STATEMENTS FROM ARIZONA GOLF TOURISM & REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY LEADERS
“Golf is core to the state’s tourism activity. The sport’s impact goes beyond just golf courses, it also impacts the broader tourism industry including resorts, hotels, restaurants and bars, and general retail activity.” — Debbie Johnson, Director Arizona Office of Tourism
“Our large groups may not always play golf, but they wouldn’t even book their group in a place like Desert Ridge if we didn’t have golf as an option for them.” — Steve Hart, General Manager (retired), JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort
“In 2020, a record $14M was raised from proceeds of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. Over the life of the tournament, more than $161M has been distributed to local organizations and individuals in need through Thunderbirds Charities. Golf is not only part of the fabric of this community, golf works to strengthen the community.” — Chance Cozby, Executive Director, The Thunderbirds
“Arizona is one the most active and beautiful golf states in the country. The industry supports thousands of Arizona jobs. I see it as our sixth ‘C’ – copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, climate and courses.” — Dawn Grove, Corporate Counsel, Karsten Manufacturing
“Scottsdale and golf became synonymous more than a century ago when golfers played the area’s first oiled dirt course beneath Camelback Mountain. With major golf tournaments and more than 300 golf courses in the state, Arizona remains an unparalleled golf destination to this day. Many visitors come to Arizona solely for our pristine courses, and many more book tee times once they’re here. Golf has and always will be a foundational part Arizona’s tourism industry.” — Rachel Sacco, President & CEO, Experience Scottsdale
“Golf access is foundational to many master-planned communities. This access allows for additional high-quality development to occur, thus positively impacting property values and local tax collections.” — Ed Robson, Founder and Chairman, Robson Resort Communities
“Outdoor recreation is a huge draw for visitation in rural Arizona with the golf industry ranking at the top. The direct golf spending, when combined with the additional tourism dollars spent, strengthens many small businesses across rural Arizona.” — Julie Pastrick, President & CEO, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
“Golf is a leader in sustainability. Golf landscapes help reduce the carbon footprint of urban areas. More and more golf courses are using recycled water for irrigation, which has a number of environmental and economic benefits. Golf water management is not only sustainable, but also produces a significant ROI. Golf in Arizona is a leader in using water efficiently.” — Doug York, CEO, Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply
“Golf is an economic driver for Arizona; attracting tourism, generating valuable tax dollars and employing hundreds of thousands of residents directly or through supporting industries. In addition to the inherent recreation, social and health benefits the game provides to residents and visitors, golf provides a $4.6B economic impact to the state of Arizona. Troon fully supports further coordination and collaboration among industry professionals as this will help to enhance the benefits to our state.” — Tim Schantz, CEO, Troon
