Almost ten years ago, DMB, Inc. unveiled, what has become, the wildly successful master planned community of Verrado. Set on just over 8,800 acres, once used as the Caterpillar proving grounds, DMB, Inc. gave carte blanch to Tom Lehman and John Fought toward creating what is now one of Phoenix’s premier golf destinations.

Shortly after debuting in January, 2004, GolfWeek awarded the Raven at Verrado with “America’s Best 2005 – Top 40 New Golf Courses”. Many accolades have since followed, including Golf Magazine’s “Top 10 New Golf Courses You Can Play”, Golf Digest’s Power Rankings, and most recently GolfWeek’s 2013 Best Courses You Can Play.

With 18 championship holes, the golf course features a dramatic mountainside setting with massive rock outcroppings, large desert washes, picturesque box canyons and dramatic elevation changes. The course also offers magnificent views of the nearby White Tank Mountains and the Phoenix skyline. From the tips, the Raven plays to nearly 7,300 yards, giving even the most accomplished player a thrilling test of golf.  However, course architects Fought and Lehman created the course with generous landing areas and five sets of tee boxes ensuring players of all abilities a legitimate chance at par. 

Claiming all holes are worthy of the ever popular “Signature Hole”, Verrado is without only one instead choosing to highlight four of the best. 

If you like downhill par 3’s, Hole #3 is for you.  At 222 yards, perched well above the green, this tee box offers great views of the surrounding valley. Play to the middle of the green and walk away satisfied with par. Notable fall offs on this green would be the deep bowl on the right side leading to a difficult pitch back onto the green.

At 477 yards, Hole #8 is a par 4 with the #1 Handicap title attached. This long, demanding hole requires a tee shot hit just right of the massive rock outcropping in order to successfully reach the fairway. Once safely on the fairway, most will find they are faced with a long iron into a well protected green. Although a fairly easy green to read, make sure to adjust for the slope off of the White Tanks.

If you had to pick just one, Hole #13 - a short par 4 dead uphill, would be the one.  Only 310 yards sounds like a walk in the park, but not here. Hit a middle iron off the tee and error long on your approach shot for the best chance at par. With only two possible pin placements, this tiny green slops back to front on both tiers…good luck!

Everyone loves a great finishing hole, and this par 4, 495 yard hole just might be the best in Arizona! Playing down hill and downwind, this hole provides a great view of the club house. After successfully navigating the fairway bunkers, one is faced with another downhill shot to a well protected green. 

With so many great holes, course conditions to compliment each of them, and service to make them all unforgettable, what else could you ask for? Well, the dining at Verrado Grille is equally impressive, whether enjoying dinner on the patio while watching a beautiful sunset, hanging out with friends listening to live music in the Grille on a lively Friday night, or having a family gathering in the dining room, you’ll be treated like one of the family at the Verrado Grille. With menu items ranging from Center Cut Filet Mignon to the Chopped Summer Salad, most will find something delicious to fit their palette.

The Raven at Verrado has a reputation for hosting some of the best golf tournaments in the Valley. The Gateway/All American Pro Tour puts the Raven at Verrado on their schedule every year, and sometimes twice. Additionally, the Raven hosts the Banner Thunderbird tournament, the Buckeye Valley Chamber, The Aqua Fria Foundation, Walmart, Westmarc and many other top charity fundraisers. 

Heading into 2014 and beyond, the Raven at Verrado will continue to top the list of great courses in Phoenix. With a new addition to the management team, Jay Critcher, General Manager will fine tune the operation. Jay will also spearhead the team in bringing the first new golf course to Phoenix in many years. DMB, Inc. is currently working on a brand new Active Adult community with a dedicated golf club and amenities which should break ground by the end of 2013!

For tee time reservations or more information, call 623.388.300 or visit www.ravenatverrado.com.