Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Arizona, in collaboration with the Ak-Chin Indian Community, has commenced site preparations for a brand-new 24,000-square-foot clubhouse and event complex. Construction is slated to begin in March, with an anticipated opening in spring 2027. This expansive facility will boast a modern food hall, an expanded Arroyo Grille, dedicated private dining areas and a spacious banquet room, an enlarged golf shop, upgraded kitchen facilities, a new bridal suite, and an indoor golf simulator room equipped with cutting-edge GOLFZON technology.
Interestingly, during wedding events, the simulator room will transform into a versatile space for groomsmen to relax and socialize.
Meyers + Associates Architecture, based in Columbus, Ohio, is responsible for the design of the new clubhouse. PIMMEX-CHASSE, an Arizona-based firm, has been contracted for the construction. Project management support is being provided by Troon Design and Development, under the leadership of Cindy Anderson, to the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s Capital Projects team.
The clubhouse’s exterior aesthetic, designed to evoke a timeless and authentic sense of place, will incorporate exposed heavy timber, natural stone, stucco, decorative concrete, and other natural elements. Its color scheme—featuring desert sand, ochre, and red—pays homage to the region’s inherent beauty. These warm, earthy tones will be thoughtfully applied to various exterior surfaces, ensuring a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. The development also includes new outdoor amenities such as multiple patio dining areas, an attractive event lawn for gatherings, a fire feature, an updated putting green, and a unique Halfway House situated between the 9th green and 10th tee. This innovative Halfway House will allow golf carts to pass directly through it, providing a market-style selection of food and beverages.
Ak-Chin Community Chairman Gabriel Lopez commented, “This impressive project underscores the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s commitment to delivering an extraordinary guest experience at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. We are dedicated to upholding our tradition of offering a premier golf experience in the state, enhancing our community’s amenities, and establishing ourselves as the region’s leading destination for dining and events.”
Central Food Hall & Design Philosophy
The architectural design of the new clubhouse centers around a primary axis, acting as a central spine that provides access to all public areas. Beyond its functional role in guiding circulation, this axis strategically frames captivating views of the entire property. Upon entering the lobby, visitors will be guided through the new food hall and event space, past the distinctive bar, onto the covered patio with its inviting fire feature, and finally to the event lawn, where panoramic vistas of the desert and golf course unfold. The building thoughtfully incorporates covered outdoor zones, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing guests to savor the scenic beauty while being shielded from the elements.
Chris Meyers, Principal Architect and Owner of Meyers + Associates, stated, “Our partnership with the Ak-Chin Community and the leadership at Southern Dunes has been a remarkably collaborative experience. We aimed to reflect the community’s culture and fully leverage the potential of the existing site through a comprehensive transformation that will provide an unparalleled experience for every visitor. The project’s core objective was to enrich the Ak-Chin Community’s culture and deliver a facility designed to unite people for celebrations, fine dining, and an exceptional golf experience.”
These new clubhouse and facilities are poised to elevate the visitor experience at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, offering enhanced dining choices and expanded entertainment possibilities. The enlarged clubhouse, featuring diverse dining venues and an extensive banquet facility, will significantly increase guest value and enrich their time at the property. This expansion will also enable Ak-Chin Southern Dunes to accommodate larger events, such as weddings and golf tournaments.
By spring 2027, golfers at Troon-managed Ak-Chin Southern Dunes will discover a completely revamped experience. From the moment they check in at the new bag-drop to navigating the expanded clubhouse, they will benefit from updated amenities and a wider range of offerings, including new merchandise and diverse food and beverage selections. Furthermore, the innovative Halfway House will streamline the golfing experience. Its market-style setup will provide convenient grab-and-go food and drinks, alongside air-conditioned restrooms and an ice and water station. This independent service model aims to reduce turnaround time between nines, leading to faster rounds and enhanced customer service.
Eric Noble, Business Unit Leader for PIMMEX-CHASSE, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are proud to collaborate with Southern Dunes, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Troon, and Meyers + Associates on a project that is truly elevating standards both on and off the course. Every detail, from the expanded clubhouse and Halfway House to the enhanced cart barn and event lawn, is meticulously designed to enrich the experience for both players and the wider community. We are thrilled to have commenced Phase 1 construction with the parking lot expansion, a significant initial stride in realizing these ambitious improvements.”
About the Ak-Chin Indian Community
The Ak-Chin Indian Community is situated in the Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona, approximately 35 miles south of Phoenix in northwestern Pinal County. The name “Ak-Chin” derives from an O’odham word meaning “mouth of the wash” or “where the wash dissipates into the sand or ground.” The Community comprises over 1,100 tribal members and manages more than 22,000 acres of land. Its diverse business ventures include Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, The Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, and the Santa Cruz Commerce Center.