Improvements coming to Rolling Hills Golf Course as part of new public-private partnership with Grass Clippings

Improvements, including renovations to the clubhouse and the addition of night golf, will soon be coming to Rolling Hills Golf Course thanks to a new public-private partnership with Grass Clippings.
                                                                                      
Starting July 1, Grass Clippings will be responsible for the operations, maintenance and capital improvements of the golf course, pro shop and clubhouse. On March 2, Tempe City Council voted to approve the lease and development agreement for the city-owned course.
 
The agreement outlines $13 million in planned improvements to the property, including: lighting the course and practice range; adding a family activity lawn and large 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.
 
“We are excited to usher in this new era of golf at Rolling Hills,” said Tempe Community Services Director Craig Hayton. “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.”
 
The firm will receive all revenues for the course and pay rent to the city in the amount of $250,000 annually plus an annual 2.3% adjustment. The anticipated payments to the city over the initial 30-year lease term are $9.7 million.
 
Rolling Hills is located at 1415 N. Mill Ave., near Papago Park. The lease and development agreements are available here.
 
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.
 
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 & 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,” said Grass Clippings CEO Jake Hoselton. “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.”
 
The customer service operations at Tempe’s two golf courses have been privately managed through vetted vendors for many years. The new partnership represents the first time maintenance and capital improvements would also be privately managed. Rolling Hills will remain under city ownership.
 
In 2021, Tempe issued a Request for Proposals for both of Tempe’s municipal golf courses to gauge business interest in funding golf improvements and operations. In March 2022, the City Council unanimously authorized staff to begin negotiating with Grass Clippings for Rolling Hills Golf Course and CourseCo for Ken McDonald Golf Course.
 
The goals of the public-private partnerships are to ensure the long-term viability of public golf, address capital improvement needs at the courses, provide revenue to the city, and expand golf and recreational amenities to wide and diverse audiences.
 
A public engagement process to gather community feedback on the Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills plan included two open houses, an online survey and stakeholder meetings.

For more information, visit tempe.gov/GolfPartnership.