Desert Fairways: Golfing Oases in the American West

I was sitting in an airport this week when I overheard some people bitching at the TV about the water crises in the western United States and how useless golf courses are and should be made into affordable housing.

As I tried to imagine living with such a limited grasp of capitalism, economics and athletic ability, I looked with wonder at highlights of La Quinta Golf Club in Palm Springs for the upcoming Amex Tourney.

In my previously limited research on this subject I knew there were other industries these folks should put effort in protesting. I get it, easy target, a bunch of rich dudes sipping Moscow Mules on lush bent-grass. Part of me feels the need to defend the game we love.

But it made me curious; when did we start golfing in the desert? Who created drought resistant fairway grass? What genius came up with putting salt and lime in your beer when it’s hot out? Was it the guy behind Mike’s Harder Lemonade? Let’s find out.

Scottsdale not Scotland

Most consider the acclaimed Robert "Red" Lawrence design to be the first modern desert course ever built. In 1961, nestled in the mountains of Northern Scottsdale the Desert Forest Golf Club was considered a modern miracle of innovation.

Many were still skeptical about it’s sustainability being in one of the hottest climates in the world. Were not just talking the hot guys in Tempe, but the temperature you dirty dog.

Evolution

The early golf courses in the American Southwest were developed as part of luxury resorts and private clubs. These courses were often lush and green, designed without much regard for the arid environment, and required substantial water for maintenance. However, post-World War II, with growing environmental awareness and concerns about water scarcity, golf course design and maintenance in the region began to change.

Modern courses focus more on sustainability, using recycled water, minimizing chemical use, and preserving natural habitats. This shift reflects a broader trend towards balancing golf with the environmental challenges of the desert.

They say you either find the desert to be beautiful or absolutely horrible to look at, but I honestly can say desert golf courses have a unique look.

Cascading white and red rock with unique plant life and not to mention the way the tip of my peen feels seeing a desert sunrise hammering a bloody mary.

Sustainability

A Greener Fairway: Since we aren’t in fucking Scotland, we've transitioned to using drought-resistant grasses, such as Bermuda, Bent, Rye, and Buffalo grass.

These people who automatically water their lawns 2 times a day don’t use these resilient varieties that thrive in dry conditions. Talk about gettin stoned in glass houses.

To answer my earlier question, who created drought resistant grasses? Was it some steam punk scientist in the 1800s?

Sadly no, like almost all of turfgrass species, bermudagrass is an introduced plant to the United States. The origin of the first introduction of bermudagrass most likely came from contaminated hay, which was used as bedding, when slaves were brought to America. Millions and millions of seeds were distributed initially across the eastern and southern United States.

In urban U.S. areas, Kentucky bluegrass is widely used for lawns due to its soft texture and foot traffic resilience. As a typical "cool-season" grass, it grows best in Southwest's spring and fall, adapting well to frost and low temperatures. However, this grass is less suited for drought conditions, as it struggles in high heat and intense sunlight.

These golf hybrid creations significantly reduce the need for frequent watering while maintaining the lush, green appearance of our fairways and greens. Or you can go the Augusta and the LA CC route and spray paint the course green for Majors..

Brown is Beautiful: It’s actually cool to be brown now. Just look at the hard pan fairways of Austin CC. Ask Justin Timberlake, who’s Mirimichi Golf Course is the first golf course to ever receive the Audubon Certified International Classic Sanctuary status.

Smarter Irrigation: New state-of-the-art irrigation system ensures that every drop of water is used efficiently. With advanced technology like soil moisture sensors and weather-based controllers, they can precisely manage water distribution, focusing on the areas that need it the most.

Grey water and recycled water is often used for irrigation too. This not only reduces the reliance on freshwater resources but also aligns with our goal of being an environmentally responsible consumers.

Just like having a Coors light when your back is sweaty. That’s hydration bitches.

Stats to tell your stupid Uncle

In states with significant agricultural industries such as California, Arizona, Utah and Texas agriculture accounts for roughly 80% of all water used for businesses and homes.

50% of all food grown in the world is done in the US. 25% of the food we grow is exported. That’s just what humans eat. Alfalfa is even higher.

In Utah, the agriculture industry uses 2 billion gallons of water daily. The general public uses 621 million gallons daily, while golf courses use a mere 21 million daily.

Golf courses in the U.S. used 29 percent less water in 2020, compared with usage in 2005.

Not ot mention golf is one of the few third spaces Americans have to socialize in a car dependent environment. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry, it’s the economy.

Courses doin’ it and doin’ it well

Barona Creek Golf Club, California: They actioned a large-scale oak restoration project, transplanting more than 170 native oak trees. Architects Gary Roger Baird and Todd Eckenrode designed dry creek beds that mimic natural landscapes and promote biodiversity. These drainage areas create new habitats, while the open spaces between them act as wildlife corridors. 

The course has created a wildlife habitat on the property that is home to over 100 migratory bird species.

TPC Scottsdale, Arizona: Famous for hosting the Waste Management Phoenix Open, it is renowned for its sustainable practices, including water conservation, recycling, and energy efficiency measures. The tournament itself is known for being a zero-waste event.

Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, Nevada: This resort utilizes recycled water for irrigation and has implemented wildlife habitat preservation programs. Its location in a desert environment makes its water-saving measures particularly noteworthy.

The Boulders Golf Club, Arizona: Situated in a unique desert landscape, The Boulders is acclaimed for its use of desert landscaping to minimize water usage and for preserving the natural desert ecosystem.

PGA West, La Quinta, California: Known for its advanced irrigation technology and efforts to reduce turf areas to save water, PGA West is a leader in sustainable golf course management in a desert setting.

Desert Willow Golf Resort, Palm Desert, California: Desert Willow is noted for its environmentally responsible approach, including the use of drought-tolerant landscaping and water-efficient irrigation practices.

I hope the next time you hear some passionless stranger talking shit on the game we all love, you can fist fight them. At the very least you’ve done some research now.

Your Pal,

Rex Trous