(RIO VERDE, Ariz.) – Rio Verde Community and Country Club – the award-winning residential enclave northeast of Scottsdale – will host the 2017 Rio Verde Invitational February 24-26 on its Tom Lehman-designed courses.
The 2017 Rio Verde Invitational field boasts 19 top women’s college golf teams, including host Western Michigan University. Also in the field: Akron, Arkansas-Little Rock, Arkansas State, Ball State, Bowling Green, Bradley, Central Arkansas, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Illinois State, Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri State, Northern Arizona, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Seton Hall, Wichita State and Xavier.
“We are thrilled to host one of the premier women’s tournaments in college golf,” says Dave Ulm, General Manager of Rio Verde Country Club. “The entire community supports this annual event, as we are able to showcase Rio Verde to student-athletes and visitors from across the country.”
Since 2001, Rio Verde has hosted the tournament 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 slightly more modern flair, with fairway mounding, open green fronts and deeper bunkers.
Toledo won the 2016 Rio Verde Invitational by 11 shots over Wichita State and Missouri-Kansas City. Xavier’s Hanna Lee captured medalist honors at 1-over-par 217. Originally known as the “East/West Rio Verde Invitational,” the tournament moved from a 36 to a 54-hole format in 2005.
“The Rio Verde Invitational is the highlight of our schedule each year,” says Elise Swartout-Mosher, Western Michigan’s head women’s golf coach. “The community and staff fully embrace the tournament and we’re thrilled to be hosting for a 15th year.”
Tournament spectators 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.
In 2016, Rio Verde hired Troon Golf to manage the country club and joined its elite Privé brand, the premier private club division of Troon. Two years ago, the enclave became the first Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community west of the Mississippi River and the fifth overall in the United States.
For more information about Rio Verde, visit www.rioverdearizona.com, or call 877.746.8373.
About Rio Verde Community and Country Club
Rio Verde is located 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, and other amenities.
Comprising 980 custom-built homes, town-homes and villas in a wide range of prices up 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 homeowners.
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:
Stephen Reynolds
Robert Rodriguez
Buffalo.Agency
sreynolds@buffalo.agency
rrodriguez@buffalo.agency
