The Raven at South Mountain opened in the mid 90’s and immediately jumped to the top of the “must play lists” for many Arizona golfers. While competition increased and more courses dotted the Arizona golf landscape, savvy golf course owners and operators took notice and reinvested back into their clubs to create an even better experience for their guests. Raven is no exception as the club’s owners and new management announced an ambitious enhancement plan that has elevated the club, the golf experience and has the club flying higher than ever before. Now referred to as Raven Golf Club – Phoenix, this David Graham/Gary Panks-design is now more than ever an Arizona must play. 

The new era at Raven Golf Club - Phoenix first began in June of 2011, when Scottsdale-based OB Sports was selected to manage the club and was also charged with overseeing a number of owner-funded improvement projects that were specifically designed to enhance the golf, dining and special event experiences at this popular Phoenix golf course. These projects will include a comprehensive renovation of the bunkers, landscape improvements and specialized tree management designed to improve the health of the 6000+ pine trees that frame the unique golf experience at Raven Golf Club - Phoenix. Other agronomic practices were implemented with a focus on improving the present turf conditions and playability, and establishing a long-term plan that will ensure that Raven is consistently one of Phoenix’s very best golf experiences. In addition, during the fall overseed closure period, the club completed improvements to the clubhouse that include interior and exterior painting, new interior design elements, kitchen upgrades, restaurant rebranding and additional landscaping.

OB Sports also went to work adding key team members to elevate the operations and service levels of the club. Derek Crawford was appointed as the General Manager, Jeremy Strauss was named the new Head Golf Professional, Michael Reinecke was appointed Director of Greens and Grounds, Jason Goldstein was appointed as Executive Chef and Dan Kerr was appointed as the Director of Food and Beverage. Crawford has a history working for OB Sports as he served as the Director of Operations at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fort McDowell from 2001 through 2010. Both Strauss and Reinecke came from the PGA Tour organization where they worked side by side for more than six years on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. Goldstein has over two decades in culinary experience in the golf club industry. Kerr is a well-respected food and beverage operator and brings culinary experience to the team, while being the leader of wedding, banquet, meetings and special events at Raven Golf Club – Phoenix.

“We had a goal to put together an ‘all star’ team of quality individuals and well respected professionals at the Raven and the appointment of these key individuals fit that criteria to a tee,” stated Mike Conner, Senior Vice President of OB Sports Golf Management.

All of the enhancements, new faces and improvements to the club truly usher in a new era for the Raven Golf Club - Phoenix. “The ‘next chapter’ has begun for The Raven Golf Club – Phoenix and we are excited to have golfers locally, regionally and nationally come and experience this Arizona golf gem,” added Conner.

More About Raven Golf Club - Phoenix
Just minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and downtown Phoenix, the Raven Golf Club –Phoenix was designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, and provides a unique golf experience in the desert. The Club boasts more than 6,000 Georgia pine trees that line the meandering fairways, intriguing green complexes and shimmering water features. Through the years, the facility has earned numerous, prestigious awards including:  “Top 50 Public Courses in the Country” by Golf World’s 2009 Reader Choice Awards and, a 4.5 Star (out of five) rating from Golf Digest. The Raven Golf Club – Phoenix is also the “Official Home Course of the Arizona Diamondbacks”. The Raven Golf Club – Phoenix is  a premier special event venue, and  a popular destination for weddings, banquets and other special gatherings. The Club’s banquet facilities include a full service restaurant and grill as well as an expansive special event pavilion that is the perfect venue for a wedding reception or post tournament awards banquet.

For tee times and more information on the Raven Golf Club – Phoenix, call 602. 243.3636 or visit www.ravenPHX.com.

Raven Golf Club – Phoenix “At A Glance”
(Formerly Raven Golf Club at South Mountain)
Top 50 Public Courses in The Country – Golf World Readers Choice Awards, 2009
4.5 Stars (out of five) – Golf Digest
Home Course of the Arizona Diamondbacks
18 holes designed by David Graham & Gary Panks
Complete Restaurant & Lounge Banquet, Wedding and Special Event facilities
Address: 3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85042
Phone: 602.243.3636
Website: www.ravenPHX.com 
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