Verde River Golf & Social Club (480) 471-3232
Arizona Golf Course Review
Note - January, 2017: Verde River Golf & Social Club has been totally re-designed by renowned golf expert Tom Lehman and the design is taking shape nicely. It is now open for public play during the completion of the renovation process. This course is scheduled to become a private facility in the future so take advantage of the chance to play this
spectacular new layout while you can. Photos and review below reflect the previous course layout. For more information visit the Verde River Golf & Social Club website by clicking here.
Nestled between the McDowell Mountains and the Verde River, Verde River Golf & Social Club is the hub of an adult golf community, providing members and non-members alike
with a unique Arizona golfing experience. Formerly known as Vista Verde and Tegavah, Verde River opened in 2006 in Rio Verde AZ, nestled in the Sonoran Desert just east of
Scottsdale and bordering the Tonto National Forest.
Of equal importance is the surrounding vistas, featuring spectacular mountain views on all sides. Granite Mountain, the Mazatzals, McDowell and Superstition Mountains, and
Weaver's Needle all rise against the blue sky. There are no skyscrapers, no freeways - only the specter of the tranquil desert environment, on land that sits just across from the
Tonto National Forest. Saguaros and ironwood trees that have been placed along the fairways and greens provide an even balance with the generous landing areas you will
encounter on many fairways. Players will find that stations with ice and water are conveniently located throughout both courses. The Pro Shot GPS that is standard on each cart
provides accurate information from tee to green, as well as suggestions on how to play each hole. Additionally, pin placement sheets dividing the greens into 3 sections are
posted.
The 30,000 square foot clubhouse and grill plans are scheduled to start in the near future - for now golfers check in at the small real estate building as they approach the
property, then are directed to take a right turn toward the cart barn just past the second bridge. There is a grass range and putting green on property.
Cart paths lead to finely sculpted tee areas that play over landscaped desert, arroyos and washes to generous fairways. There are frequent carries off the tee, but most are very
reasonable in length, and there is generally ample room for slightly offline tee shots. Sprinkler heads on the course are measured to the center of the green, and the 90 degree
rule is commonly in effect, allowing players to drive in the fairways and rough. Hand held GPS systems are available, providing accurate information to the pin, once the user
becomes proficient in its application. This is especially helpful on approaches to the raised and sloping green complexes. There are 5 sets of tees that play to distances and
slopes measuring 7219 yards/144 slope, 6782 yards/136 slope, 6363 yards/125 slope , 5974 yards/129 slope for women and 5384 yards with a slope of 123 for ladies hitting
from the forward sets. The scorecards also provide slope ratings for golfers choosing to play from a combination of tees - a wonderful concept (IE - play up or down a tee
depending upon the difficulty of the hole).
The putting surfaces themselves are quite challenging, with a variety of fairly level and undulating turf... many with crowned edges. If the pin placement is in back, trouble is usually
lurking as misses may result in the ball rolling down the slope that is situated behind many of the greens. An up and down in this situation is a tough bargain. The design also
features an abundance of fairway sand traps. These bunkers often squeeze the landing zones, requiring golfers to carefully shape their tee shots. On many of the par fours and
fives, these hazards create more of a challenge than the surrounding desert. In total, there are 67 sand bunkers spread out along the course, with water in play only on the par four
18th, as a pond is situated to the front and right of the green. In appearance, this course looks extremely manageable - and the wide fairways plus desert mountain scenery
certainly make for a pleasant experience for all levels of golfers. Subtle slopes and design techniques will also make this a challenge that avid players will not forget.
Verde River Golf & Social Club is a championship facility that offers public play. This SPECTACULAR desert layout is considered to be one of Arizona's finest! In our books, The
course is spectacularly beautiful, and is also quite challenging. We rate it right up their with the finest desert golf courses in the state - and this course truly offers desert golf! For
more information on Verde River Golf Club, visit our page for the course, with direct link to the Verde River website by clicking here.
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