The Cactus & Pine GCSA held their fifth annual Water Summit on August 20 at Phoenix Country Club in Phoenix, Ariz. 

The event provides water-related education to Cactus & Pine superintendents as well as highlighting water conservation efforts of the golf industry to Arizona politicians, government agencies, municipalities and allied golf organizations. 

The keynote speaker for the event was Arizona Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers (R-District 25) who spoke on golf’s beneficial use of water and its overall effect on the economic health of the state. 

Other featured speakers included Lisa Atkins, Central Arizona Project; Sal Bracale, Moon Valley Nursery; Paul Brown, Ph.D., University of Arizona; Jill Brumand, City of Scottsdale; Clint Chandler, Arizona Department of Water; Jennifer Davidson, City of Surprise; Jeff Lawson, Rainbird; Carmen Magro, CGCS: Marco Shiavon, Ph.D., UC Riverside and Warren Tenney, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association.

The education and presentations focused on a variety of topics including turfgrass water and nutrient management, moisture monitoring, low water landscaping, climatology and updates on the state’s water supply, use and outlook. 

The event concluded with a video from Arizona Senator Martha McSally that commended the state golf industry for its sustainability efforts as well as its economic impact and job creation. 

“To have Speaker Bowers and Senator McSally both participate in the summit demonstrates that golf’s voice and message is being heard,” said Cactus & Pine GCSA Past President and Water Summit co-organizer Rory Van Poucke. “Our politicians recognize the importance of golf’s $3.9 billion contribution to the state economy as well as the impact on state and local taxes.”       

The summit was attended by over 130 Cactus & Pine members and guests including representatives of the Arizona Corporate Commission, the Arizona Golf Association, Club Managers Association of America, Maricopa County, Ping, Southwest Section PGA and numerous policymakers from local municipalities, state agencies and water districts including the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Arizona Public Services, Central Arizona Project and the Salt River Project.

“The summit continues to grow each year and it shows the commitment that our members have to water management and conservation efforts in Arizona,” said Cactus & Pine GCSA Executive Director and Water Summit co-organizer Carmella Ruggiero. “I would like to thank all of our sponsors who attended the event as well as our hosts Charlie Costello, Dan Badzuis and Scott Frisch. Phoenix Country Club is always willing to step up and assist us.”    

For more information on the Water Summit, the Arizona Golf Industry Economic Impact Study or the Arizona Golf Industry Best Management Practices, visit the Cactus & Pine GCSA website.