Phoenix man sentenced in golf theft ring targeting Valley sporting goods stores

A Phoenix-area man behind a golf theft ring was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading no contest to organized retail theft charges in a string of sporting goods store heists. Connor Burgess, 32, stole more than $26,000 in golf clubs and related sports merchandise, prosecutors said.

Connor Burgess was sentenced May 20 in Maricopa County Superior Court on one count of organized retail theft, according to court records.

Prosecutors said Burgess stole golf clubs and other merchandise from stores across the Phoenix area between October and November 2025, including seven golf clubs worth more than $4,200 from a Dick’s Sporting Goods.

 

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“Organized retail theft is not a harmless crime. It drives up costs for families and puts businesses and employees at risk,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a news release. “If you come to Maricopa County to steal and profit off our retailers, you will be identified, prosecuted, and held accountable.”

Investigators linked Burgess to six other thefts at PGA TOUR Superstores, another Dick’s Sporting Goods and a Scheels store through surveillance video and online listings where stolen merchandise was allegedly offered for sale, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said.

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