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In-Kyung Kim of South Korea chips onto the 11th hole green during the second round of the J Golf Phoenix LPGA International golf tournament at Papago Golf Course on March 27, 2009.

The Grass Clippings Open is more than just a tournament; it represents a turning point in how fans experience competitive golf. Set against the backdrop of a fully lit par-3 course in Tempe, Arizona, the event blends fast-paced gameplay with entertainment elements rarely seen in traditional formats.

What makes this event particularly compelling is its timing. As the opening showcase for the rapidly expanding Grass League, the Grass Clippings Open serves as a proving ground for a new vision of the sport.

The event features live performances from Phantogram, MIKE., Ian Asher, and Arden Jones, turning the competition into a full-scale entertainment experience. Rather than separating sport and culture, the Grass League leans into both.

With players competing April 24-25 under the lights and fans tuning in both in-person and online, the event captures the league’s mission: to make golf more accessible, exciting, and culturally relevant.

The League Behind the Event

A major part of the league’s identity comes from its growing list of franchises, each backed by unique ownership groups and personalities. These teams give the league its regional flavor and competitive edge, turning individual matchups into broader narratives that fans can follow throughout the season.

Among the standout teams are the Dallas Horsemen, supported by Good Good Golf, and the Hollywood Hitters, featuring personalities like Dox, Mally, and Fish. The Las Vegas Action, backed by The Sports Group, enters as one of the most anticipated new franchises, while the Los Angeles Roses, led by Dave Roberts, bring a strong connection to one of the country’s biggest sports markets.

Elsewhere, the Michigan Auto Aces (Eberg Capital) and Minnesota Muskies (Aspen Technologies) represent the Midwest, while the New York Blue Birds (Lazerow Enterprises) anchor the East Coast presence. In Arizona, both Phoenix United (Manor Phoenix) and the Scottsdale Strikers (Riot Hospitality) highlight the league’s strong local roots, especially with the Grass Clippings Open taking place in their backyard.

Rounding out the lineup are the San Diego Munis, associated with Wyndham Clark, and the Tampa Bay Swamp Dawgs, backed by Silverleaf Golf Club. Together, these 11 franchises form the backbone of a league that is quickly expanding its reach and influence across the country.

Expanding Franchises and Rising Momentum

The Las Vegas Action is making its debut at the tournament. Positioned in one of the world’s most exciting entertainment markets, the team reflects the league’s broader vision. With a roster that includes both local talent and experienced professionals, the Las Vegas Action enters the league with high expectations and the coveted first overall pick in the draft.

“The addition of the Las Vegas Action is a major milestone for the league. Las Vegas is one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world, and SG Ellison and his group bring the kind of vision, energy, and community commitment that aligns perfectly with what we’re building,” Jake Hoselton, Co-Founder and CEO of the Grass League, said. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Action and their fans to the Grass League.”

The Field at the Grass Clippings Open

If the structure of the league provides the foundation, the field at the Grass Clippings Open delivers the action. Friday’s opening round already showcased just how competitive this format can be. Leading the way is the duo of Quick and Weworski, who set the pace at an impressive 10-under, establishing themselves as the early benchmark for the rest of the field.

Close behind, Gregg and Lindblom sit at 9-under, keeping pressure firmly on the leaders, while a crowded group at 8-under – including teams like Chiarella and Hambright, Daniels and Klein, and Lumgair and Doyle – highlights just how tight the competition is near the top. With so little separation between teams, a single shot can dramatically shift the leaderboard, reinforcing the high-stakes nature of the event.

Depth is another defining feature of this field. Multiple teams are clustered at 7-under and 6-under, including pairings like Harrington and Elmes and Carreon and Williams, all within striking distance heading into the next stage. Even those further down the board remain dangerous in a format where momentum can change quickly and scoring opportunities are constant.

Adding another layer of intrigue, a full slate of additional pairings is set to tee off in later waves, ensuring that the leaderboard is far from settled. With recognizable names and rising talent still to take the course, the field remains wide open.