The 2026 Grass League Grass Clippings Open is officially in the books! With championship-level conditions, outstanding play, and plenty of lessons both on and off the course, this event kicked off the Grass League season in style. The winning team of Austin Quick and Tyler Weworski set a new scoring record at 23 under par, marking a spectacular start to the year. Several franchise-drafted teams also finished in the top 10. I partnered with Blake Snyder, and we finished at 11 under par—good for a tie for 33rd place in this highly competitive league. I can still picture the putts that lipped out and the tee shots I wish I could take back. As the saying goes: that’s golf. Here are some of my key takeaways from the first Grass League event of 2026.

The Draft

The event kicked off with a draft. Each Grass League franchise has a roster of 14 players, and the GC Open features the largest field of the season, with 12 of those 14 players competing. The two-man scramble format puts roster depth to the test. With 11 franchises, each drafted two teams on the Thursday before the first round. It all began with 100 two-man teams battling it out in a qualifier that ran from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday.

To be eligible for the draft, teams had to finish in the top 25 of the qualifier. This year, the Grass League eliminated the playoff for the top 25 due to time constraints—last year’s qualifier didn’t end until 1:30 a.m.! With no playoff and ties advancing, 44 teams qualified for the draft, but only 22 draft picks were available.

Watching teams make their picks was fascinating. In my view, it all comes down to relationships. This is a team game, so you want players who contribute both on the course and “in the clubhouse.” Being a great teammate is the top priority, and it’s a given that everyone brings serious golf skills to the table.

Three more Grass League events are on the calendar this year. There’s the Match Series, where franchises face off in two-man scramble match play. The twist? Once a team wins and advances, they can’t be used again for the rest of the series. The Summer Grind at Goat Hill Park takes place September 5–6, followed by the GL Championship on December 4–5. Roster depth is critical, and having a true team makes all the difference in the Grass League. Speaking for our LA Roses squad, we love to compete and stay connected all year, sharing updates on our games.

The Tournament

In traditional tournament golf, events are at least 54 holes, and patience is key—everyone says it’s a marathon, not a sprint. In the Grass League, that old adage doesn’t apply. This format is a full-on sprint. While patience still matters, there’s a constant sense of urgency. Top teams rarely make more than four pars in a row—it’s all about making birdies, and lots of them. But with all those scoring chances, precision is everything. A two-man scramble on a par 3 course may sound relaxed, but it’s a real grind. The greens are set up to major championship standards: balls can bounce up to three paces on landing, and green speeds reach 12 to 13 on the stimpmeter for flat putts. Downhill putts get downright scary. Combined with tight landing areas, every shot requires your full concentration.

As for my results with teammate Blake Snyder, we finished the event at 11 under par. It was frustrating—we started strong, going 5 under through the first 6 holes on day one, but then hit a cold streak where good tee shots didn’t turn into birdies. Lip outs, burned edges, a few misreads—you know the feeling. We picked up one more birdie, but then made the cardinal mistake in Grass League: a bogey on our final hole. I left the green fuming, but reminded myself we had another day to make up ground. In the final round, we shot 6 under to finish at 11 under for the championship. We struck the ball well, but just couldn’t get the putts to fall. With such a crowded leaderboard, it’s easy to slide to 33rd place. The winners finished at 23 under, second place at 17 under, and fifth at 16 under.

Our Los Angeles Roses franchise finished 7th overall. Charlie Reiter and Mason Gilinski shot 16 under, tying for 5th. Ryan Ruffles and Canon Claycomb tied for 15th at 14 under. Blake Snyder and I tied for 33rd at 11 under. Aaron Hicks and Marty Sanchez, along with Blake Bertand and Manny Manzone, tied for 52nd at 8 under par. Alex Zurat and Max Green finished tied for 58th at 7 under. In this league, the margins are razor-thin. Without the traditional tee ball, it’s all about immediate action from tee to green.

The Atmosphere

The event’s atmosphere is one-of-a-kind, letting you choose your own pace. As a golfer, seeing a par 3 course in true championship condition is a treat—Superintendent Scott Hebert and his team do a phenomenal job. Every score is hard-earned. Grass League events take the experience up a notch each time. Music plays into the night, tents surround the 15th green, and the 18th offers a true stadium finish. Food trucks and entertainment add to the fun. You can show up just to hang out and leave a golf fan, thanks to the energy and inclusivity woven into the tournament’s fabric.

As a player, it’s an honor to compete in this tournament. The Grass League welcomes a wide range of talent: up-and-coming pros and amateurs, former Tour players, current Tour players, and even athletes from other professional sports. This mix creates a championship atmosphere and, with the team format, endless opportunities for new champions and unforgettable moments.

With more qualifiers and amateur events on the schedule this spring and summer, I’ve got the Summer Grind at Goat Hill Park circled on my calendar. This last event has left my team and me hungrier than ever.