I hope to be playing more courses soon, so I should be posting more.
I played Raven-Phoenix in a 4 person scramble for a great foundation called Will4Walk which creates awareness about spinal cord injuries. This was the fourth time I have played Raven, but the first since it has been managed by OB Golf Management, so I know the course pretty well. The course was in exceptional condition and is the must play courses in Phoenix.
Course: Raven-Phoenix
Location: 3636 E. Baseline Rd., 85042
Course: Public Public Course, 18 Hos
Designer: David Graham
Website: www.ravenphx.com
Tees: 4 sets of tees from 5759 to 7078 yards. There is also a "family tee" which allows junior golfers to enjoy the course.
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Practice Facility: Great driving range-one of the best I have hit from. There is also a chipping area and a large practice green. The tournament was full and I had no difficulty finding a practice stall.
Review:
Positives: The best part of the course is setting. It is a course is lined by hundreds of pine trees which provide a completely different feel for a course in Arizona.
The course is in exceptional condition. It was still cart path only even though the course has been open for over a month. Needless to say, the fairways were exceptional. The fairways were smooth as were the greens, which my group had a difficulty reading on some holes due to the proximity of the course to South Mountain. The variety of tees allows all players to enjoy their round but presents a challenge to the lower handicaps. There is also lush rough, which is a rarity in Phoenix. Overall, the turf is just exceptionally well managed, which is a big credit to management by OB Golf Management.
Another great part of the course is its proximity to both downtown and the east valley without overpaying in Scottsdale. I would encourage anyone to check out South Phoenix near the course, which is much improved even in the 7 years I have been in Phoenix.
Negatives: Maybe it is because I am loving the way these bunkers are raked at Royal Melboure (very little sand in the lips and sides of the bunkers), I feel this courses overload bunkers with sand. Between the last 3 times I have played here, I have had 3 "fried eggs" or buried balls in the sand. In my very limited knowledge, it feels like they should raking the sand toward the center of the bunker rather than the lips.
Favorite Hole: No 9, Par 5
The 9th hole is the most reachable par 5 on the course. The drive is protected by bunkers in the fairway as well as the green. The green is very large and slightly elevated so club selection is important on your third shot. This is really the best birdie, or maybe even a eagle, chance on the course.
Recommended For: All golfers. It is a little pricey, but overall a great course in Arizona. The course does get quite cheaper in the summer, where I have played for less than $30, which is a good bargain. Unfortunately, I won't get to play this course that much this winter because the rates are at least $100.
