Grass Clippings, a Phoenix-based golf brand founded in 2018, is ushering in a new era of golf in the Phoenix area, officially assuming operations of Tempe’s Rolling Hills Golf Course on Saturday, July 1. 

The company will soon begin a $15 million renovation and revitalization project as Rolling Hills Golf Course has become “Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills,” the flagship location for Grass Clippings’ vision, a press release explained.

In March 2023, Grass Clippings agreed to a 30-year partnership with the city of Tempe to operate the city-owned golf course, which is located two miles from Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. 

Grass Clippings’ property lease began on July 1, and the company has engaged Scottsdale-based Troon to help execute the renovation and manage the golf and hospitality operations at the new Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills.

Over the next 17 months, Grass Clippings and Troon will work together to transform the property, adding full-course lighting for night play, a lighted practice range, an activity lawn and video display, a hilltop bar, a patio bar and clubhouse and an entertainment venue. 

To allow the property to remain open during construction, projects will be executed in phases with full completion targeted for fall 2024.

Initial enhancements will include installation of modern LED lighting on the 18-hole executive-length golf course and on the practice range, as well as a new state-of-the-art irrigation system to improve turf quality. 

Courtesy Tempe 11

Grass Clippings co-founder Jake Hoselton presented the proposed plan for the Rolling Hills Golf Course improvement project, showing city council what had changed after hearing feedback from the community.

New tee boxes will also be added to allow the course to be played from various lengths and angles, including a par-3-only option for anyone interested. Work on the course is expected to begin in July.

The new Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills will offer competitions, community, skins games, night golf, incredible food, concert venues, weekly live music, markets and events. 

Additionally, the Grass Clippings team will implement junior golf programming that will extend access to a more diverse community.

Originally designed by Milton Coggins, Rolling Hills features ideal topography, elevation change, desert landscape and cheetahs on hole 3, as the course neighbors the Phoenix Zoo. 

Once lighting is installed, the course will be open until 12 a.m., allowing golfers to escape the intense sun and heat. 

For information on Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills, visit www.grassclippings.com.