Investors tee up new city-based golf league, with two teams in Phoenix area

State of play: Among the teams are Phoenix United and the Scottsdale Strikers.

The latest: The 11-franchise league recently received $2.75 million in funding to cover the cost of organizing live events and hiring a commissioner, among other things.

How it works: Each franchise is eligible to field a certain number of two-player teams at each Grass League event.

• Anyone over age 18 can be on a team, regardless of whether they're a professional.
• All competitions are played in a two-person scramble format, where both players hit from the same spot.
• Outcomes are decided based on team or franchise performance, depending on the event.

Zoom in: Most of the league's events are held at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, with the Grass League championship scheduled there for Dec. 5-6.

• The league's website notes that last week's Summer Grind event was its first outside of Arizona.

What they're saying: Grass League co-founder Jake Hoselton tells Axios that par-3 golf focuses on the most exciting part of the sport.

• "That's where all of the scoring happens. It's where close shots are hit to the hole; it's where long putts and chip-ins are being made. Those are the things that get remembered."

What we're watching: The league airs contests live during prime time on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, a pivot from the weekend afternoon slot golf has traditionally held.

• Summer Grind will premiere Sept. 18 on Golf Channel's YouTube page.