Sentry duty: Roy rules at Red Rock

Roy is 2 years old and literally works for food. A border collie, he is the newest member of the golf course maintenance team at Red Rock Country Club in Summerlin.

Roy's job is to chase away the nuisance birds and Canada geese that frequent the greens and fairways.

"Roy has been specially trained to free our golf course of (them)," Todd Bell, golf course superintendent, said. "The birds see him as a predator, but he would never harm them. He merely harasses them into finding a new place to live. Our members have acquired an acute curiosity when Roy is working."

Border collies have been found to be the most humane and effective nonlethal form of goose control available. The dogs will even plunge into water in pursuit of their target, which they have no intent to harm. The Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Coalition to Prevent the Destruction of Canada Geese agree.

Roy was purchased last January from Flyaway Farm and Kennels in Southport, N.C., a business that specializes in training dogs for commercial use. He is now a full-time resident of the community.

"When not patrolling the golf course, Roy has his own kennel ... in the golf course maintenance shop, and he has three handlers that see to his every need," Bell said.

Roy patrols two 18-hole golf courses, both of which were designed by Arnold Palmer. The rugged terrain of each course is highlighted by canyons, lakes, waterfalls and streams. The practice facility features a double-ended driving range, putting green and chipping areas.

No two homes are exactly alike at the guard-gated country club, according to Kevin Stall, vice president of sales.

"With a blend of numerous home designs, color palettes, tile variations and architectural styles, the street scenes throughout this 738-acre community resemble those found in custom neighborhoods," Stall said.

"Four teams of nationally renowned architects, as well as professional interior designers worked together to create a community that's in visual harmony with this beautiful high desert area. The floor plans demonstrate a fresh approach to design, and the flexibility they offer will give our buyers vast opportunities to customize their homes."

Available options include casitas, courtyards with fireplaces, sit-down wet bars and master bedroom retreats. The Red Rock Country Club's Sunsation program allows for a variety of options, including structural changes and room configurations or additions, construction of custom swimming pools, as well as upgraded landscaping, patio and lighting designs.

Single- and two-story floor plans are available, ranging from 2,300 to 5,300 square feet with as many as six bedrooms and a four-car garage. Homes are priced from the $350,000s to more than $2 million.

Within The Estates custom-home neighborhood are 86 lots, measuring from 15,000 to 20,000 square feet and priced from $315,000 to $500,000.

At buildout, Red Rock Country Club will feature 1,116 homes, many of which will align the golf courses.

Resident amenities include a clubhouse, sports club and aquatic center with several pools. There are casual and fine dining opportunities in addition to banquet rooms, a pro shop, locker rooms with lounges and steam rooms, and health and fitness equipment. Also featured are nine lighted, hard-surface tennis courts including a stadium court that hosts tournaments and exhitions.

To visit, take Sahara Avenue west, past Town Center Drive, and follow the signs. Or, take Interstate 215 to the Sahara exit. The sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunrise Colony Co. has been developing golf course communities for more than 30 years. It is also the developer of Siena, an age-qualified community in Summerlin.

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