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Briarwood Country Club: A Community of Friends

Where tradition and thoughtful ownership shape every experience.

For over 40 years, Briarwood Country Club has offered a distinctly welcoming, unpretentious private club experience. Known for its sense of camaraderie, high-quality course conditions, and vibrant member community, Briarwood delivers an exceptional blend of golf, hospitality, and connection.

Located in the heart of Sun City West and just 15 minutes from Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, and Sun City Grand, Briarwood is both a golf haven and a social hub. The club is defined by its fast and unfettered rounds—often completed in under three hours—and by a commitment to personalized service that makes members feel at home from day one. Whether you're playing a spontaneous nine holes with friends or enjoying one of our many social events, Briarwood creates space for everyone to feel they belong.

In 2024, Briarwood was acquired by Swing First Golf, a company that brings deep experience, personal commitment, and long-term vision to golf course ownership. Swing First was founded in 2004 by Dave Ashton and Jeff Lundgren, childhood friends who purchased their first course—now called San Tan Highlands—when they were still in their twenties. Since then, the company has grown deliberately and sustainably, acquiring Coyote Lakes Golf Club (2021), Palmbrook Golf Club (2022), Union Hills Golf Club (2023), Briarwood Country Club (July 2024), and Starfire Golf Club (September 2024), with plans to expand further across Arizona.

Unlike many golf companies, Swing First has no outside investors. All acquisitions are made with their own capital and through trusted debt partnerships. Dave and Jeff make every major decision together, combining professional acumen with a personal connection that runs deep. Dave, a Stanford MBA graduate, focuses on financial operations, acquisitions, and real estate. Jeff, who oversees club operations, works closely with each team to ensure efficiency, consistency, and an excellent member experience.

Their approach to golf is rooted in care: care for the land, care for the people who run their clubs, and care for the members who call them home. At Swing First, each course is viewed as an opportunity to build something meaningful. Whether it’s investing in infrastructure at San Tan Highlands, enhancing turf quality at Coyote Lakes, adding modern amenities at Palmbrook, or improving playability and access at Union Hills, the goal is always the same—create courses that are central to their communities and deliver lasting value to the people who use them.

Briarwood reflects that same commitment. The club’s Greg Nash-designed golf course is the centerpiece of the property—a thoughtful and evolving layout that stretches over 6,600 yards of tree-lined fairways, gentle elevation changes, and strategic shot-making opportunities. It’s both challenging and rewarding, appealing to experienced golfers and newcomers alike. The course’s walkability, pace of play, and tranquil setting make it a favorite for those who want to enjoy the game on their own terms.

Beyond the course, Briarwood’s social life is just as vibrant. The 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, newly renovated in late 2024, plays host to a wide variety of events—from weddings and milestone celebrations to member dinners and theme nights. The full-service restaurant and bar is open for lunch and dinner, while an active events calendar keeps the community connected all year long. Whether you're joining a holiday brunch, trivia night, or live music gathering, Briarwood is as much about friendship as it is about fairways.

As part of the Swing First family, Briarwood benefits from leadership that values operational excellence, authentic hospitality, and genuine connection. Members are more than customers—they’re neighbors, friends, and partners in building something lasting. If you're looking for a private country club that combines top-tier golf with a grounded, welcoming culture, Briarwood Country Club is a place you'll be proud to be a part of!

"Known for its high-quality course conditions, and vibrant member community, Briarwood delivers an exceptional blend of golf, hospitality, and connection."