The golf course at Verde River Golf & Social Club has been alluring to golfers for years, with a couple of interruptions to make improvements. Now, after the recent grand opening of the spectacular new resort club, Verde River Golf & Social Club features an unrivaled complement of golf-lifestyle facilities and amenities. 

Although Verde River’s transition to a fully private club is already underway, the golf course, restaurant and spa are open to the public. Ken Kavanaugh originally laid out the par-72, 7,058-yard golf course back in ’06. Then recently, Tom Lehman was hired to recapture some of the natural arroyos, restore sightlines, reshape greens and bunkers, reroute holes to accommodate the new clubhouse, and generally raise the standards of the course for private play.

It’s a desert style course with enough space for the casual golfer to keep it in play. Plus, five tee boxes and innovative combo tee options keep it fair for everyone. Incredible mountain views surrounding the property come into sharp focus at 11, 12, and 13 before doubling back to the eye-catching split-fairway par-4 15th and the par-5 16, which plays to a burley 614 yards. 

“It’s very gratifying to see this highly anticipated project in full bloom,” said Jeff Lessig, Director of Golf for Verde River. “Everything came together perfectly, and the initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. It’s truly a unique place to live and play golf in an equally unique corner of the Sonoran Desert.” 

After meeting the challenges on the golf course, it’s time to refuel. Short on time? No problem, The Market Place offers a convenient coffee bar feel, perfect for grab-and-go. But for the real deal, the new Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap is where Chef Paul Steele whips up a number of freshly sourced creations on the restaurant’s centerpiece – a wood-fired grill with meals prepared over searing coals and smoky almond wood. Artisan pizzas are popular choices along with seasonal, chef-inspired dishes including wood-fired filet mignon, the hearty Millionaire burger and grilled-to-perfection Scottish salmon, all accented by regional flavors. 

Integrated into the dining area, a casual and comfortable bar offers guests a chance to enjoy an astute selection of local craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, extensive wine menu and selection of favorite local spirits. You’ll also enjoy our tap beer of the moment, cleverly coined as Tap 17. (By 1875, Phoenix had 16 saloons. Tap 17 is a way to pay homage to the old west and give guests an opportunity to sample many of the fine brews in the area.) 

For a little advanced relaxation, Alvea Spa, Salon and Wellness takes inspiration from the holistic healing rituals of native inhabitants, focusing on rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit through massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, nail treatments, and professional hair care. The name is a derivative of the Spanish word for “river bed,” which seems very appropriate. Whether you’re visiting for a quick manicure/pedicure or a detailed consultation with an on-staff naturopath, the professional staff will ensure that the time spent relaxing and rejuvenating is worth every minute. 

If that’s not enough, Verde River offers a diversity of lifestyle opportunities for members. On the active side, the pools take full advantage of the Valley’s warm weather and unrivalled views. The club’s fitness offering, Afturburn Strength in Movement, provides a variety of conditioning opportunities based on the popular HIIT system. The Sports Pavilion houses tennis and pickleball courts, bocce and a sports lawn. And, The Outfitter gears-up members for outdoor recreation – biking, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding, among others. Indeed, the property borders the Tonto National Forest with captivating views of the Mazatzal Mountains and iconic Four Peaks. The Verde River flows along the properties eastern border attracting a menagerie of wildlife including wild mustangs, eagles, road runners, javelina, and coyotes, to name a few of the locals.    

On the social side, Helen’s Kitchen is utilized for cooking demos, classes and special-event parties, whether taking charge in the incredible demonstration kitchen or letting the culinary team do its thing. The Art Loft – consisting of the studio, art yard, and lawn – provides members with plenty of room to explore their artistic side. And the Events Center and Lawn is perfect for hosting large weddings and banquets. 

Creating a community and club entails more than simply constructing buildings, amenities, selling real estate and memberships. It is a journey that impacts the lives for generations to come. The culture and the way the intended vision comes to life are vitally important to the ultimate success of the club as well as those who call it home. And, like any journey, Trilogy® by SheaHomes® started with a distinct destination in mind and clear milestones along the way to assure they stay on the right path. To learn more about how you can share the journey, visit VerdeRiverClub.com.