Golf merchandise brand Grass Clippings has moved into operations with a contract to run Rolling Hills Golf Course in Tempe, Arizona. It plans to transform the public facility with a $15 million renovation of the par-62 layout, the introduction of night golf and the addition of new amenities.
Grass Clippings was established in 2018, primarily as a merchandise brand. It has since hosted tournaments, published content and, in 2021, opened a physical store in Phoenix.
The Rolling Hills facility has been rebranded as Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills as part of the firm’s 30-year partnership with the City of Tempe. Jackson Kahn Design, which has already done some renovation work on the course – a Milton Coggins layout from 1955 – will lead the new revitalisation project. It will work alongside operator Troon, which will help Grass Clippings manage golf and hospitality operations.
Construction work on the par-62 course has started, taking place in phases to allow the course to remain open. It will include the installation of a new irrigation system to improve turf quality, new tees to offer different playing lengths and angles, and LED lighting so that the course can be played at night.
“The golf course is weathered in many areas with some of the green complexes struggling from a turf quality standpoint,” said Jake Hoselton, co-founder and CEO of Grass Clippings, on the brand’s YouTube channel. “By the genius of Scott Hebert [director of agronomy], there will be an entirely new look to them as turf quality goes.”
Grass Clippings will also introduce The Pasture, a 30-bay practice area with Toptracer technology, and a 12,000-square-foot putting green.
In addition to the course changes, Golf Clippings will overhaul the clubhouse, activity lawn, outdoor bars and restaurants.
“The first time I met the Grass Clippings team I was blown away by their vision they had for this opportunity,” said Scott Van Newkirk, chief development officer at Troon. “What is being created here is going to be transformational in the industry where there is going to be this total entertainment experience in a very casual and cool environment, but I can still play traditional golf and I can play at night under the lights.”
David Kahn of Jackson Kahn Design added: “All of the different elements that Grass Clippings are going to bring, with the nightlife, the entertainment, the concert venues… all of that energy and to be able to come to this property and experience that total package, it is like nothing I have ever experienced before, and it is going to transcend golf.”
The project is expected to be complete by autumn 2024.