There is no shortage of challenges and opposition facing the golf industry in the West, especially in the state of Arizona. It is uncertain whether elected officials will support the great game of golf to the same level as previous administrations. There is increasing pressure on golf due to rising water costs, state-mandated water restrictions and public pressure to reduce water use. With the heightened focus on water, the media has ratcheted-up the spotlight on golf course water use and unfortunately some have bypassed facts in favor of clicks.
The Arizona Alliance for Golf (AAG) was born out of the need for the industry to coalesce into one allied group to “Unify, protect and educate everyday Arizonans about the game and the bright, fruitful future it holds for generations to come,” as the AAG phrases it on their website. A recent economic study revealed that golf in Arizona is a $6 billion industry supporting over 66,000 jobs while only using 2% of the state’s water. The study is an important educational resource the AAG will use to proactively position the golf narrative in Arizona.
Beyond the economic impact study, the AAG serves the golf industry through various other avenues. Perhaps readers of this update will be encouraged to consider creating a similar driving force in their state.
Communication
Rather than working as individual entities within the golf industry, the AAG has allowed for all partners to have a unified voice to share accurate economic and water-use data. Furthermore, the AAG began a campaign called “Golf Is Good for Everyone” that uses several short videos from golfers and nongolfers to promote the benefits communities derive from golf and help refute the notion that golf is an elitist and exclusionary sport.
Water Policy
The AAG was instrumental in working with the Arizona Department of Water Resources to develop a new water management plan. The Fifth Water Management Plan enables the state agency to achieve its statutory goal of reduced groundwater use on golf courses while also allowing facilities to continue having enough water to do business. The AAG Water Committee is working to help golf courses accurately assess their current irrigated turf acreage, water surface acreage and low-water-use landscaping. This data is critical to accurately assess water use per irrigated acre.
Media Engagement
One of the most important functions the AAG serves is engaging with the media to share unified industry messaging and guard against the “gotcha-style” reporting that is commonplace today. The alliance has been strategically drafting talking points for key industry leaders, has developed messaging documents with industry alignment, and has improved relationships with influential media voices.
What Is Ahead?
The AAG and the Arizona Golf Foundation received an $8 million grant to build a new Arizona Golf House at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix. The Arizona Golf House is designed to unify the Arizona golf community and will allow stakeholders to share best practices, enhance collaboration, develop sustainable management practices, teach the game’s core values, and celebrate and expand youth mentorship programs. Construction on Arizona Golf House is scheduled to begin this year. Moving forward, the AAG is poised to engage with key political leaders to address challenges with water scarcity, lack of water-saving infrastructure like connections to recycled water, workforce shortages and talent retention.
This update’s focus is on the Arizona Alliance for Golf, but similar alliances have also been formed in other states – e.g., the California Alliance for Golf, Nevada Golf Alliance and Hawaii Golf Alliance. The common goal of these new organizations is to unify allied associations and stakeholders to protect the game, its traditions and the business of golf by educating golfers, nongolfers and future leaders about the many economic, health and societal benefits golf has to offer.
West Region Agronomists:
Brian Whitlark, senior consulting agronomist – bwhitlark@usga.org
Cory Isom, agronomist – cisom@usga.org