Grass Clippings Rolling Hills - Arizona's Brightest Golf Spot

Mr. Lavon Windler IV 13 Jul 2025

Imagine stepping onto a golf course as the sun begins to set, but your game doesn't have to stop. That, you know, is exactly what you get at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, which holds the distinction of being the first fully lit 18-hole golf course across all of Arizona. This means you can keep playing well after dusk, offering a different way to enjoy your time on the greens. It's a place that truly stands out for its unique approach to the game, providing a fresh take on what a round of golf can be.

This spot, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, sits in a very convenient part of the Phoenix area, making it quite easy to get to from many popular spots. It’s a place that, in a way, brings together the fun of a golf game with the lively surroundings of a city. You can find yourself enjoying the desert views while still being close to places where people gather for school or entertainment, so it’s pretty accessible for lots of folks.

What started as a brand has, you see, grown into a full-fledged golf destination, welcoming players of all sorts. Grass Clippings Rolling Hills has a history of changing things up, from hosting big events to opening its own shop, and now, it’s set to be a central point for golf lovers looking for something a little different. It’s a space where the traditional rules of the game are, in some respects, gently set aside to make room for more enjoyment and community.

What makes Grass Clippings Rolling Hills stand out?

When you think about golf courses, you usually picture daytime play, right? Well, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills offers something quite special in that regard. It’s the very first golf course in Arizona where every single one of its eighteen holes is completely lit up. This means that, unlike most places, your game doesn't have to end when the sun goes down. You can keep playing under the lights, which is, honestly, a pretty cool experience. This feature alone sets it apart from nearly every other golf spot around.

The course itself is, in fact, quite interesting to play on. It’s known for its rolling land, which creates a few natural changes in height as you move from one part to another. This also means that some of the putting areas are not flat but have gentle slopes and dips, making each putt a bit more of a thought-provoking challenge. This kind of layout, you know, adds a layer of interest to your game, asking you to think about how the land might affect your shots. It’s not just a flat stretch of green, but a place with its own unique personality, shaped by the way the ground naturally moves.

Beyond just the lighting and the natural terrain, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is also known for trying new things in the world of golf. It’s a place that, in a way, tries to break down some of the older ideas about what golf should be. You can find opportunities for friendly competition here, and it’s also a spot where people can come together as a community. They even have ways for larger groups than the usual four players to enjoy a round, which is, pretty much, unheard of at many traditional places. This openness to different ways of playing makes it a welcoming spot for many.

A truly bright experience at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills

The idea of playing golf at night is, honestly, a pretty rare thing, at least here in America. There are, you know, only about twenty courses across the entire United States that have lights for night play, and Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is one of them. This makes it a rather unique option if you are looking for a different kind of golf outing. It’s not something you find every day, and it offers a chance to play in cooler temperatures or simply to fit a game into a busy schedule after work.

However, if you look at other parts of the world, this concept of playing under lights is, actually, much more common. Take South Korea, for instance; they have, like, over a hundred lighted golf courses within their borders. This shows that the idea is, in fact, quite accepted and blended into the sport elsewhere, much like how baseball or football games are played both during the day and at night. So, while it’s a novel concept here, it’s a well-established way to enjoy the game on a global scale. Grass Clippings Rolling Hills brings that global approach right here to Arizona.

Playing golf at night, you know, just gives the whole experience a different feel. The air might be cooler, the sounds of the city might seem a bit more distant, and the illuminated fairways create a distinct visual. It’s a chance to enjoy the game in a new light, literally. This feature alone makes Grass Clippings Rolling Hills a place worth checking out if you’re curious about playing golf in a setting that’s not your usual daytime round. It really does offer a special kind of memory.

Where can you find Grass Clippings Rolling Hills?

Finding Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is, quite simply, very easy. It sits right in the middle of the Phoenix metropolitan area, making it a central spot for many people. Its location is, in fact, one of its strong points, putting it within a short drive of several well-known places. You can be there in just about five minutes from Arizona State University, which is great for students or faculty looking for a quick game.

It’s also, you know, very close to downtown Phoenix, so if you’re in the city center for work or leisure, getting to the course is no trouble at all. And if you’re looking for a bit of history and charm, Old Town Scottsdale is also just a quick trip away. This means that after a round, you have plenty of options for dining, shopping, or just exploring the local scene. The course’s placement really does make it a convenient stop for anyone in the area.

To be honest, the specific spot of Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is in the Papago Buttes, a distinct part of the landscape. It’s also, apparently, just two miles from Arizona State University, putting it almost right on their doorstep. And if you’re bringing the family along, it’s right next door to the Phoenix Zoo, which could make for a fun day out that combines golf with other activities. This location means it’s not just a golf course, but a part of a larger area filled with things to do, making it more than just a place to hit a ball.

The heart of the area around Grass Clippings Rolling Hills

The area where Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is situated is, in a way, a hub of activity. Being so close to a major university means there's a certain energy around the place. Students and residents alike can easily access the course, which, you know, helps create a lively atmosphere. It’s not a secluded spot out in the middle of nowhere, but rather a part of the everyday flow of life in the city.

The fact that it’s right by the Phoenix Zoo also means it’s in a spot that many families visit. You might find yourself enjoying a game while hearing the sounds of the zoo in the distance, which is, like, a pretty unique backdrop for a golf course. This kind of setting adds to the overall experience, giving you a sense of being connected to the wider community and its attractions. It’s a location that, in short, offers more than just a place to play golf.

So, whether you are coming from the university, the city center, or even just passing through, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is, pretty much, right there. Its position in the heart of the metro area makes it a very easy choice for anyone looking to play a round without having to travel too far out of their way. It truly is, in fact, a central gathering point for golf enthusiasts.

What's the story behind Grass Clippings Rolling Hills?

The story of Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is, honestly, a bit different from your typical golf course. It didn't start out as a place to play golf at all. Back in 2018, the name "Grass Clippings" was, in fact, first used for a brand that sold merchandise. So, it began with clothes and other items, building a presence that way. This is, you know, quite a unique starting point for what would become a full-fledged golf destination.

From that beginning, the brand started to grow and expand its activities. It hosted various competitions and published different kinds of content, building a community around its name. Then, in 2021, a big step happened: they opened a physical store right there in Phoenix. This showed that the brand was, like, serious about having a tangible presence and connecting with people in person, not just online. It was a clear sign of their expanding reach and ambition.

The biggest change for Grass Clippings came, of course, when the Tempe City Council gave its approval. On March 2, 2023, they said yes to Grass Clippings' plan to take over and operate the Rolling Hills golf course, and also to give it a complete makeover. This decision was, arguably, the most important moment, allowing the brand to finally become a golf course operator and bring its vision to life. It truly paved the way for all the exciting things that would follow, especially for their tournaments.

From merchandise to a full course, the journey of Grass Clippings Rolling Hills

The journey from selling golf-themed items to running a full golf course is, in some respects, a remarkable one. It shows a clear passion for the game and a desire to contribute to it in a more direct way. The approval from the city council was, in fact, a crucial step that allowed the tournaments they had been hosting to grow even bigger. It meant they could truly make their mark on the golf scene.

The course itself has a history that goes back even further. The front nine holes were, you know, put together in 1960 by Milton Coggins and his company. Then, nearly three decades later, in 1987, Gary Panks, who is from Arizona, designed the back nine holes. So, the course has, in a way, been shaped by different hands over the years, each adding to its character. This history means it’s not just a new creation but a place with roots.

Today, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills remains one of only three public golf courses available in Tempe. Its importance, you know, for the community and for golf in the area, is quite significant. It provides a place where everyone can come and enjoy the game, without the need for private club memberships. This commitment to being a public course is, in fact, a big part of its appeal and its ongoing story.

Why choose Grass Clippings Rolling Hills for your next round?

Choosing where to play your next round of golf can be a tough decision, but Grass Clippings Rolling Hills offers a lot of reasons to pick it. It’s a public golf course that, in a way, brings together many good things in one spot. It’s designed to be a place that, quite literally, breaks down the usual ideas people have about the game of golf. If you’re tired of the same old routine, this place is, you know, definitely worth considering.

You’ll find opportunities for competition here, but also a strong sense of community. They offer night golf, which, as we talked about, is a really special feature. You can also play in groups that are larger than the typical foursome, which is great if you have a bigger group of friends or family. Plus, there’s, like, really good food, and they even have spaces for concerts and live music every week. It’s a place that, honestly, has so much going on, you might not want to leave once you get there.

Beyond the fun and social aspects, the course itself offers a good challenge. It’s known for being quite hilly, which means you’ll encounter some changes in height as you play. This adds a bit of thought to your shots, as you consider how the land will affect the ball. The putting areas also have their own gentle ups and downs, making putting a bit more interesting. So, it’s a course that, in short, keeps you on your toes while you play.

Beyond the usual game at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills

One of the biggest draws at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is, of course, the night golf. As we’ve mentioned, it’s a rare thing in the United States, and it provides a whole new feel to the game. Playing under the lights, with the cooler air and a different perspective, is, in fact, a memorable experience. It’s a chance to play golf when you might not usually be able to, fitting into schedules that daytime play just doesn't allow.

The course also offers both executive and par 3 courses, which means there are options for different skill levels and time commitments. An executive course is often shorter than a full 18-hole course but still offers a good challenge, while a par 3 course is great for practicing your short game or for a quick round. You also get Troon access, which is, you know, a nice perk that can open up other golf experiences.

And let’s not forget the views. Sitting in the Papago Buttes, you get to enjoy the scenic sights of the desert around you. This natural beauty adds to the overall enjoyment of your time on the course, making it more than just about hitting a ball. It’s a chance to take in the unique landscape of Arizona while doing something you enjoy. Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, in short, offers a complete package.

Getting more from your time at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills

When you plan your visit to Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, you can also find ways to get more out of your time and even save some money. They offer discount tee times, which means you can find opportunities to play at a reduced cost. This is, you know, a good way to enjoy the course without spending too much. You can also book these times in advance, which is pretty convenient.

Beyond just saving money on a single game, you can also earn reward points. These points are, in fact, good towards future tee times not just at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, but also at many other golf courses around the world through GolfNow. So, every time you play here, you’re building up something for your next game, which is, honestly, a nice bonus for regular players.

The Grass Clippings Open, or GCO, is also a big deal here. It’s poised to be, you know, the greatest par 3 golf tournament anywhere, and it’s the largest competition of the season. This event kicks off the Grass League season’s competition and features high-stakes par 3 golf. Players and fans get a top-notch experience with hospitality tents, various sellers, food trucks, and, of course, plenty of drinks. It’s a big party that combines serious golf with a lot of fun, and it’s, quite literally, held at the home of the Grass League, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills.

The newest additions at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills

Grass Clippings Rolling Hills has, you know, recently added something pretty exciting for those who want to practice their swing. There’s a brand-new driving range structure with twenty-five bays. This means plenty of space for people to hit balls and work on their game. What’s more, these bays are covered, which is great for staying out of the sun or any unexpected weather.

These covered hitting bays are, in fact, equipped with Toptracer technology. This tech helps you track your shots, showing you how far the ball went, its speed, and other details. It’s a really helpful tool for improving your game, giving you instant feedback on every swing. In addition to these covered spots, there are also ten uncovered hitting stalls for those who prefer to practice in the open air. This gives you, you know, different options depending on what you like.

This new driving range is, honestly, a big step for Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, offering a place where golfers can really hone their skills. It adds to the overall experience, making the course a complete destination for both playing and practicing. It truly shows their commitment to providing top-tier facilities for everyone who visits.

How can you connect with Grass Clippings Rolling Hills?

Staying in touch with Grass Clippings Rolling Hills is, thankfully, pretty simple. If you want to see what’s happening, get updates, or just enjoy some pictures and videos, you can follow them on Instagram. Their account is @grassclippings.arizona, and it’s a good way to keep up with all the news and events. This makes it easy to feel like you’re part of their community, even when you’re not on the course.

For booking your tee times, especially if you want to take advantage of advanced booking or any special offers, you can do that online. The process is, in fact, set up to be quite clear. When you are arranging your game, you will agree to their cancellation policy and give permission for your payment method to be charged based on the prices and dates you see. This ensures everything is transparent and you know what to expect.

Whether you’re looking to play a round, practice your swing, or just enjoy the atmosphere, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills has, you know, made it easy to connect and be part of their story. It’s a place that continues to grow and offer new experiences, making it a lively spot for golf and fun

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