Raven Golf Club underwent a significant renovation, resulting in a transformed playing experience.
The project involved opening up playing corridors to provide panoramic views, revitalizing tee complexes, and adjacent desert areas, and restoring the course’s 60 sand bunkers.
The Arcis Golf-owned Raven Golf Club is one of the company’s 13 properties in the greater Phoenix area, including 3 private and 10 daily fee clubs.
Sand bunkers were re-configured to be relevant for today’s game, equipment, and varied skill levels of golfers. Arcis Golf’s Construction Division led the project using the Better Billy Bunker liner system and a specialty blend of sand from Gillibrand Materials in Simi Valley, Calif.
This brighter, white sand offers a stunning contrast to the lush green grass and Jesse Red decomposed granite framing all the tee complexes.
Raven Golf Club also features expansive, multi-tiered greens, which along with its unique assortment of now-renovated bunkers and water features, creates both strategic diversity and a stunning backdrop for golf.
The par-72 course, originally designed by Gary Panks and David Graham, plays to 7,078 yards from the back tees while offering a fair test from the 6,264-yard forward tees.
A unique set of family tees enables golfers of all ages and abilities to enjoy this desert golf oasis.
Among the more dramatic changes, a large bunker on the 11th hole was divided into three separate hazards where there were formerly two.
On the signature, par-3 7th hole a lake along the left side and a bunker that runs the entire length of the hole to the green are once again fully visible, adding to the intrigue and challenge.
During the project, non-native species and trees that blocked golfers’ sight lines were removed from all tee complexes.
Several tee surfaces were leveled and re-grassed, while drainage was improved throughout the course.
The Raven Golf Club’s halfway house—The Nest—has been completely reimagined, and a new patio has been added.
Expanded bar seating, coupled with eclectic grab-and-go fare in a café-style environment, make this a popular gathering spot before, after, and during rounds.
