Golf courses do more than host golfers; they help to protect habitat for native plants and animals across Arizona’s desert landscapes, especially in urban areas.
Bri Kenny, Troon Golf’s manager of environmental science, oversees wildlife habitat projects, restoration, water conservation, water quality, and environmental compliance. In a recent interview, she explained how courses designate zones with varying levels of management. Some areas remain fully preserved as natural habitat, while others receive limited care that supports ecological functions.
Managed zones create wildlife corridors
“One of the best parts about golf is that nature is a part of the sport more so than any other sport,” Kenny said. “You’re weaving in different habitat areas, and those become key for wildlife to use as corridors and resource areas.”
Open space and connectivity in urban deserts
This dual role — serving golfers while offering open space, water and tree cover — makes golf courses unique. They function as managed landscapes that encourage critical habitat connectivity in an increasingly urbanized state.
Arizona’s leadership in sustainable golf
Kenny expanded on these insights during Syngenta Golf’s sustainability docuseries, The Green Report, which traveled to Arizona last October to film a three-part series exploring how desert courses balance playability with environmental stewardship, including water-conscious practices.
