The Raptor course at Grayhawk Golf Club reopened for play early in October after overseed with a complete renovation and relocation undertaken this summer of holes 15, 16 and 17. Original golf course designer, Tom Fazio, was called on to redesign the new holes with 15 and 16 now occupying a completely different patch of ground, while 17 was shortened within its original footprint. 

“The new holes are outstanding,” said Joe Shershenovich, Director of Golf at Grayhawk. “They will definitely add a little drama to the final few holes; right at the point in the round where things tend to get interesting down the stretch.”

The decision to redo the holes was more practical than anything. The original holes encircled a plot of land that is zoned for development, and there was no easy way to get to it. Although there are no development plans on the horizon, the renovation ensures that when the time comes, it can be accomplished without interfering with play.

The new routing now makes a U-turn after No. 14, so that 15 now runs parallel in the opposite direction. Sixteen then turns to the south before joining with No. 17 at new tees situated closer to the hole in comparison to the originals.  

Fifteen is now a par 4 at 437 yards from the back tees. Sixteen is a par 3 at 151 yards, and 17 went from a long par 4 to a drivable par 4 weighing in at 331 yards from the back tees. The green on this hole remains the same. The new total yardage from the back tee will be 7,090 yards, 45 yards less than the original layout. 

Located in North Scottsdale, Arizona, Grayhawk is considered to be one of the state’s top daily-fee golf venues offering 36 holes of exceptional golf in a spectacular Sonoran Desert setting. Since opening in 1994, Grayhawk has been honored with industry accolades including “Top 100 You Can Play in the U.S.” by Golf Magazine and “Top 10 in the State You Can Play” by Golf Digest. Grayhawk’s two golf courses – Talon and Raptor – have hosted several premier competitive golf events including the PGA TOUR (2007-2009) during the Frys.com Open. Other events include, the inaugural Williams World Challenge (Tiger’s event), Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf (World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play), Waste Management Phoenix Open Pro-Ams, The Tommy Bahama Challenge and the AJGA Thunderbird International Junior.

For more information visit www.GrayhawkGolf.com, or call 480.502.1800.