Hawks Nest Golf Club is a wrong turn off the Old Dixie Highway in Vero Beach, Florida, but is well worth coming under consideration if you’re in the area looking for a game.
No matter how many times you drive there, there is a moment when you’re on the wrong road.
A long, one-lane S curve feeds to the entrance, like the fairway of an undulating, blind par five.
The first sign of hawks above almost makes you turn around. But upon arrival, it is an uncluttered pristine sanctuary carved into a heavily wooded sand ridge, absent the cluttering of homes and condos associated with most Florida golf courses.
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A group of residents from the various gated communities that dominate Vero Beach, were passionate about golf, and suffering from golf facilities created by real estate developers, and were determined to develop a championship golf course.
This passionate collective of amateur golfers, the faithful stewards of the game, committed to building a golf course that would resonate with serious players – and they did just that.
The final product, Hawks Nest, was designed by Jim Fazio, a member of the iconic family of golf course designers.
Fazio disdained the theme of ubiquitous water hazards that characterize most Florida courses, taking advantage of the sand-ridge terrain and creating ubiquitous sand traps and waste areas instead.
A departure from the tired water-dominated tracks that proliferate in Florida.
A recent merger with the Moorings Yacht Club provides an additional amenity to this former golf-only venue. But the golf course at Hawks Nest, remains a unique hidden gem on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Hawks Nest Golf Course Map
The Jim Fazio-designed Hawks Nest was first opened in 1987 in Vero Beach, South Florida, and is now a par-72 test. Joining it is the Moorings Course, which was designed by Peter Dye three years early in 1984.
Hawks Nest Golf Club Scorecard & Hole by Hole
Hawks Nest Golf Club Slope Rating
Hawks Nest has a slope rating of 149 from the black tees and a course rating is 74.6. The rating is 146 (Gold Tees), 140 (Blue Tees), 134 (White Tees) and 119 (Green Tees).
Hawks Nest Golf Club Membership Cost
Prices are unavailable for the cost of membership of Hawks Nest. Apply directly via the website.
Hawks Nest Golf Club Address
6005 Old Dixie Hwy
Vero Beach
FL 32967
United States
Phone: +1 772-569-9400
Website: themooringsclub.com/golf
Jack Holden retired from business and returned to writing full time about his lifelong passion for the game of golf. He was introduced to the game as a caddy in Westchester County, NY, where golf clubs and great golf courses proliferate. He provides unique golf course reviews, commentary, opinions, tales and other interesting tid-bits about the game he loves.