Everyday, the Beagle and I use a nearby city of Phoenix golf course as our dog park/hiking trail. Unlike city parks, there is less food trash for her to investigate and the grass of the course is a lot softer on her old joints than hard-packed dirt trails. We go early to avoid the golfers.

So it’s big news around here to learn that there may be budget cuts at some public golf courses including Palo Verde, Maryvale and Aguila. If you are interested there will be public hearings where you can voice your opinion.

Golf courses not in the city of Phoenix aren’t immune from budget troubles either. The Phoenix metro area is overseeded when it comes to golf courses and there are fewer golfers these days.

What to do? Keep an eye out — just like you do when you are on the course and there are a couple weekend hackers with Big Berthas coming your way. Heads up!