A Forest Amid the Desert
Unlike its Phoenix counterparts, the Raven brought thousands of pines to the desert, reshaping expectations for what Arizona golf could feel like. The course’s unique look and lush fairways became its immediate calling card.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Raven Golf Club Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Established
1995
Architect
Gary Panks & David Graham (2024 renovation by Arcis Golf Construction Division)
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,759 – 7,078 yds
Green Fees
$$$
The verdict
Phoenix’s Playable Desert-Parkland Standout
Raven Golf Club Phoenix shakes up desert golf with thousands of mature pine trees and strategic bunkers, creating a lush, distinctive setting. It’s a regionally elite public venue with a strong design pedigree and recent renovations that keep conditions tournament-ready.
Course DNA
Difficulty
74
Scenery78
Conditioning85
Shot Variety79
Walkability68
Green Complexity68
Wow Factor76
Design Quality75
Don't miss
After your round, enjoy a post-golf drink on the clubhouse patio overlooking the 18th green—locals cite it as the ideal spot for sunset views of South Mountain.
At a glance
Quick facts
Total pine trees
Over 6,000 mature pines line fairways
Recent restoration
Full-course renovation, 2024
Course architect
Gary Panks & David Graham
Highest state ranking
Top 5 in Arizona (Arizona Magazine)
Green type
TifDwarf Bermuda
Public access
Open to daily-fee play year-round
Views
Skyline views of Phoenix and South Mountain
The design
The architecture
Raven Golf Club Phoenix trades classic desert target golf for a parkland-inspired setup, defined by over 6,000 mature pine trees and broad turf corridors. Gary Panks and David Graham crafted holes with generous landing areas that rapidly tighten near the greens, emphasizing positional strategy and punishing missed approaches with clever bunkering and collection areas. Greens are fair but rarely simple, with run-offs and subtle setbacks in play after the 2024 renovation, which modernized hazards while restoring clear vistas and improving course conditioning. It’s a stroll through towering pines with urban skyline glimpses—and a test that’s as much about savvy target play as brute length.
Gary Panks and David Graham blended strategic parkland design with desert context, creating a one-of-a-kind Phoenix public course.
Defining features
- Over 60 completely restored bunkers after the 2024 renovation
- Tree-lined fairways using mature pine rather than desert flora
- Greens with subtle undulation and run-off protection
- Playable turf corridors that tighten near targets
- Urban and mountain vistas from several holes
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 4
Pine-Framed Power Alley
PAR
5
YARDAGE
596
A nearly 600-yard par 5 that rolls along a broad corridor of pines, challenging big hitters to flirt with bunkers off the tee and on the layup. This hole rewards careful planning, as its generous opening belies a tricky approach flanked by strategic hazards.
Play it smart
Play for fairway position off the tee and second shot; smart navigation around or short of bunkers is a must to set up a comfortable wedge approach.
Where it bites
Straying off line brings desert rough and awkward recovery angles, with tricky bunkers catching overly aggressive attacks to the green.
Course management
Shots to think about
Long approach to par 5s
Favor the largest landing area for layups—don’t chase hero carries if bunkers loom short of the green.
Drivable par 4 temptations
Play the percentages—laying up sets up an open wedge and easier birdie chance unless you’re completely dialed in.
Long iron par 3s
Take an extra club and aim for the largest target; missing short will almost always mean trouble.
Approaches to guarded greens
Aim to the fat side or the safest entrance; recovery is tougher than the green surface looks from the fairway.
Recovery from desert rough
Pitch back to fairway if necessary—pushing for a miracle shot often means double bogey or worse.
Windy days
Trust punch shots into exposed stretches; the tree-framed holes cut wind but transitions can be gusty.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Greens and bunkers in strong shape, especially after the 2024 restoration; fairways are lush and playable, with mature trees dictating lines of play.
Pace
Solid but can back up in peak season; expect an average to slightly slow round unless teeing off early or late.
Vibe
A polished yet relaxed public course—less stuffy than the ultra-private clubs, but more refined than the average muni.
Dress code
Standard golf attire; collared shirts and no denim.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book ahead in peak season
Tee times fill quickly from November to April, so reserve well in advance for preferred windows.
02
Practice bunker shots
The renovated bunkers are a true hazard and play firm—be ready for run-offs and strategic sand play.
03
Hydrate for desert rounds
Even with all the pines, Phoenix heat can sneak up on you; water is essential.
04
Mind the pace
Budget for up to 4.5–5 hours during busy weekends or late mornings.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1995
Raven Golf Club Phoenix opens, introducing lush parkland golf to the Phoenix desert scene.
- 2024
Major course-wide renovation revamps bunkers, removes non-native trees, re-levels tees, and enhances drainage.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The 2024 Transformation
The course closed for a sweeping renovation that reimagined bunkers, improved playability, and restored open vistas by removing sightline-blocking trees. Players immediately noticed smoother playing surfaces and more strategic options after reopening.
Changing the Phoenix Game
Raven’s public-access model and premier presentation in the mid-’90s helped set the tone for the boom in high-quality daily-fee golf options throughout the Phoenix metro area.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
More than 6,000 mature pine trees were planted to create a parkland oasis in the desert.
2
The course’s 2024 renovation included splitting a bunker on 11 into three separate hazards for added strategy.
3
Raven’s opening broke ground as one of the first premier daily-fee experiences in Phoenix’s public golf boom.
4
You can see downtown Phoenix’s skyline and South Mountain from several points on the course.
5
Bunker renovations in 2024 touched all 18 holes, modernizing hazard play for today’s golfers.
Build the trip
If you're making a Phoenix Valley golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course
Public / Resort
Experience a legendary PGA Tour venue with pristine tournament conditions year-round.
Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor)
Public
High-end daily-fee golf with memorable holes and immaculate presentation.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro/Cholla)
Public
Top-tier true desert golf with sweeping mountain views and no houses.
Papago Golf Club
Municipal
Phoenix's premier city-owned muni, reimagined by big-name architects and just minutes from downtown.
Tempe or South Phoenix for easy airport access and short drives to most courses.
Course DNA
If You Like Raven Golf Club Phoenix
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Williams Country Club
Weirton, West VirginiaConditioning
Why it matches: If Raven Golf Club Phoenix is your kind of course, Williams Country Club is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Strong DNA Match8.0
Pablo Creek Club
Jacksonville, FloridaConditioning
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Pablo Creek Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Willowbend Country Club
Mashpee, MassachusettsWhy it matches: Willowbend Country Club is a natural next stop after Raven Golf Club Phoenix: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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