsdale, Arizona, recently made headlines as it was sold for a whopping $24 million. The purchase was made by David Ashton and Jeff Lundgren of Swing First Golf, as reported by the Scottsdale Progress. Interestingly, Ashton and Lundgren are not new to the golf business, as they have owned the Golf Club at Johnson Ranch in the Phoenix suburb of Queen Creek since 2004. Both individuals were high school classmates in Scottsdale and later attended BYU together.
Originally known as Sundown and built in 1953, Starfire Golf Club underwent a major redesign by golf legend Arnold Palmer, who added a third nine to the course. Today, the venue boasts a par-70, 6,100-yard course along with a 9-hole short course featuring eight par-3 holes. A notable visitor to the club in 2021 was professional golfer Bubba Watson, who played a round to test his skills on what he described as a “regular” golf course. Watson’s impressive score of 62 set a new course record, highlighting the quality of the course and the potential for golfers to have fun on well-maintained public courses.
The sale of Starfire Golf Club for $24 million underscores the enduring popularity and allure of golf in Scottsdale, a city known for its beautiful courses and ideal weather for golfing year-round. The acquisition by Ashton and Lundgren signals a new chapter for the club, with potential for further enhancements and developments to attract golf enthusiasts of all levels. The duo’s successful ownership of the Golf Club at Johnson Ranch speaks to their experience and expertise in the golf industry, boding well for the future of Starfire Golf Club under their stewardship.
With its rich history and legacy as the first public-access golf course in Scottsdale, Starfire Golf Club holds a special place in the hearts of local golfers and enthusiasts. The redesign by Arnold Palmer and the addition of a third nine have elevated the course to new heights, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. The presence of a 9-hole short course further enhances the club’s appeal, providing a diverse range of options for golfers to test their abilities and have fun on the links.
Bubba Watson’s visit to Starfire Golf Club in 2021 not only set a new course record but also brought attention to the club’s exceptional quality and the potential for golfers to have a memorable experience on its grounds. Watson’s endorsement of the course as a place where players can enjoy themselves on any type of golf course speaks to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at Starfire. As Ashton and Lundgren embark on their ownership of the club, they have the opportunity to build on this reputation and further establish Starfire Golf Club as a premier destination for golf in Scottsdale.
In conclusion, the sale of Starfire Golf Club for $24 million marks a significant moment in the club’s history and signals a new era of growth and development under the ownership of David Ashton and Jeff Lundgren. With its storied past, renowned redesign by Arnold Palmer, and recent accolades from professional golfers like Bubba Watson, Starfire Golf Club is poised to continue its legacy as a beloved destination for golfers in Scottsdale and beyond. The club’s combination of challenging courses, scenic views, and welcoming atmosphere sets it apart as a premier golfing destination, offering something for players of all levels to enjoy and appreciate. With the expertise and vision of Ashton and Lundgren at the helm, Starfire Golf Club is well-positioned to thrive and evolve, maintaining its status as a leading golf course in Arizona and attracting golf enthusiasts from near and far.
