Escalante Golf, a distinguished owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states, has acquired Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, GA.
Since its opening in 1999, Hawks Ridge has consistently been recognized among the nation’s Top 200 Modern Courses and is frequently lauded as one of Georgia’s premier golf destinations. In a testament to its standing, the club has been selected to host final qualifying for the 126th U.S. Open Championship this June, marking its ninth appearance in this significant role.
The visionaries behind Hawks Ridge, childhood friends Mike Nixon and Joe Jillson, established the club after an extensive search for the ideal location in the greater Atlanta area. Their endeavor led them to a secluded, expansive property approximately an hour north of downtown.
Following a thorough nationwide selection process, acclaimed golf course architect Bob Cupp was chosen to design the course. Cupp, known for his work on notable courses like Pumpkin Ridge in Oregon and Liberty National near New York City, had previously collaborated with Jack Nicklaus on Muirfield Village in Ohio, a favorite of the founders. Utilizing the picturesque 550 wooded, rolling acres, Cupp crafted a golf course celebrated for its strategic shot values, engaging blend of hole lengths, and impeccable course conditions.
Complementing the outstanding on-course features, Hawks Ridge offers a warm and inviting off-course experience. Beyond its 18-hole championship course, amenities include a nine-hole par-3 course, a spacious clubhouse, a tavern-style restaurant, a cutting-edge training facility, a helipad, and two four-bedroom member cottages. This harmonious combination of premier golf and relaxed luxury has been instrumental in drawing a distinguished membership, including prominent athletes and successful business leaders from Atlanta.
“We are deeply honored to assume the stewardship of Hawks Ridge and to perpetuate its legacy as a club renowned for exceptional golf and genuine camaraderie,” stated David McDonald, President/Partner at Escalante Golf. “Mike and Joe demonstrated incredible foresight in expertly merging world-class golf course architecture with an approachable club atmosphere. They set a benchmark for excellence that perfectly aligns with our team’s commitment to delivering an outstanding golf experience daily for our members and their guests. The Hawks Ridge membership comprises not only skilled players but also wonderful individuals. Mike and Joe built a true players’ club, one designed for enjoyment across generations. We are ready and proud to uphold that legacy.”
Renowned golf course architect Tripp Davis has been engaged to develop a master plan for the club. Davis, whose recent projects include a comprehensive renovation of Atlanta Athletic Club’s Riverside course in 2022 and the ongoing completion of his original design, The Rose Golf Club, near Athens, Georgia, shares a strong working relationship with Escalante. He has previously collaborated with the Escalante team on courses such as The International’s Oaks Course in Massachusetts, BlackHorse Golf Club in Texas, and Black Diamond Ranch in Florida.
“Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the practice facilities, instructional programs, tournament schedule, and culinary offerings at Hawks Ridge will enhance its already exceptional on-course golf experience,” commented Jeff Kindred, COO of Escalante Golf. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to guide this iconic club, with its strong culture of excellence embraced by both members and staff, into its next chapter.”
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Escalante Golf has discreetly curated an impressive portfolio of exclusive clubs in key markets. These properties have a proven track record of hosting significant amateur and professional golf tournaments, including the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur Championships, the Charles Schwab Cup, the WGC Match Play Championship, the WinCo Foods Portland Open, the Shell Houston Open, and five LIV Golf events.