Phoenix, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Phoenix homeowners are gearing up for a court trial regarding the future of the Club West Golf Course. Approximately 300 residents are involved in a dispute over commitments made by previous developers to maintain the golf course. The Edge, the current owners of the course, are seeking to develop the land for non-golf purposes, leading to a legal confrontation that will address the course’s fate. The trial is set to begin soon, with considerable implications for the local community’s amenities.
Phoenix Residents Set for Court Showdown Over Club West Golf Course
A non-jury trial concerning the future of the Club West Golf Course in Phoenix is set to commence on August 4, 2025. The trial is poised to address a long-standing dispute between approximately 300 homeowners from the Club West community and the four owners of The Edge, who acquired the golf course for $750,000 in 2019. The case is presided over by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Suzanne C. Pineda.
The homeowners, represented by the Club West Conservancy, launched a lawsuit in December 2021 against The Edge and two entities associated with Shea Homes. Earlier in 2025, Judge Pineda dismissed the Shea Homes entities from the case. In response, the Conservancy has filed an appeal regarding the dismissal and has also challenged an order awarding The Edge approximately $500,000 in attorney’s fees and court costs. The Arizona Court of Appeals has yet to schedule a hearing for this appeal, and pending its outcome, Judge Pineda has paused any action on the attorney’s fee issue.
Community Concerns and Legal Commitments
The crux of the homeowners’ arguments lies in commitments allegedly made by Shea Homes and the previous developer, UDC Homes, promising that the golf course would always function as a championship course. Sales agreements from at least 50 homeowners reportedly contained this assertion. On the other hand, The Edge maintains that the property’s usage rights permit various non-golf developments, sparking clashes between the parties.
Since 2016, the Club West Golf Course has been largely inactive, an issue attributed to increasing irrigation costs faced by previous owner Wilson Gee. Brief attempts to restore the course occurred between late 2017 and early 2018, but those efforts failed. Attempts to identify alternative irrigation water sources, including plans to construct a pipeline from the Gila River Indian Community, have also been unsuccessful.
Previous Development Plans and Community Reactions
Further complicating matters, The Edge had sought to sell portions of the golf course to Taylor Morrison for residential development, but this proposal was withdrawn due to homeowner pushback. In an earlier attempt, efforts by the Club West Homeowners Association to take control of the land use rights were successfully countered by the Conservancy.
The trial will be limited to five days and is expected to feature 11 witnesses, which will include homeowners and a former executive from Shea Homes who may help bolster the Conservancy’s position. Conversely, The Edge is prepared to present its case, focusing on legal clauses asserting the right to develop the land for purposes beyond golfing.
Implications of the Trial
The outcome of this trial is significant, as it will ultimately determine whether the Club West Golf Course can be restored to operation or converted for alternative developments. This case forms part of a broader dispute about how the property should be utilized in the future and reflects ongoing tensions within the Club West community regarding the preservation of local amenities versus potential commercial development.
Key Dates and Highlights
- Trial Date: August 4, 2025
- Judge: Suzanne C. Pineda
- Defendants: The Edge and four owners
- Number of Homeowners Involved: Approximately 300
- Year Golf Course Last Operated: 2016
- Original Purchase Price: $750,000 in 2019
- Current Status: Awaiting trial outcome
FAQ Section
What is the main issue at stake in the trial?
The trial will determine whether the Club West Golf Course can be reinstated as a golf course or developed into other uses, amid conflicts over prior commitments made by previous owners.
Who are the key parties involved in the lawsuit?
The key parties are the Club West Conservancy, representing approximately 300 homeowners, and The Edge, who purchased the golf course in 2019.
What happened to the Shea Homes entities involved in the case?
Earlier this year, the Shea Homes entities were dismissed as defendants in the lawsuit, which the Conservancy is appealing.
What is the timeframe for the trial?
The trial is scheduled for five days, starting on August 4, 2025.
When was the Club West Golf Course last active?
The golf course has been largely inactive since 2016, although there was a brief attempt to revive it between late 2017 and early 2018.
Key Features of the Dispute
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trial Start Date | August 4, 2025 |
| Judge Presiding | Suzanne C. Pineda |
| Number of Homeowners Involved | Approximately 300 |
| Original Golf Course Purchase Price | $750,000 |
| Date Golf Course Last Operated | 2016 |
| Pending Appeal | Arizona Court of Appeals |
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Additional Resources
- Ahwatukee: Club West Golf Course Could Be Fenced Off
- Wikipedia: Club West
- Ahwatukee: Maricopa County Superior Court Showdown
- Google Search: Club West Golf Course
- AZ Central: Award Winning Golf Courses in Metro Phoenix
- Google Scholar: Club West Golf Course Legal Dispute
- Ahwatukee: Court Ruling Frees Builders from Club West Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Club West Golf Course
