34 AUGUST 2023 By Mallory Gleich Arcadia High graduates Jake and Jimmy Hoselton, Connor Riley, and Pete Wilson had been golfing together for years when they came up with the idea for a brand dedicated to the “silent hero” – the greenskeeper. “One thing that always stood out to us was that the greenskeepers never really got any recognition. They were like ghosts,” Wilson said. “We always thought, ‘Why is it that the people who make the sport possible always seem to be forgotten?’” The foursome started Grass Clippings, a golf retail company at 40th St. and Campbell, in 2018. Now, it has evolved into something much bigger. “Even when we were just an e-commerce brand, the vision was always to grow the game of golf. We felt like there were many ways to do that. One – and maybe the most important to us – was giving recognition to the greenskeepers,” Jimmy said. “That’s something we take very seriously and will always be part of the brand.” Shortly after opening the shop, they debuted a golf tournament. The Grass Clippings Open was held in 2019 at Mountain Shadows. Wilson said that the tournament grew so big that by 2021 they needed to put it on hold to find a better suited location. “Our tournament gained enough traction to where we thought we should pursue a golf course to grow the tournament, create a community that we had been seeking, and grow the game beyond the private clubs that dominate the sport,” Wilson said. Enter Rolling Hills, a 93-acre course in Papago Park that opened in 1960 with nine holes. Originally designed by Milton Coggins, the desert landscape and elevation changes added to the popularity and another nine holes were added in 1987. It’s been a popular spot for locals and visitors ever since. “We submitted a proposal to partner with the city of Tempe to renovate and reimagine Rolling Hills. We won the proposal in 2021,” Wilson said, “and went into negotiations. We reached an agreement in March 2023 and couldn’t be happier!” The crew plans to do a $15 million clubhouse renovation, including an upgrade to the driving range with Top Tracer technology (a computer software placed on driving ranges to help the golfer get more information about their swing), 18 fully-lit holes and a driving range, plus a 15,000 square foot practice putting green. “We wanted to expand the game to a broader audience. We felt par three golf with lights was the best way: shorter rounds, men and women of all ages can play from the same tees, and, most importantly, it’s still real golf on a high-quality course,” Jimmy said. They will also add an activity lawn, an outside bar and a small music venue. Once LED lighting technology is installed, the course will be open until midnight, allowing golfers to escape Phoenix’s summer temps. “I am excited about being able to offer golf to a broader group. We were fortunate to be introduced to the game at a young age, and it has shaped the people we’ve become,” Wilson said. “It teaches hard work, dedication, honesty, integrity, and more. We hope that more people can be affected in a positive way through golf.” Another beneficiary of this new partnership is Tempe High School’s golf teams, who practice and hold tournaments at Rolling Hills. Wilson and the team are determined to help them earn a state championship. “Historically, they haven’t performed that well, and we are extremely excited to get involved and help grow the game with all age groups in Tempe,” Wilson said. “Connor and Jimmy won a state championship at Arcadia when they attended, so it’s another way to give back to the community.” Wilson said that the course will also offer clinics and lessons. “We have a former PGA Tour winner, Parker McLachlin, coaching golf. He’s committed to calling the course his home, which is huge,” Wilson said. The grand opening date is still in the planning stages, but the crew hopes to be ready in late 2024. “As much as we love championship golf, we believe this is the future. Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills is for everyone, all ages and all skill levels, and we can’t wait for what the future holds,” Jimmy said. grassclippings.com Arcadia golf company plans $15M renovation at Rolling Hills Connor Riley, Pete Wilson, Jimmy Hoselton, TJ Forster and Jake Hoselton. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETE WILSON SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR PRIVATE TOUR. IT’S TOO HOT FOR OPEN HOUSES, LET’S COOL DOWN WITH PRIVATE SHOWINGS. If you are currently working with an agent, please disregard. NATHAN ANDERSON + PAUL NICOLETTI 480.888.5800 | NATEANDPAUL.COM LOOKING TO BUILD A CUSTOM HOME? WE HAVE LOTS. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! SCAN HERE or Call 602.730.0668 Today ROC #314154 CALLE VENTURA CUSTOM BUILD OPPORTUNITY 4244 E CATALINA DRIVE ARCADIA | CLOSED 5141 E EARLL DRIVE ARCADIA | CLOSED 3809 N 51ST STREET ARCADIA | ACTIVE 3538 E GLENROSA AVENUE ARCADIA | PENDING

AIR CONDITIONER OVER 10 YEARS OLD! ITS TIME TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE NEW TRANE XV17! Hot Rooms AC Not cooling properly High Energy Bills Uncomfortable House We can fix that! WWW.REEIS.COM 602.492.3700 REEIS A/C L LC ROC# B - 318364 , C- 39 – 31836 3 Schedule a FREE Consultation Today!