Over the past few years, there’s been a lot of talk about disruptors in golf entertainment. LIV, TGL and YouTube have all staked their claim as reimagining professional golf and the way it is consumed.
But I remain highly intrigued by something else that isn’t quite like any of the above: Grass League.
The high-stakes par-3 golf league that features 11 franchises with a mix of pros and amateurs has grown organically, and rapidly, since its start in 2023.
Grass League has evolved into a cult-following movement with franchises divided by regional markets to create a sense of rivalry and community involvement. They are taking advantage of prime-time night golf under the lights in a more casual, fast-paced environment.
Whereas typical pro golf holds up “Quiet, Please” signs, Grass League is holding up “Louder, Please” signs. Put simply, everyone involved is here for a good time.
The third and final event will be taking place this weekend at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, Ariz. It’s expected that 8,000 to 10,000 fans are going to show up and you can catch the action on Golf Channel on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. ET.
What is the Grass League?
The best way to think about Grass League is that it’s like pickleball compared to tennis.
All of the focus is on two-player scramble teams playing par-3 courses. Each franchise has multiple teams competing, gaining points (and serious cash) in a multi-event points race. There is also a qualifier and draft for free agents to join the league.
The competitors range from pro golfers—Colt Knost, Charlie Beljan, Gabriella Ruffels and Scott Harrington are a part of this weekend’s field—to amateurs who can earn money through NIL deals based on prize money going to team owners who can then compensate their players.
Grass League isn’t some flimsy startup. The Las Vegas Action, the latest franchise, was just acquired for $1 million by The Sports Group Endeavors, a group that features former TaylorMade CEO Mark King. Other owners include Good Good (Dallas Horsemen), Dave Roberts (L.A. Dodgers manager) and U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark.
The Las Vegas team being sold for that number is a huge milestone that shows just how much belief these owners have that this will work.
The league can support up to 24 franchises and anticipates releasing roughly one new franchise per year going forward. Future expansion markets include Boston, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Austin, Houston, Miami, Korea, Tokyo, Mexico City and several major European cities.
There were two events played—the Grass Clippings Open and the Summer Grind—heading into this week’s finale. The San Diego Munis, led by Rickie Fowler’s caddie Ricky Romano, enter play in first place of the season-long points race.
Why can Grass League work?
I can see why the belief is there.
Grass League has deals with Golf Channel and Paige Spiranac. The broadcasts, similar to what we saw with the Good Good Desert Knockout, are highly engaging.
Think about LIV. It has a somewhat intriguing player roster but the format is dull and there is nothing at stake besides adding money to a millionaire’s wallet.
Think about TGL. They have the elite talent, an interesting format and the ability to go live in primetime, but it’s hard to get emotionally invested in a simulator league that isn’t real golf.
Think about YouTube. It’s engaging, on-demand and bottomless but live events have been a bit of a mixed bag. Without the benefit of editing, the product loses most of its edge.
Grass League has some of the best elements of these disruptors without some of the drawbacks.
It’s real golf with fun characters in a primetime setting that works for live golf. There are opportunities for golfers to make life-changing money that actually matters to them. This weekend’s tournament has a $100,000 purse.
A reminder: anyone 17 years of age or older can qualify. There are no handicap restrictions. The fact it’s par-3 golf and you get a teammate in a forgiving format means that more than plus-handicap players can compete.
Imagine when even more notable pros and amateurs get involved over time …
The biggest struggle for the league is exposure and awareness but that will quickly change if events like the Grass League Championship are entertaining.
Given that we are in a dead spot on the golf calendar, it seems like a good time to measure how much hype this event gets.
Will you be watching this weekend? Let me know below in the comments.
ScottO
6 months ago
“ The best way to think about Grass League is that it’s like pickleball compared to tennis.”
This seems a poor analogy. Pickleball doesn’t use a tennis ball, doesn’t use tennis racquets, doesn’t use tennis lines: the only commonality is the net. Par 3 golf is still golf.