TEMPE, Ariz. – The Rolling Hills Golf Course, which was first opened in Tempe, Arizona nearly 65 years ago has just undergone a massive renovation to become the state’s first 18-hole fully illuminated golf course.
The venue, which is located just two miles away from Arizona State University, and next to the Phoenix Zoo has been renamed Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills. Tee times are available every day from sunrise until well past sunset. Golfers can even play under the lights until midnight on Saturday and Friday nights.
The golf course is a par-63 layout by day and a par-3 par-54 layout at night. Artificial turf tee-boxes are clearly marked for late-night use.
Jake Hoselton, CEO of Grass Clippings, said that the lights were a game changer in golfing in Phoenix. Our location allows you to play 18 holes of golf while on your way home from the office, have a date night with your partner, or meet up with friends over a drink and golf.
On Thursday, November 30, the course hosted a preview evening and celebrated the “turning on of the lights”. The tee sheets for night golf will be available starting Friday, December 1. Over the weekend, all of the nighttime slots had been sold out.
Scott Hebert is the new greenskeeper for Grass Clippings. He was previously the assistant golf course superintendent of the TPC Scottsdale, the home of the WM Phoenix Open. He is a familiar face to golf fans, who will recognize his dog Rye. They patrolled the Stadium Course grounds ahead of the PGA Tour to ensure the course was in tip-top shape for the professionals. He is now the director of agronomy for Grass Clippings.
Scott Hebert, assistant golf course superintendent of the TPC Scottsdale and Rye the dog at the 2023 WM Phoenix Open. (Photo: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports)
The Grass Clippings Course has close to 80 LEDs and nighttime yardages ranging from 100 to almost 200 yards. The design features elevated tees and the topography has multiple elevations. Even at night there are beautiful views of downtown Tempe, downtown Phoenix, and the planes that descend into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
A beer garden and food truck are located on the lawn just off of the first tee. A 15,000-square foot practice putting area with severe undulations is also available.
However, the work on the course is not yet complete. The original clubhouse still exists, but is undergoing a complete renovation. The new Mexican restaurant, patio bar, and renovated golf shop will all be available when the project is complete. A hilltop bar will be built near the eighth-hole, as well as an activity lawn with live music, markets, and events. All of this is coming in 2024.
Grass Clippings, a company based in Phoenix, was founded in 2018. The company signed a contract with the City of Tempe in March 2023 for a 30-year renovation and revitalization of the 93-acre course.
Weekend rates are $65 for the day, and $89 after 6 pm.
