A recent opinion column by Sean Petersen published in the Arizona Daily Star provides valuable nuance to an important issue for Arizona’s vitality that has frequently been presented as a false choice between water and golf. Amid legitimate concerns about Colorado River water supplies, the piece correctly notes the golf industry’s conservation record, which continues to pick up steam, while delivering significant economic value for residents across the state.
Golf’s Vital Role in Arizona’s Economy
Golf has long been one of the cornerstones of Arizona’s tourism and job market. The industry has grown to support more than 66,000 jobs, generates roughly $6 billion in annual economic activity, and draws 3.7 million visitors each year. While here, golf travelers spend 2.9 times more than typical tourists. The WM Phoenix Open alone brings nearly 700,000 visitors annually, boosting hotels, restaurants, and local retailers. All of this activity is powered by irrigation that represents just 2% of the state’s daily water use.
Smart Technology and Reclaimed Water in Action
Much of that efficiency comes from modern tools now common on Arizona courses. Precision irrigation systems use real-time weather data, satellite imagery, and soil sensors to apply water only where and when it’s truly needed. Smart controllers have been shown to cut fairway water use by as much as 50%. Facilities have also begun to install drought-tolerant turf, developed through industry-led investments in research and development, which also include products that strengthen root systems and lower overall demand.
Equally important is the source of the water itself. A growing number of courses irrigate with reclaimed water rather than drinking supplies. For example, Scottsdale’s long-running distribution system serves 23 courses and produces 20 million gallons of non-potable water each day. Tucson’s program, operating since 1984, has already conserved an estimated 100 billion gallons of potable water.
Advocating for Balanced, Science-Based Policies
The Arizona Alliance for Golf supports continued investment in these technologies and policies that recognize both the industry’s water stewardship and its economic contributions. By focusing on innovation and facts rather than incomplete assumptions, Arizona can protect its water resources while sustaining the golf experiences that benefit communities statewide.
