Foul-smelling pond leads to a day in court for Arizona super

Arrowhead Country Club in Glendale, Ariz., is facing backlash from a nearby subdivision for what residents called a “repulsive and nauseating,” smell. Residents say the smell had been an issue for years, dating back to 2022.

According to Arcis Golf, owner and operator of Arrowhead CC, the smell came from the pond on the course’s sixth hole, which had abnormally high algae and sludge levels.

Stephen Bais, golf course superintendent at Arrowhead CC, appeared at Glendale Municipal Court on March 4, where he pleaded not guilty to violating city code against creating noxious smells. Bais faces a class 1 misdemeanor with six months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines if found guilty.

“What happened here is no reflection on Stephen, who has been a consummate professional throughout his nine years at the club,” Scott Carrier, senior vice president of agronomy for Arcis Golf, wrote in an apology published in The Glendale Star. “Stephen’s job responsibilities don’t include advanced maintenance of the 400-acre property’s ponds and lakes. By law, that’s a job reserved for specially licensed experts in water and wetlands management.”

According to Carrier, the club has brought in experts to treat the issue.

“Arcis has been provided with a comprehensive plan to ensure the pond doesn’t create further issues. These experts also have worked with us to analyze the other aquatic areas on the property so that no new issues arise,” he wrote.