Getaway Gang…it’s that time again.Well, finances may be getting a little tight for some of us these days, so being cost conscience we thought it might be good to cut down the travel distance and the golf course fees, yet still go to a nice Resort and play two outstanding golf courses. Therefore, this year we will be traveling to Sparks, Nevada. Sparks is only about four hours from the greater Bay Area, wherein this excellent golfing location will be this year’s destination (just east of Reno, Nevada).

Golf Date: Sunday – April (TBD) Monday – April (TBD)Place: The D’Andrea Golf Club The Resort at Red HawkCourse: D’Andrea Golf Course Lakes CourseFirst Tee Time: 10:00 AM 10:00 AM

While Las Vegas continues to grow in leaps and bounds as the Gambling Capital of the known universe, Reno/Sparks is a quiet alternative to the glitz of Sin City, and is a rest spot for tourists and Lake Tahoe enthusiasts. In the last seven years, six new courses have opened here and more are on the drawing boards. When you add in the Carson Valley area just 20 minutes away, there are 22 courses to visit around the Biggest Little City One of those new tracks in this region that is definitely worth a look is D‘Andrea Golf Club located in the hills above the city of Sparks on the eastern side of the Truckee Meadows. This golf track spills across a huge expanse of terrain and is an ultimate Nevada golf course. This course cuts hard to the land and makes no bones about where it is situated. There are no phony waterfalls, no palm trees, and nobody pushing it as a Scottish links course. This is high desert golf and architect Keith Foster did a great job of using the most dramatic land possible to set this big course into. D'Andrea Golf Club is one of Reno’s most memorable golf experiences. This 6,849-yard, Par 71 layout combines challenging second-shot approaches with a variety of unique designs to test all aspects of the game. The dramatic layout meanders through mountainous foothills and high desert canyons, ascending to a point on the scenic back nine that features some of the most spectacular vistas of the Reno area and the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains. After the completion of your round relax in our 20,000 square foot Tuscan style clubhouse that offers amazing views of the city and Sierra Nevada.

The Lakes course at Red Hawk Golf Resort is one of two courses at this golf club in Sparks. The other is the private Hills course available to members of the club. Both were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and as their names imply, the Hills plays up and down more severe hillsides, while the Lakes is flatter and water heavy. Red Hawk's Lakes course plays 7,140 yards from the championship tees and features bent grass greens and more than 100 bunkers. The Lakes Course has been voted "Best Public Golf Course" 8 times by Nevada Magazine and "Best Golf Course" 7 times by Reno Gazette-Journal. There are many dogleg rights here, far more than holes played left, so slicers may find the golf course friendly - but hazards tend to lurk on the right side of many fairways as well. The most daring shot on the course comes on the 17th, a long par 3 played entirely over water. Red Hawk Golf Resort features a full driving range and practice facility, and the clubhouse has a good bar and grill and even a few slot machines at the bar if you're looking for a little post-round luck.

Here is the plan. As was the case last year, Saturday (4/21/12) most likely will be utilized as a travel day. The first day of golfing has been scheduled for the Redhawk Golf Club on Sunday (4/22/12), with our second day of golfing at the D’Andrea Golf Club on Monday (4/23/12). Finally, Tuesday (4/24/12) is an optional day of leisure or a departure day if you so choose. If you stick around for an extra day of fun, your return day will be Wednesday (4/25/12).

Golf Golf GetawayGetaway

This year’s trip is not a package deal. Therefore you may choose to stay in any Hotel that you would like. I usually stay in a Hotel/Resort/Casino because I like the options they have for entertainment. If you cannot find a Hotel to your liking in Sparks, Reno is only a few miles to the west, wherein lies an abundance of Hotel options. Both golf courses are outstanding and kept in meticulous condition. Last year’s trip had another good turn out. So, don’t miss out. Once again, we will have challenging golf courses, enjoyable socializing (golfing and at dinner) and fond memories. Make plans and don’t miss out!

This year as in the past, a group dinner is planned. As was the case in the past two outings, two restaurants have been selected. The first dinner social will be at Vista Grille Restaurant on Sunday evening

The second dinner social will be held on Monday evening at the Great Basin Brewing Company

If you have any questions, feel free to inquire,Lad MeairsEmail: meairs2@comcast.net (home) or laddin.d.meairs@lmco.com (work)Phones: (925) 978-0170 (home) – (925) 829-8615 ext 330 (work) - (925) 813-2465 (cell)

Mail checks to: Lad Meairs1254 Mokelumne CourtAntioch, CA 94531

Terms of Agreement: To get the group tee times and discounted rate of $000 total, per person, for both courses, I had to sign a contract for a minimum of 16 golfers at both golf courses with a $500 non-refundable deposit (each course). Please make up your mind by early March. I have to pay in full, 30 days prior to our scheduled dates (money due on March 15, 2010). I need your official commitment and green fees by that date. If you need to wait and settle up in April, I can carry it on my credit card, but you will need to honor your commitment.

D'Andrea Golf Club 2900 S. D'Andrea ParkwaySparks, NV 89434 Phone: (775) 331-6363

The Resort at Red Hawk 6600 North Wingfield PkwySparks, NV 89436 Phone: 775-626-1000

Place: The D’Andrea Golf Club Date: Sunday – April (TBD)

Course: D’Andrea Golf Course Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group)Location: Sparks, Nevada Price $90.00

http://www.dandreagolf.com/

D'Andrea Country Club is a par 71 layout which opened for play in the summer of 2000 and features four tee blocks with the course stretching from 5,982 to 6,849 yards from the tips. Most players will find the Gold Tees, rated at 70.4 with a 126 slope, to be plenty of course at 6,501 yards. The front nine opens with a wide par four that works up to an elevated green that sets the tone for uphill shots on this course. The front actually features mostly downhill play and the way the course is situated on the hillside above the Truckee Meadows provides a fantastic view. All of Reno and Sparks are spread before you and the Eastern Slope of the Sierra Nevada provide a great backdrop. This is one of the best views to be found at any golf course in the region. The holes are very wide here so your main priority is to grip it and rip it, but don't get off of the fairways. The 3rd hole is a downhill 195-yard hole with a gaping bunker to the left and a two tiered green for a target. The 6th hole is even more intimidating. It plays 195 yards across a lake to a slightly elevated green that is fronted by a 10-foot high stonewall that rises out of the water. You have to hit plenty of club here to reach this tough green. The use of two tiered greens is common throughout the course and the bent grass surfaces are lightning fast. The last three holes on the front begin the challenge of the hillside. The par 5 7th hole is a 528 yard hole into a very elevated green that really has just one pin placement on the front level, so don't go long. The ninth hole is a beast at 420 yards with the last 200 yards playing right up the hill. This hole finishes just below the site of the new clubhouse. Many matches will turn on this tough hole. The back nine is a series of uphill holes where every approach shot is challenged by the fickle winds that swirl through the canyons that frame these holes. The back is a little easier than the front as long as you keep your ball out of the rough. As with the front, the par three’s are long, tough holes. The 12th hole is downhill but still plays to 246 yards from the back tees and 218 yards from the Gold Tees. An even tougher target waits at the 14th hole. Here the two-tiered green has bunkers left and right and the hole plays to 185 yards from the gold tees. The 18th and final hole is a par four which plays to 453 yards from the Gold Tees, but the drive can carry out over a hill where you can get a good roll. This hole should have been stretched out to make it a par 5 but the designer obviously ran out of real estate.

Place: The Resort at Red Hawk Date: Monday – April (TBD)

Course: The Lakes Course Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group)

Location: Sparks, Nevada Price $90.00

The Resort at Red Hawk has two championship 18 hole courses, and is well regarded as one of the top golf complexes in northern Nevada. The development is in the foothills of Pah Rah mountain range in a community called Wingfield Springs located in Sparks. The Lakes Course, a link-style public course, was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and opened in 1997. The 7,140-yard course, max slope of 134, has multiple tees with more than 100 bunkers with lakes, springs and cottonwood tree lined fairways. The Resort at Red Hawk is the only Northern Nevada golf course to be voted 8 times by Nevada Magazine as Best Golf Course in Northern Nevada.  Red Hawk also continues to be a Fairways & Greens Signature Series designated golf course. The Lakes Course is known for its small greens, abundant water hazards and deep penalizing bunkers filled with “Augusta” white crushed marble. The undulating fairways and big sky views take in all of the Spanish Springs Valley and the surrounding mountains. The Lakes course has integrated the natural environment in its design, including numerous natural lakes, centuries-old cottonwood trees and awe-inspiring views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The design features water coming into play on eleven out of its eighteen holes, and generous sand and grass bunkers have been incorporated into the design as well. This Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed course challenges your game in an artfully designed setting featuring natural lakes, murmuring springs and mature cottonwood trees to create a memorable day of golf. The Lakes Course is served by the award winning Golf Shop at Red Hawk, providing the best in equipment and clothing in a warm ambiance with uncompromising service. Other amenities include a Hale Irwin Signature Design putting course, a full practice range with chipping and pitching stations, practice bunkers and a meticulously manicured 10,000 square foot practice green. All the golf carts at Red Hawk (both courses) are equipped with the latest GPS technology. Additionally, individual and group lessons are available from their award winning PGA staff.

Room Types SatApr

SunApr

MonApr

East Tower : Premier King or 2 Queens $100 $80 $80

John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel & Casino1100 Nugget Avenue Sparks, Nevada 89431 Phone: 800-648-1177

John Ascuaga's Nugget features over 1,500 hotel rooms in two luxurious hotel towers – East and West, and the Nugget Courtyard. It is conveniently located adjacent to I-80 less than five minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Downtown Reno and in the heart of the Victorian Square, home of many fun regional special events. The views of the Reno city lights and magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains are spectacular. The Nugget Hotel offers a wide array of hotel amenities to meet all your needs, featuring the region's only year-round indoor Atrium Pool, an on-site Wedding Chapel, a full-service Salon & Spa, a fitness center located next to the Atrium Pool, eight award-winning restaurants, Starbucks Coffee located in the Hotel Lobby, a business center located on the 2nd floor, the Skywalk Arcade, and one of the area's largest gift shops located on the Lower Level.

The Premier East Tower has stunning mountain or cityscape views combined with sophisticated contemporary decor in these spacious premier tower rooms. Amenities include presidential mattresses, luxurious bedding with 300 thread-count sheets, 42" plasma TV, tasteful furnishings, well-lit work desk, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and coffeemaker. Tower guest rooms offer easy access to the full-service gym, indoor/outdoor atrium pool with Jacuzzis and Chonne's Salon and Spa. Wireless Internet access is available for an additional fee.

Restaurants: The Steakhouse Grill, Trader Dick’s, Resaurante Orozko, John’s Oyster Bar, Rotisserie Buffet, Rosie’s Café, Noodle Hut, Gabe’s Pub & Deli and Starbucks’ Coffee

Casino: Place your bets and get ready for action on the most exciting casino floor in Reno/Sparks! A generous selection of challenging table games for a seasoned player, as well as non-intimidating choices for newcomers. Friendly dealers and an electric atmosphere enhance the experience. If the luck of the draw and strategic thinking are your game, you'll want to indulge in blackjack or if you prefer to choose your own lucky numbers, roulette may be just what the dealer ordered! Other table games include Craps, Blackjack Switch®, Let It Ride Bonus®, Progressive Fortune Pai Gow Poker®, and Progressive Three-Card Poker®. Go for an exhilarating spin with the latest and greatest slot games! It's an enticing variety of slots that will leave you reeling. Discover your favorites on our vibrant casino floor, allowing you the exciting opportunity to progress from one machine to another, and stay in action with ease! At John Ascuaga's Nugget you can play over 1,100 slot machines including several of the most popular progressive jackpot machines in addition to other popular themed machines.

Entertainment: Live entertainment is an integral part of the John Ascuaga's Nugget experience. Whether you see a top-name show in the classic 700-seat Celebrity Showroom, 2,000-seat Rose Ballroom or in our more intimate venues like the Casino Cabaret, Trader Dick's Lounge or the Orozko Lounge, we will make sure your evening is delightful.

West Tower : Deluxe King or 2 Queens $70 $60 $60 West Tower : Premier King or 2 Queens $100 $85 $85

East Tower : Premier Executive King or 2 Queens $120 $100 $100

Here is a sampling of other Hotels in the area:Here is a sampling of other Hotels in the area:

Homewood Suites - RenoHomewood Suites - Reno $150$150Tuscany Tower at the PeppermillTuscany Tower at the Peppermill $145$145Courtyard by Marriott – RenoCourtyard by Marriott – Reno $135$135Hilton Garden Inn – RenoHilton Garden Inn – Reno $130$130Staybridge Suites - RenoStaybridge Suites - Reno $130$130Hampton Inn & Suites - RenoHampton Inn & Suites - Reno $115$115Fairfield Inn & Suites – SparksFairfield Inn & Suites – Sparks $110$110Hyatt Place – RenoHyatt Place – Reno $105$105Holiday Inn Express & Suites – RenoHoliday Inn Express & Suites – Reno $100$100Holiday Inn – SparksHoliday Inn – Sparks $100$100Super 8Super 8 $ 90$ 90Comfort Inn & Suites – RenoComfort Inn & Suites – Reno $ 80$ 80Quality Inn – RenoQuality Inn – Reno $ 70$ 70Eldorado Hotel & Casino – RenoEldorado Hotel & Casino – Reno $ 70$ 70La Quinta – RenoLa Quinta – Reno $ 65$ 65Ramada Hotel & Casino – RenoRamada Hotel & Casino – Reno $ 65$ 65

Here is a sampling of the Hotels in the Reno/Sparks area (during dates in Here is a sampling of the Hotels in the Reno/Sparks area (during dates in April). This data was collected off the Travelocity site. Rate is an average for April). This data was collected off the Travelocity site. Rate is an average for the three nights (Saturday will obviously be more expensive, with Sunday the three nights (Saturday will obviously be more expensive, with Sunday and Monday being cheaper)and Monday being cheaper)

Optional Social Events Optional Social Events

Sunday Evening – Dinner Social - April (TBD)Sunday Evening – Dinner Social - April (TBD)

Monday Evening – Dinner Social - April (TBD)Monday Evening – Dinner Social - April (TBD)

Review from Urbanspoon.com: “It’s the best steakhouse! Great food, and wonderful service”Enjoy a delicious array of fine foods and elegant dining in a comfortable environment at Vista Grille Restaurant. From their full-service bar and generous wine list, a selection of dishes sure to please any palate, and customer service that is second to none. Vista Grille is committed to providing an exemplary dining experience for each guest. Stop by their restaurant and discover their delicious cuisine. Vista Grille Restaurant includes a full-service bar and wine cellar. Rated 4 stars and one of the top five (out of 154) restaurants in Sparks, NV. Menu includes Pasta, Chicken, Steak and Seafood, with delicious items such as New York steak, Prime rib, Steak Diane, Medallions of Beef tenderloin, USDA Choice Angus Rib-eye steak, Filet mignon steak, and BBQ Pork Baby Back Ribs   

It is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with a happy hour from 3 – 7 PM every day.

Vista Grille Restaurant1250 Disc DriveSparks, Nevada 89436-0693(775) 626-9922www.vistagrille.com

Great Basin Brewing Company 846 Victorian Avenue,Sparks, Nevada 89436-0693 (775) 355-7711 www.greatbasinbrewingco.com

Great Basin Brewing Company (GBBC), established in 1993, is Nevada's oldest and most award-winning brewery serving world-class brewery-fresh beer, great food and great times. This is the area's premier place for those serious about real beer! Great Basin offers an amazing variety of beers — many having won awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.Great Basin provides a wide variety of food offerings including salads, homemade soups, burgers, sandwiches, steak, chicken, shepherd's pie and our world famous fish and chips, plus much more. The Nevada desert offers beauty, solitude and comfort to those who care to bask in it. Those who settled in this region had a pioneering spirit born from necessity. The pioneering spirit and rich heritage is captured in the tradition and spirit of the Great Basin Brewing Company. Each of their brews has a unique and satisfying taste that you will truly enjoy!