Arizona's Stunning Night-Lit Golf Course Allows You to Escape the Heat and Golf under the Starlit Sky
Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, a golf course in Tempe, Arizona, is no longer just a place for a round of golf. With a recent $15 million renovation, the course has been transformed into a full-on entertainment experience, attracting golf enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
The 15,000-square-foot practice putting green and the driving range have been upgraded with Toptracer technology, offering golfers an enhanced practice experience. But the real highlight is the night golf feature, making Grass Clippings Rolling Hills one of only 20 courses in the U.S. to offer this unique experience. The 18-hole course operates as a par 3 course after dark, with hole distances ranging from 90 to 200 yards.
Beyond night golf, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills offers several additional amenities and activities. The Glenrosa Restaurant, located on the course premises, is an elevated Mexican restaurant featuring a refined menu with wood-grilled Sonoran-inspired dishes. The hacienda-style venue includes a bougainvillea-bedecked patio with views of Papago Buttes and offers a variety of creative cocktails such as the tajín-rimmed Marigold Margarita.
The venue offers a pleasant dining atmosphere that complements the golf experience, making it a destination not just for playing but also for socializing and enjoying quality food and drinks. While there are no distinct recreational activities or practice facilities beyond what is typical for golf courses, the exceptional dining experience at Glenrosa significantly enhances the overall experience at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills.
Visitors can also enjoy live music on most weekends, and tee times can be booked online up to two weeks in advance, with a round starting at $45 per person. Carts are available for use, and a schedule of all events can be found on the Grass Clippings Rolling Hills website.
Arizona, known for its natural beauty, desert hikes, and stunning waterfalls, was a top-10 U.S. state for tourism in 2023, attracting over 45 million overnight visitors. With over 200 golf courses in the greater Phoenix area, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills stands out as the only course in Arizona with night golf. The area's over 300 sunny days in Phoenix and 260 sunny days in Flagstaff make it a popular destination for golf-centered vacations.
In addition to the farmers market held on the grounds during the spring and fall, the Glenrosa Restaurant and event lawn have recently opened at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, providing even more reasons for visitors to experience this transformed golf course. Howler monkeys from the nearby Phoenix Zoo can also be heard from the 3rd hole, adding an extra touch of Arizona's unique charm to the Grass Clippings Rolling Hills experience.
- The Glenrosa Restaurant, nestled within Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, offers a fusion of lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetics, with its hacienda-style design and bougainvillea-adorned patio boasting panoramic views of Papago Buttes.
- Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, in addition to its sports focus on golf, has expanded its offerings to include live music on weekends and an Farmers Market during spring and fall, making it not just a golf destination, but a comprehensive home-and-garden and leisure attraction.
