The Arizona Alliance for Golf proudly highlights the Country Club at DC Ranch as a model of responsible water conservation innovation. Facing an aging irrigation infrastructure and growing regional water concerns, they launched a comprehensive renovation project that transformed both the golf course and the club’s environmental impact.
From Aging Systems to Comprehensive Vision
Roughly five years in the making, what began as a practical need to replace a 30-year-old irrigation system evolved into a broader commitment to conservation. The club’s management team engaged the membership to come up with a plan to produce both meaningful financial savings and stronger environmental stewardship for Scottsdale and surrounding communities.
Turf Reduction Delivers Immediate Impact
Turf reduction was the cornerstone of the project. After removing 10 of the original 91 acres, the club will now save about 23 million gallons of water each year. The remaining fairways, rough, and tee boxes were re-grassed with a hybrid turf better suited to the region’s intense heat and known for significantly lower water demand.
Precision Control and a Path to AI Efficiency
Equally transformative is the new irrigation system. Individual head control now spans the entire course, allowing precise management from an iPad. Dry spots can be addressed instantly, while wet spots are dialed back thereby eliminating waste in ways the older systems could not. Looking ahead, the club sees further efficiency gains through artificial intelligence tools that will refine water use even more.
“We all want to be great stewards of water,” said Dana Parish, director of agronomy at DC Ranch, underscoring the proactive mindset that guided every decision, and Jason Asbra, general manager and COO emphasized that the project was about “more than just golf.” It’s a step forward through turf reduction, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to operate as efficiently as possible.
Golf’s Continued Value to Scottsdale
Golf remains vital to Scottsdale’s economy, supporting jobs, tourism, and local revenue. By investing in smarter water practices, The Country Club at DC Ranch demonstrates how the industry can protect scarce resources while continuing to deliver exceptional play and community benefits. The Arizona Alliance for Golf celebrates this project as proof that thoughtful stewardship and outstanding golf can thrive together in the desert.
