Industry News

Gila River Resorts & Casinos expands partnership with Grass League

Tempe, Ariz. (August 5, 2025) – Gila River Resorts & Casinos has expanded its partnership with the Grass League, the world's first high stakes par 3 golf league, becoming the presenting sponsor of the Grass League Championship, set to be held December 5 and 6 at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, and the presenting sponsor of the Grass League’s season long Points Race, “The Gila River Resorts & Casinos Points Race”.

Earlier this year, Gila River Resorts & Casinos served as the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Grass Clippings Open, the first event of the 2025 Grass League season. The Grass Clippings Open presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos took place Wednesday, April 30th through Saturday, May 3rd at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, and the final round aired live on      NBC Peacock.

Grass League.jpg

As part of their Grass League sponsorship agreements, Gila River Resorts & Casinos receives digital and onsite branding, hospitality at the Grass League Championship, tickets to the Championship and nightly concerts, commercials on the tournament broadcast on Golf Channel, as well as social media and YouTube collaborations leading up to the Championship.

The Grass League’s next event, the Summer Grind, will take place August 30th and 31st at Goat Hill Park in Oceanside, California and feature 44 two-person teams competing in a two-day, 36-hole scramble format. The 11 existing Grass League Franchises will each field four two-person teams.

“We’re proud of our extended partnership with Grass League as an official sponsor of the Summer Grind, and for the championship at Grass Clippings,” said Gregory DiVincent, Corporate VP of Marketing at Gila River Resorts & Casinos. “This collaboration reflects our continued investment in dynamic, community-driven experiences that bring people together through sport, entertainment, and culture. Grass League’s innovative approach to golf aligns perfectly with our brand, and we’re excited to be part of their continued success.”

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Gila River Resorts & Casinos as the presenting sponsor of the Grass League’s Gila River Resorts & Casinos Points Race,” said Jake Hoselton, founder of the Grass League. “Gila River has always stood for more than entertainment — they are leaders in cultural stewardship, community empowerment, and honoring tradition while driving opportunity. Their commitment to Arizona and the Gila River Indian Community mirrors the values we uphold at the Grass League: community, culture, leadership, and pride in place. This partnership celebrates competition, connection, and a shared vision for what sports can mean to a community.”

Grass League features 11 franchise teams from regional markets, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Minnesota, Michigan, Canada, Tampa Bay, New York, Dallas and more. Team investors include Good Good Golf, Wyndham Clark, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manager Dave Roberts, Golf.com Founder Michael Lazerow, investment firm Social Leverage, and Eberg Capital. Additional Grass League franchise opportunities will soon be made available. 

For more information on the Grass League or the 2025 Grass League Championship presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos, visit www.GrassLeague.com.

About Gila River Resorts & Casinos
Gila River Resorts & Casinos is Arizona’s premier gaming and entertainment destination, offering world-class service, state-of-the-art gaming options, and a variety of dining and entertainment experiences. Committed to delivering innovative and memorable experiences, Gila River is the ultimate choice for gaming in Arizona. Follow Gila River Resorts and Casinos at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

About Grass League 
Founded by Jake Hoselton, Jimmy Hoselton, Connor Riley, and Pete Wilson, the Grass League is the world's first high stakes par 3 golf league, uniquely embracing both professional and amateur events in team-based formats. Grass League events are set on lighted par 3 courses with the flagship host site located in the Phoenix market. The League welcomes qualifiers, encouraging broad participation and the discovery of emerging talents. With teams divided by regional markets, the League drives a sense of rivalry and community involvement. This innovative approach to team ownership and competitive play marks an exhilarating new chapter in the world of golf. Teams in the League are from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Minnesota, Michigan, Canada, Tampa Bay, New York, Dallas, San Diego and more.

About Grass Clippings Rolling Hills
On March 2, 2023, the Tempe City Council approved Grass Clippings’ plan to overhaul and operate Rolling Hills Golf Course. Grass Clippings executed a long-term lease with the City of Tempe and took over the property on July 1st of last year, with Troon immediately assuming management of daily operations. Scottsdale-based WestHawk Capital partnered with Grass Clippings to lead a $15 million round of equity capitalization to finance the complete renovation of the facility, including the installation of lights and the full F&B and amenity package currently under development. The golf course reopened on Friday, November 3, 2023 following a four-month golf course renovation project and rye grass overseed, construction of a newly designed 9th hole, new tee boxes, installation of a new state-of-the-art irrigation system to improve turf quality, and a new 15,000 sq. ft. practice putting green. Grass Clippings Rolling Hills then opened to night golf play on Friday, December 1, 2023 and instantly became a favorite destination for golfers. More than 78 LED lights illuminate the golf course, which plays as a par 54, par-3 golf course at night and as an executive-length golf course (with par 3s and 4s) during the day. Golfers are able to track ball flight through the night sky on holes that range from 90 to 200-plus yards, while enjoying 360-degree views of downtown Tempe, Sky Harbor Airport, downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Zoo and the nighttime silhouette of Papago Buttes.

The introduction of lights and night golf is just the beginning for the golf and entertainment venue, the flagship location for Grass Clippings’ cutting-edge vision. The team unveiled a refurbished golf shop in May 2024, renovated the clubhouse, added Glenrosa Restaurant and patio bar, and an activity lawn for live music, markets, and events. For more information on Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, visit https://grassclippingsaz.com

About WestHawk Capital
WestHawk Capital is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based investment management firm who partners emerging real estate sponsors with scalable investment strategies to accelerate the growth of their platforms. Additionally, WestHawk partners with operating businesses who require strategic real estate investments to achieve their growth. WestHawk has partnered with Grass Clippings to capitalize the real estate in the rollout of a pioneering concept in par 3 night (lighted) golf courses, beginning with the 2023, $15 million funding for the transformation of Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, Arizona. WestHawk makes these investments both directly and through its affiliated commercial real estate investment operating platform Alignment Realty Capital. For more information, visit www.westhawkcapital.com or contact Gary Linhart at gary@westhawkcapital.com.

About Troon
Troon manages the daily operations of Grass Clippings Rolling Hills. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 940-plus locations in 45-plus states and 40-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses.

Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon 
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com


Share