Via City of Tempe
By Independent Newsmedia
The Tempe City Council has entered a partnership with Grass Clippings, which will assume responsibility for the operations, maintenance and capital improvements at Rolling Hills Golf Course near Papago Park.
The council voted March 2 to approve the lease and development agreement with the firm, which will take over its responsibilities July 1. Tempe will maintain ownership of the course.
The firm will receive all revenues for the course and pay rent to Tempe – $250,000 annually plus an annual 2.3% adjustment, according to a city release.
The anticipated payments to the city over the initial 30-year lease term are $9.7 million.
The agreement outlines $13 million in planned improvements to the property, including: lighting the course and practice range, adding a family activity lawn and video display, constructing a hilltop bar and improving the practice range, clubhouse, pro shop and patio bar.
The existing course footprint and layout will remain, with minor modifications on hole nine to accommodate the new family activity lawn, according to the city.
“We are excited to usher in this new era of golf at Rolling Hills,” Craig Hayton, Tempe Community Services director Craig Hayton, said.
“These planned improvements, combined with the picturesque views and course layout, will provide regular players and newcomers to the game an inviting experience from the front doors of the clubhouse to the top of the course.”
