Rolling Hills and Ken McDonald golf courses could receive improvements to enhance experiences if the City of Tempe is able to form new private sector partnerships.
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Golf
Tempe golf courses could see improvements
City council voted to begin process on March 3
Posted
Rolling Hills and Ken McDonald golf courses could receive improvements to enhance experiences if the City of Tempe is able to form new private sector partnerships.
At the March 3 meeting, the Tempe City Council unanimously authorized city staff to begin negotiating with CourseCo, Inc. and Grass Clipping, Inc., chosen through a Request for Proposals process in 2021. Through the RFP, the city had been seeking an experienced firm to enter into a land lease with Tempe to broaden and improve playing experiences, as well as sustain its commitment to community-based golf.
Course Co., Inc. and Grass Clippings, Inc. were chosen from among the RFP respondents for their team qualifications, vision and their proposed financial strategy and capacity. Next, in-depth discussions will take place between city staff and each firm with the aim of creating a draft development agreement for Council’s consideration at a future public meeting. One or both firms may be chosen to proceed after the negotiation process. The courses are not being sold.
Tempe has been offering value-driven, community-based golf for more than 50 years, providing quality outdoor recreational experiences to the Tempe community and its visitors. Ken McDonald is an 18-hole course in south Tempe that offers a fun and challenging golf experience for all ages and abilities, as well as providing programming for junior golfers. Rolling Hills is an 18-hole executive golf course nestled in picturesque Papago Park.
“Players who live inside and outside of Tempe love our courses. Whether they come out for exercise and fresh air, or whether they just regularly grab a bite at the clubhouses, Rolling Hills and Ken McDonald mean a lot to our community,” said Community Services Department Director Keith Burke in a statement. “As we move forward with envisioning the future for these important places, we will work alongside residents and golfers to ensure we reflect what they would like to see.”
An important objective of creating one or more public-private partnerships is to ensure that significant needed capital improvements can be made, including renovation of the clubhouse and irrigation system at Ken McDonald. Other objectives include broadening recreational opportunities to wider and more diverse audiences and ensuring that golf in Tempe is sustainable into the future.
