When the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.–designed Lake Course opened at Red Hawk in 1997, it marked the zenith of a decade-long golf boom in northern Nevada. And Red Hawk Golf Club was one of the premier gems in this surge of golf growth. The Wingfield Springs site sits on what was the Spanish Springs Ranch of famous Nevada entrepreneur George Wingfield. Part of the original golf hall was a restoration of the Winfield ranch house's living room and sun porch including the original beams, paneling and detailing. What is now called the Lake Course was designed to be a premier public course facility.
Trent Jones Jr. took his design work very seriously and offered a unique observation when the course opened in 1997. "In golf architecture, a signature has become identified by many as one hole that typifies the architect's style and may be thought of as the best or most outstanding hole," he explained. "I prefer to look at my signature as the look feel and blend of the entire 18 holes and how they create a canvas for golf much like an artist does with a painting. Each hole has an important role in the overall design." The design has stood the test of time with the feel Trent Jones Jr. intended and remains one of the best public courses in northern Nevada.
In a little more than a year, the entire Red Hawk Golf Resort concept became a reality with the addition of many spectacular facilities. A state-of-the-art practice facility with its own clubhouse, driving range, putting green and chipping area opened. The Golf Hall and Clubhouse became just one part of what was called the Special Events Promenade and Village Green that also includes the bar and dining facility David's Grill. It became a fun excursion to head out on Vista Boulevard off Interstate 80 to see what was new at Red Hawk and play a round, practice or enjoy the food and drink at David's Grill. In 1999 the Hale Irwin–designed Hills Course opened, giving the resort two 18-hole championship courses. The Hills Course, as its name implies, features dramatic elevation changes, undulating fairways, deep bunkers and relatively small greens. It offers panoramic views of the entire Spanish Springs Valley and surrounding mountains.
Now that the entire Spanish Springs area has fully developed into a thriving community in the Sparks area, Red Hawk Golf and Resort has become its centerpiece for golf, weddings, community events and a tourist destination. The facility provides a little something for everyone with a swim and fitness center, several venues for weddings, corporate parties, dinners and executive retreats. The Villas offer private accommodations on site with four elegantly decorated and amenity-filled suites. David's Grill offers a large, eclectic menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections that can be enjoyed indoors, in a sports bar setting or outdoor patio dining.
Green fees for golf are reasonable given all the amenities that come with your 18-hole round and the quality of both courses. Locals can also take advantage of Talon Club membership that provides reduced rates and other benefits throughout the year. There is also a Private Club Membership that offers more exclusive use of all club facilities with monthly dues and no upfront fees.
