A recently published article by Jorge Guajardo in The Arizona Republic highlights what Valley golfers have known for decades: green fees drop considerably during the summer months. Undaunted by the heat, this is when local golfers play the majority of their rounds.
A Complementary Relationship That Benefits All Arizonans
Although it might seem like a tee-time tug-of-war between winter visitors and locals, it’s really a complementary relationship that benefits everyone — especially Arizona residents, whether they play golf or not.
The article cites the Arizona Alliance for Golf’s (AAG) 2021 economic impact study, which reports that Arizona’s golf industry generates a $6 billion annual boost to the local economy. This impact is widely distributed across varied business sectors, supporting nearly 66,200 jobs, providing $2.3 billion in wages, and generating $518 million in state and local tax revenue.
Summer Opportunities for Locals and Visitors Alike
Much of that $6 billion comes from out-of-state visitors who pay top dollar to play during the winter and spring months when their home courses are “hibernating.” Once those courses “wake up,” Arizona’s tee sheets open up, and the law of supply and demand swings in favor of local golfers. Golf course operators are more than happy to oblige.
The article points out a handful of examples, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The same holds true across the Valley. From Troon North to TPC Scottsdale and from We-Ko-Pa to Wigwam, every facility offers lower rack rates in addition to summertime specials. Many of these packages include food and beverage options or retail merchandise.
Legendary Summer Deals Strengthen Arizona’s Year-Round Appeal
In fact, the deals have become so legendary that Grayhawk Golf Club General Manager and longtime AAG member Joe Shershenovich was quoted in the article: “If you would have told me 10 years ago people would be traveling to Arizona in the summer as a destination, I would have found that hard to believe. And summer golf is a big part of making Arizona that summer destination.”
This only adds to the $6 billion economic impact during a time when days are long and travel/tourism capacity is ample enough to accommodate more visitors without disrupting local play. It’s a classic win-win scenario.
Stewardship That Sets Arizona Apart
Best of all, for those 16.6 million rounds played annually, local golf agronomy professionals use just 2% of the state’s water.
This efficiency stems from decades of proactive conservation. The inherent dryness of Arizona, combined with forward-thinking 1980s-era legislation, placed water stewardship on the radar of golf course operators long ago. Firm, fast conditions required for championship-caliber golf are achieved by using only the water necessary to sustain turfgrass. Because water is expensive, operators have a strong financial incentive to minimize usage.
Additional advancements include highly efficient irrigation systems, soil moisture probes that pinpoint exact watering needs, recycled water sources, drought-tolerant turfgrasses, and cutting-edge chemistry. Together, these practices have positioned Arizona’s golf course agronomists as worldwide leaders in sustainable turfgrass management.
Golf is Good for Everyone
Arizona’s golf industry exemplifies how economic vitality, community benefits, and environmental stewardship can thrive together. Summer’s lower green fees not only make the game more accessible for locals but also help sustain a $6 billion engine that supports jobs, generates tax revenue, and enriches Arizona’s quality of life year-round. Through continued education and collaboration, the AAG remains committed to protecting and promoting this vital industry for golfers and non-golfers alike.
