Grass Clippings selects Troon to help execute Rolling Hills Golf Course overhaul

Grass Clippings, a Phoenix-based modern golf brand founded in 2018, has engaged Troon to help execute a $15 million plan to renovate and enhance the current Rolling Hills Golf Course in Tempe, Ariz. As part of the agreement, Troon will manage the golf and hospitality operations at the new “Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills” golf and entertainment venue, the flagship location for Grass Clippings’ vision.

Scottsdale-based Casa Verde Golf, a Troon Company, is working alongside golf course architects Jackson Kahn Design and Grass Clippings’ director of agronomy Scott Hebert, formerly of TPC Scottsdale, on the golf course renovation work, which began this week. Initial enhancements will include an expanded putting green, 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. 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.

In March 2023, Grass Clippings agreed to a 30-year partnership with the City of Tempe to renovate and revitalize the city-owned golf course located two miles from Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Grass Clippings’ property lease began on July 1 with Troon assuming management of daily operations that same day. 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.

“Grass Clippings is inspired to work with such an experienced group of golf, food and beverage operators,” Grass Clippings CEO Jake Hoselton said. “The partnership allows our core Grass Clippings team to focus on community building, events and making Grass Clippings the greatest executive golf course in the country.” 

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 much more diverse community.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the team from Grass Clippings to help bring new life and vibrant energy to Rolling Hills,” Troon vice president of operations Tony Marino said. “The mix of real golf, live music and entertainment, and delicious food and beverage all set against the backdrop of the Papago Buttes is an exciting project to be a part of.”

Originally designed by Milton Coggins, Rolling Hills features elevation change, desert landscape and cheetahs on the third hole as the course neighbors the Phoenix Zoo. Once lighting is installed, the course will be open until midnight, allowing golfers to escape Phoenix’s intense sun and heat.