FORT WORTH, Texas – Escalante Golf, a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states, has completed a multi-year agronomic renovation at Shadow Hawk Golf Club.
One of Houston’s most exclusive private golf retreats, Shadow Hawk was designed by renowned architect Rees Jones and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The 2024-25 renovation project involved a comprehensive re-grassing and renovation of the club’s 18-hole course and practice facilities.
In 2024, all tee boxes were converted to Stadium Zoysia grass. The following season, teeing areas were further enhanced through an aggressive program that included aerification, sand topdressing and improved fertility practices.
Simultaneously, attention turned to the course’s other playing surfaces. All collars and approaches were sodded, and fairways were sprigged with TifTuff Bermudagrass. The variety is known for its fine texture, superior density, excellent seasonal color retention, high traffic tolerance and exceptional drought resistance with quick recovery.
It is currently used at top Texas clubs like Colonial and Shady Oaks, as well as Georgia’s Ohoopee Match Club and South Carolina’s Old Barnwell.
TifEagle Bermudagrass was selected for the putting surfaces due to its proven performance at the ultra-low mowing heights required for championship-quality greens. It also offers excellent durability, rapid recovery from mechanical stress such as aerification and rolling, rich color, and strong resistance to cold, drought and disease.
“With this renovation, we’ve honored the original vision of Shadow Hawk while making the necessary investments to ensure the course presents a premium playing experience for decades to come,” said Mike Shoelen, General Manager, Shadow Hawk Golf Club. “Combined with our limited membership and commitment to exceptional conditions, this positions Shadow Hawk as one of the most distinctive and private golf experiences not just in Houston but in the state of Texas.”
Construction was led by Golf Sculptors International, with architectural oversight from the Rees Jones design firm. Architect Greg Muirhead, who was onsite for the Jones team during the course’s initial construction, returned to restore and refine green contours, slopes and surrounding features, aligning them with Jones’ original design intent.
Following favorable growing conditions throughout 2025 and a warmer-than-average Houston winter, the newly established turf has quickly matured, creating prime conditions for the 2026 season.
From its earliest days, Shadow Hawk has attracted an influential membership beginning with its first member, President George H. W. Bush. Today, it counts many of Houston’s most prominent business and civic leaders among its members. The club also maintains one of the lowest membership caps in the Houston area, preserving a highly personalized and private experience.
Located about 25 miles southwest of downtown, Shadow Hawk enjoys a proud legacy of hosting significant state and national championships, including the 2005 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2011 U.S. Mid-Amateur.