First Tee takes ownership of golf course in Reno, Nevada, where a new high school will also be built

SPARKS, Nev. — There will not only be a new high school at the former Wildcreek Golf Course, but the golf course and clubhouse will also be under new ownership, with some big changes in store.

The Washoe County Commission voted unanimously this week to transfer Wildcreek Golf Course ownership to First Tee Northern Nevada.

The new Hug High School is being built on part of the old Wildcreek Championship Golf Course on Sullivan Lane in  Sparks. The rest of the property will serve as the home base for First Tee, a non-profit youth golf development organization.

“I can’t wait. It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened in a long time,” said First Tee Director Chris Dewar. “Now I just need somebody to give me $10 million.”

She said First Tee will begin a fundraising campaign immediately for the renovations. She hopes to raise $8 million.

Dewar said Washoe County already has funds dedicated to be used as a one-to-one match for the fundraising.

Under the terms of the agreement, First Tee will be required to operate the golf course for charitable or civic purposes for the community. If the property ever ceases being used as agreed upon, it will revert automatically to Washoe County.

Plans call for a new nine-hole championship golf course to be built on the existing property. That will be the first step in the project.

There are currently six holes remaining on the championship course, so First Tee will add three holes to that, as well as a driving range and putting green.

She said the existing nine-hole Executive Course will get a facelift.

Dewar said plans include renovating the existing clubhouse as well as the golf course. The clubhouse will be used as an after-school tutoring center. It will also include a restaurant, bar and retail store.

Dewar said the nearby Hug students, as well as all students, will have opportunities to learn about golf course landscaping and agronomy as well other golf course management tasks and jobs.

Construction in 2020 in Reno, Nevada, for the new Hug High School on the site of the old Wildcreek Golf Course. Photo by Jason Bean/Reno Gazette Journal

The First Tee organization teaches more than 2,000 youth, ages five-18, the game of golf each year. Northern Nevada will be one of 10 First Tee organizations across the country that has its own golf course.

Mazz Golf Management will operate Wildcreek Golf Course for First Tee. During daytime hours when kids are in school, the course will be open to the public.

“This is the best thing that has happened to public golf in Washoe county in a very long time,” Mike Mazzaferri, owner of Mazz Golf Management, said in a news release.