Arizona AG’s Golf Course Critique Ignites Midterm Fight Over Water and Jobs

A debate over water conservation in the desert state of Arizona has escalated into a central issue for next week’s midterm elections. Attorney General Kris Mayes drew sharp criticism after suggesting the state may have too many golf courses. Her comments transformed a policy discussion into a campaign flashpoint just days before voters head to the polls.

Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican from Maricopa County, led the charge against Mayes. He accused the Democratic attorney general of targeting a multibillion-dollar industry in a state where water is scarce. Petersen argued that Mayes believes government should dictate which industries survive, a view he said is held by radical politicians.

"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," Petersen told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. He noted that golf courses support jobs, tourism, and small businesses across the state.

Mayes made her initial remarks during an interview with Politico. The discussion focused on data centers and whether water-intensive buildings are wise in an arid region. She cited neighboring states as hindrances to Arizona’s local supply, a point she linked to a potential Supreme Court showdown over Colorado River water.

"We have way, way too much grass in Arizona. We probably, frankly, and I'm sure the golf industry is not going to like this when I say this, we probably have too many golf courses in Arizona right now," Mayes said. She added that the state could do more with conservation, citing tax incentives for catchment and the removal of lawns.

The business community reacted quickly to the comments. Courtney Coolidge, vice president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, provided statistics to counter the narrative. She reported that golf has a $6 billion economic impact on the state. That sector supports 66,000 jobs and generates $2.3 billion in wages and $520 million in tax revenue.

Coolidge emphasized 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. Other business leaders echoed the sentiment. Tom Spengler, CEO of an e-procurement software company, said Arizona needs more golf courses. He noted that tee times are hard to get and rates have doubled or tripled since the pandemic.

Mayes responded to the backlash by tweeting that she intended to make a larger point about water usage. "Relax, nobody's closing golf courses," she wrote. She said her point is the need for incentives to help Arizonans and major industries swap thirsty grass for rainwater catchment. She framed the issue as part of a larger effort to tackle foreign mega-farms and data centers draining the state's water.

Critics did not find the clarification sufficient. Petersen accused Mayes of spreading false claims in her response. On social media, X users called her tone condescending. One user quipped, "you relax, we all heard you." Others characterized her approach toward the golf industry as communist. The PGA Tuor, a golf satire site, shared a clip of the comments with the caption, "How to not get re-elected 101."

With Election Day approaching, Petersen is betting the controversy will resonate beyond golf fans. He is casting Mayes' remarks as part of a larger dispute over government intervention in Arizona's economy. Republicans are seeking to regain control of a state government they once reliably held. The debate has shifted from water policy to the role of the state in regulating private enterprise.