A Tribute to the Greenskeepers: The Story Behind Grass Clippings

To put it simply, we've never seen anything like Grass Clippings...

A Tribute to the Greenskeepers: The Story Behind Grass Clippings

Apparel | April 23, 2024

Daniel Badaracco

Daniel Badaracco

Big Golf Guy

To put it simply, we've never seen anything like Grass Clippings. They are an apparel company that also operates a fully-lit executive golf course in Tempe, Arizona, renowned for hosting YouTube golf matches, and soon to host the Grass League - the world's first high stakes par 3 golf league sponsored by Bleacher Report. Grass Clippings has distinguished itself far beyond the typical golf polo & hat company.


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Grass Clippings Apparel line.Grass Clippings

Grass Clippings was founded in 2018 by Jake Hoselton and Connor Riley. Growing up around the game they had a deep appreciation for greenskeepers and wanted their brand to shed light on them. Grass Clippings' mantra, "Stay grassy and thank your greenskeeper," reflects a deep respect for those who meticulously maintain golf courses. Later that year the founders planned in a historic amateur tournament called The Resorters in Minnesota. The tournament inspired them to launch the Grass Clippings Open (GCO). By its second year, this tournament boasted a purse and Calcutta exceeding $100,000, solidifying its place as an up-and-coming event for amateurs in Arizona and the SouthWest. Alongside the GCO, the apparel line was born to further honor these indispensable team members.


GCO Gif
The 2024 Grass Clippings Open.Grass League

By March 2021, Grass Clippings expanded into retail, and the following year, they sought a new, larger venue for the growing popularity of the GCO. In March 2023, they received rights to take over and operate the Rolling Hills Golf Course from the city of Tempe. Their first hire? Scott Herbert the greenskeeper from TPC Scottsdale, aligns perfectly with their brand ethos!


Rolling Hills
Rollings Hills Golf Course under the lightsGrass Clipping Rolling Hills

Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills boasts the unique feature of being Arizona’s only fully-lit golf course for night play. By day, it serves as an 18-hole executive course and transforms into a par-3 course under the stars, handling over 320 tee times daily. This feature has increased its popularity locally and made it a favored venue for thrilling golf matches, gaining exposure from some of the most influential golf personalities on YouTube and even the Golf Channel during The Good Good Desert Open.


This spring, Grass Clippings, in collaboration with Bleacher Report, is launching a prime-time, team-based Par-3 league that has been described as "the World Series of Poker for golf." The league will showcase emerging talents through a 36-hole, two-person scramble format involving 75 teams, including 20 franchise teams from cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York. Notably, franchise team owners include high-profile figures like Los Angeles Dodgers manager David Roberts.


 

Franchise Team Breakout
Grass League Franchise TeamsGrass League


Rolling Hills has established itself as a prime destination where the spirit of competition thrives in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. By hosting high-profile matches and creating unique golfing experiences, Grass Clippings continues to be a magnet for golf enthusiasts and players who seek a venue that blends challenge with fun.


From its humble beginnings to becoming a major player that attracts attention from the likes of The Golf Channel and significant investors, Grass Clippings is poised to keep influencing the golf world. As the brand and its community continue to grow, it will be interesting to see how Grass Clippings shapes the future of golf.

Daniel Badaracco
Daniel Badaracco
Big Golf Guy