1% is a lot, what are we getting out of them for that, and since it is Arizona, why Arizona? Why deserts?
It isn’t.
Golf uses 2%.
Grok:
Approximately 2% of Arizona’s total (statewide) water use goes to golf course irrigation.This figure is widely cited by industry analyses (e.g., Rounds Consulting Group / Arizona Alliance for Golf studies based on 2021 data and earlier USGS/ADWR figures), recent articles, and public statements.
For context: Agriculture/crop irrigation accounts for roughly 74%.
Public supply (municipal/residential) is around 20–21%.
Industrial and other uses make up the rest.