Course Review by www.ArizonaGolfer.Net

PHOENIX, AZ -- More than 800,000 cubic yards of earth were moved into an expansive field of a countless framing mounds and over 6000 Aleppo, Mondale and Canary Island pines were the final touch to The Raven, located only 10 minutes south of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airbort. The Raven at South Mountain was designed by Gary Panks and former U.S. Senior Open winner David Graham. From the Black tees, the course stretches 7,078-yards. The par-72 course sits on 162 acres that was a cotton field before being transformed into one of "The Must Play" courses in Arizona.

Back in 1994, Larry Lippon formed a group of golf professionals named Raven Golf and decided his first course would be located in inner-city Phoenix, right next door to South Mountain Park, the world's largest city park. When he chose his location, there were a lot of people giving him the crazy eye. Why? That is because no brilliant businessman had ever dumped $15 million into South Phoenix before.

Larry Lippon moved to Arizona in 1992, and decided the recreational golfer needed more high-quality daily-fee golf experiences. He envisioned a country club for a day atmosphere with unparalleled service and conditions----and he made his vision come true with The Raven Golf Club at South Mountain.

Some say this course in the middle of the desert is just like an exclusive Private Country Club usually found in the Midwest. The subtle elevation changes are enhanced by challenging sand and grass bunkers that are placed against large multi-tiered greens. It all became a strategic design, but a fair one. Water comes into play on four holes with a beautiful lake making the par-4, 428-yard finishing 18th a nice challenge. This gorgeous finishing hole has been ranked as one of the best holes in Arizona, and I agree.

As Pank's philosophy in designing golf courses he designed four or five courses in one. The Raven is very flexible both in terms of setup and how you can play many of the holes, making it a great course to play multiple times a year.

Multiple teeing areas are the first step toward this flexibility. The speed of the greens and the pin positions are also variable allowing easier and tougher setups. Every year in December, Scott Anderson, the superintendent, prepares for The Arizona Golf Association's Stroke Play Championship by making the greens a slick 11-12 on the stemp-meter, growing out the rough and throwing the tee markers on the back part of the tee boxes.

When Valley golfers think of The Raven, they not only think "great layout and conditions" but Great Service. Player assistants help make you feel at home here as they "help" you along the golf course instead of pushing and pulling like other courses. The Raven was recently awarded as having the best service in North America by Golf Digest readers.

Even though it's a traditional golf course there are some fun, target holes that are highly risk-reward shots from your teeshot. No. 5 is only 334 yards, but it's dotted with six traps straightaway and to the right. Hit a tee shot down the left side and avoid the trouble. Your reward is a short second shot to the narrow, elongated green.

To view our Photo Slideshow of The Raven, Click .