Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club’s future clubhouse is beginning to take shape.

Construction on the more than $20 million project remains on schedule after a February groundbreaking, with a soft opening expected in spring 2027. The new clubhouse will nearly double in size, growing from about 11,300 square feet to 23,600 square feet.

“We had just outgrown the footprint,” said General Manager Brady Wilson.

In the meantime, golfers continue checking in, dining and teeing off from a temporary clubhouse while crews build its permanent replacement.

Here are six things we learned during a recent construction update.

On track for a spring opening

Wilson said the club expects to hold a soft opening in April 2027, with the goal of having the facility ready before Arizona State hosts the NCAA Regional tournament at Southern Dunes in May.

A grand opening will follow a few months later after construction wraps up and weather allows landscaping and outdoor amenities to be completed.

Golfers won’t have to wait until 2027 for something new

The first completed amenity is expected to debut this September: a new 7,600-square-foot putting green. Wilson said the new site should receive more morning sunlight, helping reduce winter frost delays.

Introducing “Freddy’s Turn”

One of the more unique additions is a new halfway house named Freddy’s Turn, honoring course designer and pro golfer Fred Couples.

Golfers will be able to pull up in their carts for grab-and-go food and drinks, as well as air conditioning before heading to the back nine. The building will also include restrooms that can serve tournaments and outdoor events.

“I think it’s an amenity that, as a golfer, you don’t expect, but you will appreciate immensely,” Wilson said.

Southern Dunes is expanding beyond golf

“We are officially in the wedding business,” Wilson said.

Previously, the banquet facility could accommodate up to 80 guests, but that limited the scale and number of weddings the club could host.

Plans include a ballroom for up to 250 guests, a bridal suite, groom’s room featuring a golf simulator, private dining rooms and an outdoor event lawn.

More dining experiences

Rather than asking one restaurant to serve every type of customer, Southern Dunes plans to offer two distinct experiences.

The Arroyo Grille will remain the club’s upscale dining option, while a new food hall and sports bar will offer a more casual atmosphere complete with 53 televisions.

“That’s where you can go for a little sports bar feel and watch the game, have beers, have nachos,” Wilson said.

Employees are getting an upgrade, too

A third building will be dedicated entirely to staff, providing space for training, breaks and offices.

“We’ve never had an area where employees can be on a truly uninterrupted break,” Wilson said. “This will be an area where employees can have their own little space, have their lunch break, make a personal phone call and then come out and be back in service mode.”