(RIO VERDE, Ariz.) – Rio Verde Community and Country Club – the award-winning residential enclave northeast of Scottsdale – will host the 2016 Rio Verde Invitational February 26-28 on its Tom Lehman-designed courses.
The 2016 Rio Verde Invitational field boasts 17 top women’s college golf teams, including host Western Michigan University and 2015 tournament champion Seton Hall. Also in the field: Akron, Arkansas State, University of Arkansas-Little Rock, Ball State, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Illinois State, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri State, Northern Arizona, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Toledo, Wichita State and Xavier.
“We are honored to once again be the host venue for the Rio Verde Invitational,” says Ken Kelley, General Manager of Rio Verde Country Club. “The entire community joins together in supporting this annual event and enjoys watching the women compete on our challenging courses. We wish all the women the best of luck.”
Rio Verde has hosted the tournament since its inception in 2001 on its two 18-hole, par-72 courses – Quail Run and White Wing. Both layouts recently underwent a $6 million renovation by The Lehman Design Group, yet retained their “soft desert” playability and decidedly different design characteristics. Playing to 6,602 yards, Quail Run is traditional and reminiscent of America’s great Midwestern golf venues. White Wing (6,535 yards) sports a slight modern flair, with fairway mounding, open green fronts and deeper bunkering.
Seton Hall won the 2015 Rio Verde Invitational (in March) by four shots over Toledo and Northern Arizona. Teammates Alison Kruse and Erin McClure of Seton Hall shared medalist honors, both shooting a cumulative 54-hole total of 2-over-par 218. Originally known as the “East/West Rio Verde Invitational,” the tournament moved from a 36-hole to a 54-hole format in 2005.
“Western Michigan University is once again pleased to host the annual Rio Verde Tournament,” says Stacy Snider, head coach of the Broncos women’s golf team. “This tournament features several top notch collegiate women’s golf programs and is held at one of the premier golf clubs in the Southwest. The staff at the Rio Verde Country Club has done a great job making this an enjoyable experience for all the golfers and fans as well. We are looking forward to another competitive field this season.”
Visitors of the tournament can stay at Rio Verde through the community’s Discovery Stay Program. Guests can rent private vacation homes and learn about membership opportunities and all the wonderful amenities and exciting activities found at the club.
For more information on Rio Verde, visit www.rioverdearizona.com.
About Rio Verde Community and Country Club
Rio Verde is located in northeastern Maricopa County in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains at the edge of the Tonto National Forest. The award-winning, country club community features 36 holes of parkland-style golf, a par-3 course and world-class practice facilities, tennis, Pickleball, hiking / walking trails, fitness center, Saddle Club and other amenities.
Comprising 980 custom-built homes, town-homes and villas ranging from less than $200,000 to over $1 million, Rio Verde is a low-density, master-planned enclave with large lots highlighted by golf course, mountain or desert views. Its low taxes, competitive real estate prices and tranquil location appeal to primary and vacation home owners. Rio Verde is just 30 minutes from the world-famous Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale campus) and 35 minutes from both Honor Health facilities at Shea Medical Center and Thompson Peak Medical Center.
The 27,000-square foot contemporary, southwestern-style clubhouse is the center of Rio Verde social life, offering a wide variety of dining options and activities. Hearth-fired, homemade pizza and other casual fare is available at the Verde Pub, while fine dining in the Copper Room offers members access to professional chefs and world-class service.
Follow Rio Verde on Twitter: @RioVerdeArizona.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Robert Rodriguez
Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
ssharp@buffalobig.com
rrodriguez@buffalobig.com
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