High-Stakes Par-3 League Revolutionizes Team Golf Under the Lights
Par-3 golf is experiencing significant growth in popularity, offering a more accessible and time-efficient alternative to traditional golf courses. With courses as short as 750 yards now eligible for USGA ratings, par-3 golf is gaining legitimacy in the broader golf community.
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills in Tempe, Arizona, exemplifies this trend through a $15 million transformation featuring night lighting, Toptracer technology, and enhanced facilities. The venue hosts The Grass League, the world's first high-stakes par-3 golf league.
The Grass League's innovative format includes:
- Two-person team scrambles
- Night play under lights
- Professional and amateur competitors
- Live spectator viewing within a club-length of players
- Team-based competition across multiple cities
The upcoming Troon Access GL Championship in December 2023 will feature:
- 44 two-person teams
- 36-hole competition over two evenings
- $20 admission for spectators
- Entertainment including beer gardens, food trucks, and live music
- NBC Peacock live coverage
Notable aspects of the league include:
- Team owners like Wyndham Clark and Dave Roberts
- Mixed competition format welcoming players aged 18-75
- Competitive purses paid to team owners
- Opportunities for both professional and amateur players
- Plans for expansion to more cities
The Grass League aims to provide a viable career path for professional golfers while offering an entertaining spectator experience. With NBC Peacock broadcasting four events in 2025, the league is positioned for significant growth in the coming years.