Arizona’s Senate president, Warren Petersen, led a swift response Tuesday after Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes suggested the state has “too much grass” and an excess of golf courses. Petersen, a Republican from Maricopa County, framed the comment as an attack on a multibillion‑dollar industry that supports jobs, tourism, and local families.
Political clash intensifies ahead of midterms
With just 100 days until the November midterm elections, the dispute has become a flashpoint in the broader partisan battle over government regulation of Arizona’s economy. Petersen told Fox News Digital, “Kris Mayes thinks Arizona has too many golf courses. I think Arizona has too many radical politicians who believe government should dictate which industries get to thrive.” He added that the state’s golf courses are vital to “jobs, tourism, small businesses and communities across this state.”
Mayes, in a recent interview with Politico, cited water‑intensive development as a concern for the arid Southwest. She warned that Arizona could face a Supreme Court showdown over Colorado River allocations and called for stronger conservation incentives, including tax breaks for rain‑catchment and the removal of lawns. “We could do a hell of a lot more when it comes to conservation,” she said, noting that her remarks were taken out of context.
Business community backs the sport
Arizona Chamber of Commerce Vice President Courtney Coolidge countered Mayes’ remarks with concrete data. She reported a $6 billion economic impact from golf, supporting 66,000 jobs, generating $2.3 billion in wages, and delivering $520 million in tax revenue. Importantly, she noted that golf courses collectively use “2% or less” of the state’s water resources, a figure echoed by a 2023 Arizona Alliance for Golf study.
Local business leaders echoed the Chamber’s assessment. E‑procurement software CEO Tom Spengler said Arizona “honestly needs more golf courses,” pointing out that tee times have become scarce and rates have risen dramatically since the pandemic. Turning Point USA executive Justin Streiff added, “We have too much grass — said no one ever, other than Kris Mayes,” underscoring the criticism from conservative voices.
Mayes clarifies her position
When reached for comment, Mayes emphasized that she is not calling for the closure of any golf course. “Relax, nobody’s closing golf courses,” she said on Twitter. Her broader point, she explained, is to incentivize Arizonans and major industries to replace thirsty grass with water‑saving practices, especially as the state’s water situation grows more precarious.
Mayes also accused Petersen of spreading “false claims” about her intentions, a charge that has drawn further ridicule on social media. Critics labeled her remarks as “condescending” and, in some circles, even “communist,” reflecting the heightened partisan tone surrounding the issue.
What’s at stake for Arizona voters
As the midterm campaign heats up, Republicans are using the golf‑course controversy to illustrate what they see as overreach by Democratic officials. Petersen’s tweet, “Kris Mayes is promising to get rid of golf courses. I promise to get rid of Kris Mayes,” encapsulates the framing of the debate as a choice between preserving local industry and imposing government‑driven restrictions.
For Arizona’s electorate, the dispute highlights two core concerns: protecting a thriving sector that contributes billions to the state economy, and ensuring responsible water stewardship in a desert environment. Both sides agree that water conservation is essential, but they differ sharply on the role of government in achieving it.
With the ballot looming, the conversation is likely to influence voter perceptions of both parties’ approach to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
