Mayes Says Arizona Has Too Many Golf Courses, Petersen Vows Removal

The race for Arizona’s top law enforcement post has sharpened into a clash over water usage and the state’s golf industry. Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, stated in a recent interview that Arizona likely has too many golf courses. Her comment, made while discussing data centers and water conservation, has become the central issue in the final days before the midterm elections.

Mayes appeared on Politico to discuss whether the rapid expansion of water-intensive buildings is wise in an arid state. She cited neighboring states supported by the Trump administration as obstacles to Arizona’s local water supply. She then addressed the state’s grass coverage directly. "We have way, way too much grass in Arizona," Mayes said. "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."

Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican from Maricopa, responded aggressively on Tuesday. He accused Mayes of targeting a major economic sector instead of enforcing the law. "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."

Petersen emphasized the economic weight of the industry, noting that golf supports jobs, tourism, and small businesses. "Instead of attacking an industry that contributes to our economy, the attorney general should be focused on enforcing the law, protecting consumers and defending Arizona families," he said. He later added on social media, "Kris Mayes is promising to get rid of golf courses. I promise to get rid of Kris Mayes."

Critics from across the political spectrum amplified the controversy. Representative Eli Crane, a Republican from Arizona, joked, "We don’t have a golf course problem in Arizona. We have a dumocrat problem in Arizona." Tom Spengler, CEO of an e-procurement software company, argued that Arizona honestly needs more golf courses, noting that tee times are hard to get and rates have doubled or tripled since the pandemic. Turning Point USA executive Justin Streiff posted, "We have too much grass, said no one ever, other than Kris Mayes."

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

Mayes responded to the backlash by tweeting that 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 also stated she intends to take on foreign mega-farms and data centers that drain water. Mayes accused Petersen of spreading false claims, though critics on X called her response condescending and characterized her approach as communist.

The debate continues as Election Day approaches. Petersen is betting the controversy will resonate beyond the golf courses, framing Mayes' remarks as part of a larger dispute over government intervention in the state economy. Republicans are using the moment to seek control of a state government they once reliably held.