(RIO VERDE, Ariz.) – Rio Verde Community and Country Club – the award-winning residential enclave northeast of Scottsdale – will host the 2018 Rio Verde Invitational February 23-25 on its two championship golf courses.
The 2018 Rio Verde Invitational field boasts 17 top women’s college golf teams, including host Western Michigan University. Also in the field: Akron, Arkansas State, University of Arkansas-Little Rock, Ball State, Bowling Green, Bradley, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Illinois State, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri State, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Seton Hall, Wichita State and Xavier.
“We are elated to once again host this prestigious tournament in women’s college golf,” says Dave Ulm, General Manager of Rio Verde Country Club. “Each year the event gets better, and the community plays a big part in its success. We look forward to showcasing Rio Verde to student-athletes and visitors from across the country.”
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 offer a “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.
Eastern Michigan University won the 2017 Rio Verde Invitational by four shots over Northern Illinois University. Akron’s Danielle Nicholson captured medalist honors at 1-under-par 215. Originally known as the “East/West Rio Verde Invitational,” the tournament moved from a 36-hole to a 54-hole format in 2005.
“We are excited to host the Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational for the 16th year,” says head women’s golf coach Elise Swartout-Mosher. “It continues to be a success thanks to the Rio Verde Country Club staff, the participating teams and especially the Rio Verde community. They embrace us each year with open arms and great hospitality.”
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.
Earlier this year, the Audubon International Sustainable Community program re-designated Rio Verde as a Certified Sustainable Community after the enclave demonstrated continuous progress through the organization’s strict requirements and criteria. The re-certification validated Rio Verde as a leading community in preserving a healthy local environment and quality of life for its citizens, and a pioneer of the Sustainable Communities Program.
A year ago, Rio Verde hired Troon Golf to manage the country club and joined its elite Privé brand, the premier private club division of Troon.
With 735 acres bordering the Tonto National Forest and McDowell Mountains, Rio Verde stands out for its unrivaled views and serenity. The community, tabbed by MSN.com as “one of the top retirement communities in America,” also boasts a unique sense of kinship among relationship-oriented buyers searching for more than just a “Valley of the Sun” address. Ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Rio Verde offers resort-style amenities including pickleball, tennis, bocce, a community center, and nearby hiking and biking trails.
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. 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
