Over the past few years, there has been a lot of talk dividers in the fun of golf. LIV, TGL and YouTube have all staked their claim as reimagining professional golf and its consumption.
But I remain very intrigued by something else that is like none of the above: Grass League.
High stakes par-3 golf league featuring 11 franchises with a mix of professionals AND amateurs have grown organically and rapidly since its inception in 2023.
The Grass League has evolved into a cult following 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 and fast-paced environment.
While typical professional golf holds up “Quiet, Please” signs, the Grass League holds up “Louder, Please” signs. Simply put, everyone involved is here for a good time.
The third and final event will take place this weekend at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, Ariz. Between 8,000 and 10,000 fans are expected to show up, and you can catch the action on the Golf Channel on Saturday, December 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. ET.
What is Grass League?
The best way to think of Grass League is that it’s like a pickle compared to tennis.
All the focus is on the two-player scramble teams playing par-3 courses. Each franchise has multiple teams competing, earning points (and serious money) in a multi-event points race. There is also a qualifier and draft for free agents to join the league.
Competitors range from professional players — Colt Knost, Charlie Beljan, Gabriella Ruffels and Scott Harrington are part of this weekend’s field — to amateurs who can make money through NIL deals based on prize money going to team owners who can then compensate their players.
Grass League is not a weak startup. Las Vegas Action, the last franchise, was just acquired 1 million dollars from The Sports Group Endeavors, a group that features former TaylorMade CEO Mark King. Other owners include Good Good (Dallas Horsemen), Dave Roberts (LA Dodgers manager) and US Open winner Wyndham Clark.
The Las Vegas team being sold for this number is a huge milestone that shows how confident these owners are that this will work.
League can support up to 24 franchises and anticipates launching approximately one new franchise per year in the coming year. Future expansion markets include Boston, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Austin, Houston, Miami, Korea, Tokyo, Mexico City and several major European cities.
Two events were played – the Grass Clippings Open and the Summer Grind – heading into this week’s final. of San Diego Munisled by Rickie Fowler’s caddy, Ricky Romano, enters the game in first place point races during the season.
Why might Grass League work?
I can understand why the trust exists.
Grass League has deals with Golf Channel and Paige Spiranac. Streams, similar to what we saw with Good Good Desert Knockout, are very attractive.
Think about LIV. It has a somewhat intriguing roster of players, but the format is boring and there’s nothing at stake except adding money to a millionaire’s wallet.
Think about TGL. They have the elite talent, an interesting format and the ability to stream live in primetime, but it’s hard to get emotionally invested in a simulator league that isn’t real golf.
Think YouTube. It’s engaging, on-demand and endless, but the live events have been a bit of a mixed bag. Without the benefit of editing, the product loses much 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 environment 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 purse of $100,000.
A reminder: anyone 17 years of age or older can qualify. There are no handicap restrictions. The fact that it’s par-3 golf and you get a teammate in a bogey format means that more than handicap plus players can compete.
Imagine when even more visible professionals and amateurs get involved over time…
The biggest struggle for the league is exposure and awareness, but that will change quickly if events like the Bar League Championship are fun.
Since we’re at a dead end in the golf calendar, it seems like a good time to gauge how much hype this event is getting.
Will you be watching this weekend? Let me know below in the comments.
Post Grass League may be the biggest disruptor of all appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
