Arizona Water Fight: AG Mayes Says State Has Too Many Golf Courses

Arizona voters face a heated debate over water usage and economic priorities as the state’s top law enforcement race enters its final days. Attorney General Kris Mayes told Politico that the state likely has too many golf courses, a comment that quickly spread across social media and local news outlets. The remark transformed a technical discussion about arid land management into a direct confrontation between Mayes and her Republican challenger, Sen. Warren Petersen.

Mayes made the comments while discussing the water demands of new data centers. She noted that neighboring states, which she said were backed by the Trump administration, hinder Arizona’s local water supply. Mayes argued that the state could do much more for conservation. She specifically cited tax incentives for rainwater catchment and the removal of lawns as tools for change. "We have way, way too much grass in Arizona," she said. "We probably, frankly, we probably have too many golf courses in Arizona right now."

Petersen, a Republican from Maricopa County, responded sharply to the viral audio. He accused Mayes of targeting a multibillion-dollar industry. "Kris Mayes thinks Arizona has too many golf courses," Petersen told Fox News Digital. "I think Arizona has too many radical politicians who believe government should dictate which industries get to thrive." He emphasized that golf supports jobs, tourism, and small businesses across the state. Petersen argued that the attorney general should focus on enforcing the law and protecting consumers rather than attacking the economy.

Other Republican officials joined the criticism. Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona posted that the state does not have a golf course problem, but a "dumocrat" problem. Petersen added on social media, "Kris Mayes is promising to get rid of golf courses. I promise to get rid of Kris Mayes." Tom Spengler, CEO of e-procurement software, noted that tee times are difficult to secure and rates have doubled or tripled since the pandemic. He stated that Arizona honestly needs more golf courses.

The business community provided specific data to counter the narrative that golf courses drain excessive water. Courtney Coolidge, Vice President of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, cited a $6 billion economic impact for the industry. She reported that golf supports 66,000 jobs and generates $2.3 billion in wages and $520 million in tax revenue. Coolidge pointed out that golf courses use 2% or less of the state’s water resources. These figures align with a 2023 study by the Arizona Alliance for Golf.

Mayes later clarified her position in a tweet, stating she was making a larger point about water usage. "Relax, nobody's closing golf courses," she wrote. She explained that her goal is to create incentives for Arizonans and major industries to swap thirsty grass and catch rainwater. She noted this approach is especially important if the water situation worsens while she addresses foreign mega-farms and data centers. Mayes accused Petersen of spreading false claims about her stance.

Critics on social media reacted to Mayes’ follow-up with mixed results. Some users called her tone condescending, while others quipped that they all heard her original statement. One commenter described her approach to the golf industry as communist. The debate has become a key battleground in the race, with Republicans framing it as a dispute over government intervention in the state’s economy. Petersen is betting the controversy will resonate with voters beyond the fairways as Election Day approaches.

The race for Arizona attorney general is closely contested. Mayes currently holds the office, while Petersen seeks to unseat her. The issue of water conservation remains a persistent challenge in the desert state. Both candidates are using the golf course debate to frame their broader platforms on economic policy and environmental management. The final days of the campaign will likely see continued focus on how the state balances economic growth with resource preservation.