Patrick Montelongo drives on Red Hawk Golf Club’s 18th hole during the Burger Time “Sandra B. McGrath” Golf Tournament in 2016. (Photo: Jett Loe/Sun-News)
LAS CRUCES – Sierra Norte Land Holdings, owner of Red Hawk Golf Course, recently acquired Sonoma Ranch Golf Course with plans to utilize the best qualities of both public courses.
Sierra Norte Land Holdings has owned Red Hawk Golf Course since it was founded in 2011. Sonoma Ranch Golf Course was founded in 2000, designed by architect Cal Olson, and was previously owned by the Sonoma Group. The course changed ownership hands in 2014 to the Las Cruces Country Club, but returned to the original owners a little over a year later.
Jackie Jones, director of marketing for Mesilla Valley Transportation, said Sonoma Ranch GC and the Sunset Grill were acquired through a land acquisition of underdeveloped land near the course. She added that the company’s current priority is a smooth transition for employees and guests.
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“Red Hawk and Sonoma each have their strengths and weakness. We are excited to partner up and learn from each other to offer our customers the best experience possible,” said RHGC’s Golf Professional Johnny Montes.
Golfers in favor of move
Centennial High School Golf Coach Greg Garcia has extensive experience with both courses, specifically as a marshal. He spent a year at Sonoma Ranch and about four years so far with Red Hawk. He said that now the two courses are not in direct competition, there is a chance for a good partnership and growth.
“Even though they’re great places now, they can get better. And so I think everybody’s kind of excited to see what’s ahead, what’s coming up. Now that they’re connected, what is that going to really do for the golfers?” Garcia said.
Las Cruces native Jordan Glaze has been golfing in the area since he was about 6 years old and said he is familiar with all of the courses in the area — though he spends most of his time at the New Mexico State University Golf Course. He agreed that the new partnership will benefit the courses, particularly Sonoma Ranch, which he said has diminished in course maintenance quality in recent years.
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Pictured is a view of the Organ Maoutains from the 16th hole at the Sonoma Ranch Golf on Monday, May 8, 2016. (Photo: Robin Zielinski / Sun-News)
Garcia explained that many people are interested in seeing Sonoma Ranch improve in playability and Red Hawk add a larger pro shop — especially as the nearby Metro Verde residential area continues to grow.
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Rates have not changed for either course as of yet, but Glaze said there are signs around Sonoma Ranch alerting customers to a pending change. Prices at the locations are fairly similar now. Garcia said he anticipates rates coming in at about the same range.
Garcia added that both courses and their golf pros currently work well with the Las Cruces Public School teams, and he hopes this partnership continues. Junior programs specifically introduce children in the community to the sport and feed into the high school programs. Kids join high school teams already having a connection to the area courses.
“Especially right now with all the COVID stuff, popularity of golf’s really taken off. I think that’s really, really good for the game. It’s super awesome see all the new people out there,” Glaze said.
Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, lromero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.
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