If you were among the nearly 1 million people who tuned in to the TGL’s debut, you already know: Alternative golf is all the rage right now. From LIV Golf’s music-infused shotgun starts to virtual tournaments like the above-mentioned TGL and even the GOLFZON Tour, a TGL-esque simulator match-play tournament for regular folks, it’s clear there’s an appetite for golf as entertainment that isn’t limited to the rarefied air of the PGA Tour.
The Grass League, the world’s first high-stakes par-3 golf league, is attempting to capitalize on the movement. The Grass League was created by the same group of Phoenix-based entrepreneurs who founded the company Grass Clippings in 2018. The Grass League stages competitive tournaments with both amateur and professional players in team-based formats.
In December, the Grass League hosted the the Troon Access GL Championship at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, a city-owned executive course in Tempe that agreed to a 50-year partnership with Grass Clippings to operate the course. A $15 million investment transformed the property into a top-tier entertainment facility, complete with lighting for night play, a lit practice range with Toptracer technology, a new irrigation system, new tee boxes, a clubhouse renovation and more.
At the Troon Access GL Championship, 44 two-person teams competed in a 36-hole scramble over two evenings. The rounds were played under the lights and in front of a gallery of thousands. And for the first time ever, the final round was streamed live on Peacock. The Grass League’s broadcast deal extends into this year with three more events on the docket.
With the Troon Access GL Championship taking place right in my backyard, I decided to check it out in person, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I experienced. Below are five reasons why I believe this league has staying power.
Golf under the lights
Golf in prime time is a great concept, and one that TGL is banking on too. There’s no denying the allure of watching golf in real time at night. It’s fun! The lights were much better than I expected, too. I could follow shots in the air with ease, and it was bright enough to make my way up and down the hills around the property without a misstep.
Food, drinks and music
As with every nighttime activity, food, drinks and music are of great importance. And not only did the setup at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills have plenty of outposts for libations, there were also a bunch of food trucks serving up delicious fare, and live music being played greenside. My pick: quesabirria tacos. A perfect kickoff to the viewing experience onsite — and a great atmosphere too.
Great access
I’ve been to my share of WM Phoenix Opens over the years, and while the party vibe onsite at TPC Scottsdale is unmatched, there’s something to be said for being able to move freely around the course. The shotgun format on the day I attended at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills meant every hole had action at the same time, and with a few thousand people spread out across all the holes, there was not only plenty of space for viewing, you could also get up close and personal with every competitor on the tees, greens and walks in between. The majority of the tents around the greens were also open to general spectators, so you could enjoy a premium, comfortable and seated viewing experience if you wanted to take a breather from standing.
Team intrigue
Like the TGL, the Grass League operates with a team format, which, in addition to making the viewing experience more exciting, also creates an opportunity for longer-term rivalries, regional allegiances and loyal fan bases (see photo above!). Franchises are also owned or count as investors some of the sports world’s biggest names, like U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts and Good Good Golf.
Fast pace
A par-3 format is great for spectators. Shots are visible from start to finish, and the pace is brisk. Tee shots offer plenty of drama, and it’s exciting to be on constant hole-in-watch watch. It seems like you’re either watching a tee shot fly close to the hole, or you’re watching an opportunity for a birdie every time a player addresses the ball. The overall experience is great fun — and even when the golf ends, the party continues. What’s not to like?
