The Tempe City Council has entered a partnership with Grass Clippings, which will assume responsibility for the operations, maintenance and capital improvements at Rolling Hills Golf Course near Papago Park.

The council voted March 2 to approve the lease and development agreement with the firm, which will take over its responsibilities July 1. Tempe will maintain ownership of the course.

The firm will receive all revenues for the course and pay rent to Tempe - $250,000 annually plus an annual 2.3% adjustment, according to a city release.

The anticipated payments to the city over the initial 30-year lease term are $9.7 million.

The agreement outlines $13 million in planned improvements to the property, including: lighting the course and practice range, adding a family activity lawn and video display, constructing a hilltop bar and improving the practice range, clubhouse, pro shop and patio bar.

The existing course footprint and layout will remain, with minor modifications on hole nine to accommodate the new family activity lawn, according to the city.

“We are excited to usher in this new era of golf at Rolling Hills,” Craig Hayton, Tempe Community Services director Craig Hayton, said.

“These planned improvements, combined with the picturesque views and course layout, will provide regular players and newcomers to the game an inviting experience from the front doors of the clubhouse to the top of the course.”

Grass Clippings will be responsible for all development costs with an anticipated completion by Jan. 1, 2025. The course will remain open throughout the improvement process, with limited impacts to play, city officials said.

The agreement outlines discounted golf rates for Tempe residents, veterans, juniors and members of the Rolling Hills men’s and women’s associations.

Proposed rates with cart fee include:

Tempe residents and Rolling Hills men’s and women’s associations

• $35 (Sept. 1 – May 31)
• $20 (June 1 – Aug. 31)
• Rates may be increased each year by CPI or 2.3%

Public Rates

• $65 (Sept. 1 – May 31)
• $35 (June 1 – Aug. 31)
• These are currently contemplated rates for the first year of operation and may be adjusted based on market, demand and cost of doing business.
• Veterans – 50% discount
• Juniors – 75% summer discount; 50% winter discount. Free on Sundays with a paying adult.

 “Grass Clippings is very excited to enter into a public-private partnership with the city of Tempe to invest in its long-term vision for public golf in the community,” Grass Clippings CEO Jake Hoselton said.

“In addition to golf course and practice facility improvements, Grass Clippings is bringing an incredible restaurant, night golf and a wide-ranging list of amenities and events that will activate the property for reasons beyond just golf.

“Tempe is known for innovation, and we’re excited to promote that legacy.”
 
For more: tempe.gov/GolfPartnership.