Raven Golf Club Phoenix

Raven Golf Club Phoenix, Hole #7

Raven Golf Club Phoenix

Website: www.ravenphx.com

Phone: 602.243.3636

Address: 3636 East Baseline Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85042

General Manager: Kevin Weber
Director of Golf: Jeremy Strauss
Assistant General Manager: Allen Anderson
Director of Maintenance: Eddi Wahlborgg
Tournament Director: Jason McGlone
Director of Food and Beverage: David Jones
Private Events Director: Sophi Harter
Superintendent: Eddi Wahlborg
Course Architects: Gary Panks/David Graham 

About this Course:
18 Holes of Championship Golf
Par 72 7078 yards from the tips
Rating/Slope: 73.2/132; 70.8/127; 68.3/121; 71.9/124 

 


Great service begins curbside at Arcis Golf’s iconic Raven Phoenix. Check in at the proshop and acquire a bag of balls from the assistants with floppy hats. Warm up to the music on the driving range; meet some new friends on the expansive practice green or bunker. The Raven is where valley residents have been making memories since 1995 and is ideal for a first or final round of golf buds or gals flying into Sky Harbor airport, just 5 miles away. 

After all these years, the course is in fantastic shape thanks to superintendent Eddi Wahlborg and crew. Even off duty Eddi brings his dog Rocky (who some say is the smartest of the group) to check it out and ward off unwanted fowl. You will not encounter any geese or old coots (at least not the feathered variety) at the Raven. It is however a perfect habitat for R and R – roadrunners and rabbits. A floral circle with a whimsical little golfer statue is dedicated to the original developer, Larry Lippon. Ron the starter introduces the cart gals as expert liquid medics and recommends all golfers stay on their meds. His favorite hole, like most golfers, is #18 but every hole is noteworthy and a pleasure to play.

Hole #1, Par 4, 436 yards – Right out of the chute, this straight forward hole demands a fairly straight drive. Balls on the left side might be confused with driving range balls. Both sides have backboard slopes to rebound slightly errant shots back into the fairway but stay left of cart path on right as it feeds to desert scrub bush disaster. The green is large and two tiered sloping from back to front. All greens are similar in that the slopes and breaks are pretty subtle, smooth and true.   

Hole #5, Par 4, 324 yards – This is reachable by long hitters but getting there requires carrying large front and fairway bunkers. Valley golfers have a love/hate relationship with this hole and wonder if it is a prank by designers Gary Panks and David Graham. No, but it is a high risk and reward hole whenever, from wherever you go for the green. The South Mountain rising above the tree line makes a postcard portrait.

Hole #15, Par 4, 366 yards – Facing South Mountain again, Georgia Pines line both sides of the fairway. The flag is directly ahead, straight over a desert expanse and large bunker mid fairway. This green is elevated with false fronts to increase the entertainment value for the patio gallery of a couple homes on the right side. The week of Thanksgiving turkeys were heard gobbling but maybe not now?

Hole #18, Par 4, 428 yards – This is one of the best closing holes in the valley! All tee boxes require clearing a bushy transition area and distinct bunkers on the far left require accurate yardage for avoidance. The far right side is forested with an approaching lake that closely guards the green. Cascading water features are lovely but onerous with miscalculated shots. Flowers and a duck flotilla guide golfers back to the beautifully lit clubhouse under the sunset on a late afternoon round. 

Grill 36 Restaurant is ready after the round or for business lunches, networking mixers, and happy hours 3-6 Monday-Friday with drink and appetizer specials. Think Taco Tuesdays, Burgers and Brews on Thursdays, Fish Fry Fridays, and Smoking (meats) Sundays. The Raven is a popular venue for charity tournaments and a premier setting for weddings with a new ceremony site positioned with a view of Camelback Mountain.

Three unique memberships are available: • Arcis Players Card for $135 for game access to the Raven Golf Club Phoenix, Continental, Kokopelli, Superstition Springs, Stonecreek and The Legend at Arrowhead at 20% off including a meal per round and one complimentary round as well as play days at 3 private clubs – Ancala, Arrowhead and Tatum Ranch. • Arcis Players Club for $34 per month with unlimited range balls and free afternoon golf plus private club play days and more. • Arcis Players Prime combines very low play rates with previous benefits plus special outings, unique clinics and much more for $49 per month for 12 months or $129 per month for four months. Go online or call for more details.