Golf Conservation History
In the Sept. 23 issue of the Fountain Hills Times Independent, AAG member Jeff Lessig, PGA, reminds readers what the 1980 Groundwater Management Act actually required: limits on turf, a shift to recycled water, and a cap of 90 irrigated acres for an 18-hole course. These guardrails helped shape the emergence of “desert golf” — tees, greens and fairways as islands, instead of parkland copies of the Midwest.
Golf in Arizona did not stumble into using less water. It was written into law, and since then, the industry has only become even more efficient through innovation that has made the Grand Canyon State’s golf operators pioneers in water resource management.
Technology Tools
Lessig’s point is practical in terms of creating the ideal playing conditions. “Firm and fast is the goal,” he said, which is achieved by using the minimum amount of water. To help make this happen, superintendents have long ago gone high tech. They rely on weather stations, soil sensors, wetting agents and other cutting-edge gadgets and practices, including developing and installing drought-tolerant turf that requires far less water.
Golf’s Community Benefits
Lessig goes on to explain the favorable return on investment that golf delivers. Arizona hosted more than 16.6 million rounds in 2025 and generated more than $6 billion in economic activity while using about 2% of the state’s water.
(click above image for the full story)
A Fountain Hills resident and former PGA of America District 14 director who has served the Southwest Section PGA for more than 40 years, Jeff Lessig can be reached at jlessig@pgahq.com.
