The visit reinforces the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and policymakers

Michael Lee, GCSAA senior manager of government affairs, and Kelly Lonker, GCSAA grassroots advocacy specialist, joined me March 10-12 in Phoenix, Ariz., for Arizona Golf Industry Day as well as numerous site visits around the Valley of the Sun.  

Organized by the Arizona Alliance for Golf, Arizona Industry Golf Day took place on March 12 on the Senate Lawn of the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix. The day featured opportunities for golf industry representatives to share golf’s story with policymakers and staff members. 

Much of the discussion focused on water use and availability for golf courses in Arizona, as well as on the economic, environmental, and community impacts of the state's $6 billion golf industry. In addition to the discussions, policymakers and staff were treated to lunch and numerous interactive golf events, including swing instruction from local PGA Professionals. Allied groups participating included the Cactus and Pine GCSA, Arizona Golf Association, Arizona Junior Golf, Southwest Section PGA, Greater Southwest Chapter of CMAA and LPGA Girls Golf of Phoenix. 

We also had the opportunity to conduct multiple outreach visits around the Phoenix area, including a meeting with the staff of Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton. Alta Mesa Golf Club General Manager Scott Mattiello and Superintendent Ryan Rolfe hosted the site visit with Stanton staff members Sarah White and Quinn Murphy. The duo learned about the ongoing water conservation efforts at Alta Mesa, including the recent conversion to TifTuf Bermuda and the installation of a new pump system that better serves the course's water management needs.

Other visits included stops at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club and TPC Scottsdale.  We met with Superstition Mountain director of golf Matt Brooks to assist him in his upcoming visit with Arizona Congressman Elijah Crane.  Matt provided a great tour of the facility and we were able to discuss key talking points about the Arizona golf industry.  We then moved onto TPC Scottsdale for a visit with Director of Golf Matt Williamson and Superintendent Brandon Reese. Matt and Brandon discussed ongoing water challenges at the facility as well as the success of the recent PGA TOUR Waste Management Open. 

A big thanks goes out to all involved with our trip to Arizona. Your hospitality and time are appreciated, and we look forward to continued work with all of the allied groups in Arizona. Find more information about the Arizona Golf Alliance.