In a recent ABC 15 segment, reporter Sean McDowell showcases Alta Mesa Golf Club as an example of local environmental responsibility. Despite a perception that golf courses overuse water, Alta Mesa General Manager Scott Mattiello emphasized that “We’ve actually been stewards of water usage for many years.”
Transition to Drought-Resistant TifTough Grass
Three years ago, the club transitioned its playing surfaces to TifTough, a resilient Bermudagrass variety specifically bred for hot, dry climates. This change has significantly reduced water needs while maintaining excellent playing conditions.
Smart Technology and Precision Watering
Alta Mesa utilizes high-tech saturation detectors and targeted watering to ensure water is applied only where and when it is needed most. This precision approach allows superintendents to maximize efficiency across the golf course.
Water Usage Within Allocated Limits
In 2025, Alta Mesa used exactly 560 acre-feet of water — precisely matching the club’s full allotment designated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Community Pride in Sustainability
East Valley golfer and Alta Mesa member Neil Sorensen captured the community’s spirit: “It is a sense of pride for those of us who play golf, that perhaps we’re part of something that is a better tomorrow.”
The Arizona Alliance for Golf remains committed to promoting these sustainable practices across the state.
