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Rolling Hills relaunch: new restaurant, night golf and events drive rounds and revenue, operator says
Summary
The private operator of Rolling Hills Golf Course told the Tempe City Council the course’s redevelopment and new amenities — including Arizona’s only lighted golf course, a renovated pro shop, an outdoor bar and a restaurant — have driven new visitors, community events and a larger rounds total.
Grama Clippings CEO Jake Hozelton and City of Tempe Community Services Director Craig Hayden updated the City Council on the Rolling Hills Golf Course redevelopment and operations, describing a two‑year redevelopment and the addition of night golf and a destination restaurant that the operator says have substantially increased activity.
"Arizona's only lighted golf course," Hozelton said, noting the course turned its lights on Dec. 1, 2023, and that night play has become popular across the Valley. He told council members the renovation program completed the pro shop, added a covered driving range with 35 hitting bays and opened a full kitchen and the Glen Rosa restaurant April 5, 2025.
The operator reported an increase in activity and events: trailing 12‑month totals included about 20,000 day‑play rounds and 15,000 night rounds, with a reported total of roughly 63,000 rounds during construction; staff projected a target of about 75,000 rounds in the coming 12 months. Hozelton described new community uses — a biweekly farmers market, yoga classes, live music on Friday nights and special events — and said the venue hosted a sellout Grass Clippings event with 4,000 fans and two concerts, plus national broadcast appearances.
City staff and council members praised the public‑private partnership’s investment and the operator’s community programming. Councilors asked about access and course safety in rockier areas; operator and staff said they have added pathways, riprap and restoration work and continue to engage stakeholder groups about sustainability and wash restoration projects.
The presentation covered financial and community details that the operator said they are tracking: a veteran rate and resident rate remain in effect; junior rounds play free with a paying adult some Sundays; youth clinics and a partnership with EZ Golf (formerly the Arizona Golf Association) are planned; concerts and tournaments are expected to continue. No changes to city policy or budget were proposed during the update.
Council members offered positive feedback and asked staff to continue monitoring community access and environmental stewardship as the course reaches full operational capacity.
