From the Executive Director

BY JOE FOLEY

For me and for many others, golf is a transcendent game. But the game we love is in danger of su ering harmful change here in Arizona over the next decade. Even though we were blessed with a wet winter, the region remains in the midst of a 25+ year “superdrought” that has forced our state legislature to consider additional cuts in water usage – including golf facilities. Drastically altering the same industry that has contributed to the recent nancial boom across the state seems counterproductive, though that’s where we nd ourselves today.

A recent study commissioned by the Arizona Alliance for Golf (AAG) showed the game’s annual nancial impact on the state economy to be $6 billion – yes, that’s with a b. Golf is thriving thanks to the 700,000 full-time residents here in Arizona who play golf, and perhaps just as many visitors every year enjoy our rst-class golf courses, restaurants, resorts and of course, weather. According to the study, golf courses use only 2% of daily statewide water. at’s quite an economic return for such little water usage, and leaves little wiggle room for cuts without potentially harmful economic impact.

e AAG was created to highlight all the Arizona golf industry has done, and is currently doing, to address the evolving environmental issues we are facing. It is comprised of members of the state’s allied golf associations, and I sit on the Board of Directors. I regularly visit azalliancegforgolf.org to get the latest information on current events, and those across the golf community can learn about the latest in our e orts to protect our game. e latest news on turf research and its relationship with the USGA’s Green Section is available, as well as the economic impact study, and how the local golf industry is serving as leaders in water reduction measures as it maintains compliance within its governmentmandated allocations. e AAG is not just for industry professionals – the entire Arizona golf community is invited to join our e orts to save our game. More than half a million players and enthusiasts can make an impact if we stand united. Stay tuned to Arizona Golf Association communications platforms as we share the latest information available. We are committed to transparency and progress on this crucial topic, and look forward to working with many to do our part.

Finally, this issue was developed as a reference guide for you – the golfer – to stay informed and engaged on this most pressing topic. In follow-up, all questions and inquiries can be sent directly to info@azgolf.org.

Dive in and let us know what you think.

Arizonagolf Insider

7600 E. Redfield Rd., Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (602) 944-3035 | www.azgolf.org

Executive Committee Officers

PRESIDENT ............................................... Tim Brown

VICE PRESIDENT .......................................... John Souza

VICE PRESIDENT ....................................... Tim Hulscher

SECRETARY .......................................... Jackie Bertsch

TREASURER Vera Ciancola

GENERAL COUNSEL ......................................... Greg Mast

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dr. Harry Cavanagh Jr., Joe Foley, Tameka Fox-Hartman, Bryan Hoops, Mark Jeffery, Leslie Kramer, Ann Martin, Scott McNevin, Jay Pennypacker, Rod Tomita, Victoria Totlis

AGA STAFF

Joe Foley, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Le Ann Finger, Amy Fruhwirth, Brandon Genson, Sharon Goldstone, Vivian Kelley, Kathy Laux, Mike Mason, Meagan McEnery, Derek McKenzie, Chris Montgomery, Robyn Noll, Austin Pelias, Everett Priddy, Logan Rasmussen, Daniel Shoup, Peg Tanner, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods

Partnership Contact ................................ Chris Montgomery cmontgomery@azgolf.org - (602) 872-7011

National Advertising Contact ........................... Brian Foster bfoster@azgolf.org - (602) 909-7799

AZ GOLF INSIDER STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF David Bataller

AGA EDITORS ..................... Brandon Genson, Meagan McEnery

CONTRIBUTORS Joe Foley, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Brandon Genson, Ed Gowan, Le Ann Finger, Jeff Locke, Cori Matheson, Robyn Noll, Joe Passov, Logan Rasmussen, Brian Whitlark

PRESIDENT AND CEO ........................... Robyn Lambert Lynch

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Grannis, Michelle Schneider

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ...............................Morgan McClellan

OFFICE & EVENTS MANAGER ............................. Gina Pinaire

PRODUCTION MANAGER ................................... Julie Vance

CREATIVE DIRECTION Haines Wilkerson, Hither & Wander Inc.

ART DIRECTION ......................................... Michael Min FOR PRINT ADVERTISING SALES CONTACT: SALES@ONMEDIAAZ.COM

Arizona Golf Insider (ISSN 2765-9054) is published four times per year by the Arizona Golf Association. It is supported by members’ dues, utilizing $5 per member per year. We welcome all editorial submissions, including letters, but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. They will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Views expressed within these pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or official policies of the Arizona Golf Association. No part of this magazine is intended as an endorsement of any equipment, publication, videotape, golf course, or other entity. No part of this magazine may be reproduced for use as an advertising, publicity or endorsement item without written approval of the AGA. Arizona Golf Insider is offered on a subscription basis for $12.95 annually. Individual copies may be obtained by forwarding $5 to the address above. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arizona Golf Association, 7600 E. Redfield Road, Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85260-1101

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