Red Hawk Golf Course Charts a New Course with Solar Partnership

TAMAROA, Ill. – April 21, 2026 – A new era is dawning for the Red Hawk Golf Course, as a landmark partnership aims to fuse the community’s recreational heritage with a forward-looking investment in clean energy. New ownership and a locally-rooted management team are set to take the helm, introducing a hybrid model that will see fairways and solar arrays coexist on the sprawling property.

The transition, led by the newly formed Perry County Golf LLC and supported by energy developer ECA Solar, represents a novel approach to land use in Southern Illinois, seeking to preserve a beloved local asset while tapping into the growing renewable energy economy.

A New Vision for a Community Asset

Under the new arrangement, Perry County Golf LLC will assume management of course operations. The group emphasizes its local ties, with the press release noting that team members like Rick Luke and Jordan Campanella have been members of the club for decades. This deep connection to the community is a cornerstone of the new venture's philosophy.

"This is a positive step for the community and a reflection of what thoughtful partnership can achieve," said Tyson Tanner, a Partner at Perry County Golf LLC, in a statement. "We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the ability to support both community use and future-focused development."

The plan ensures that golf will remain a central feature of the property. The facility is slated to continue operating as a full 18-hole course until construction on the energy project begins, which is anticipated in October 2026. Following the start of construction, a minimum of nine holes will be preserved for play, ensuring the tradition of golf in Tamaroa continues. The acquisition also includes a provision to resell a majority of the existing acreage, with a stated preference for qualified local investment groups, further cementing the project's community-centric goals.

The Green on the Green: Integrating Solar Power

Driving the energy component of this project is ECA Solar, a firm specializing in responsible energy development. ECA Solar is not only supporting the acquisition but is also spearheading the development planning for what it calls the "Tamaroa Community Energy Program."

The company plans to develop a subset of the property into a community-scale solar farm. While specific details on the megawatts are pending, ECA Solar's typical ground-mount projects span 30 to 50 acres. The development is being carefully planned to "complement the site," suggesting an integrated design that respects the remaining recreational space.

ECA Solar’s CEO and Founder highlighted the importance of local collaboration in the official announcement, stating, "we are proud to work with the new management team that has deep local roots, including Rick Luke and Jordan Campanella that have been members for decades." This partnership model, blending outside development expertise with local stewardship, is central to the project's strategy.

Economic and Environmental Payoffs

The dual-use plan for Red Hawk is more than just an innovative land strategy; it's a calculated economic move poised to deliver significant benefits to Perry County. The development aligns with a favorable legislative environment in Illinois, which is actively encouraging renewable energy projects.

State legislation, specifically SB 486, has created a standardized tax assessment for large-scale solar installations, providing predictable and substantial property tax revenue for local jurisdictions. For communities like Tamaroa, this can be a vital source of new funding. On average, each megawatt of ground-mounted solar in Illinois can generate between $6,000 and $8,000 in annual property tax revenue, with approximately 70% of that revenue often dedicated to funding local schools.

Beyond tax benefits, the construction phase of the solar farm is expected to create local jobs. Once operational, the "Tamaroa Community Energy Program" will contribute to the state's clean energy goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing regional energy independence. The model also provides a stable, long-term income stream from the land, diversifying the property's financial foundation beyond greens fees and membership dues.

A Growing National Trend

The ambitious project at Red Hawk Golf Course is not happening in a vacuum. It reflects a growing national and international trend of repurposing or augmenting large land tracts, particularly golf courses, for renewable energy production. As the golf industry has consolidated, many courses have faced financial pressure, making them prime candidates for innovative redevelopment.

In Japan, a number of underused golf courses have been completely converted into massive solar farms, with one project generating enough electricity to power nearly 30,000 homes. In the United States, the former Tallgrass Golf Course in New York was transformed into a 24.9-megawatt solar project.

However, the hybrid model being pursued in Tamaroa—preserving recreation while integrating energy production—is also gaining traction. Many courses are adding solar panels to clubhouses, maintenance buildings, and parking lot canopies to reduce operating costs and showcase environmental commitment. Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina and Torrey Pines Golf Course in California are prominent examples. Some, like Laurel Lane Country Club in Rhode Island, have gone further, becoming 100% solar-powered while remaining fully operational golf courses.

The Red Hawk project positions Tamaroa at the forefront of this trend, offering a potential blueprint for other rural communities. By balancing the preservation of a cherished recreational space with the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy, this partnership aims to ensure the property remains a valuable community asset for decades to come.