Verde River Golf & Social Club

Verde River Golf & Social Club sits in the high Sonoran Desert community of Rio Verde, northeast of Scottsdale. Designed by Ken Kavanaugh and opened in the mid-1990s, the course occupies rolling desert terrain with views toward the McDowell Mountains and the Verde River corridor that gives the area its name. Kavanaugh, a Phoenix-based architect who worked on several Arizona courses during that era, routed the layout to incorporate natural washes and desert vegetation while maintaining playability for a range of skill levels. The course measures around 6,800 yards from the back tees and features a mix of open desert holes and others framed by mesquite and palo verde. Elevation changes are moderate but noticeable, and several holes play across or alongside arroyos that come into play during the region's occasional heavy rains. Greens are typically elevated and protected by bunkers, with the desert floor serving as a natural hazard on many holes. Water features appear sparingly, keeping the focus on desert golf strategy. Verde River functions as a semi-private facility with a social club atmosphere that emphasizes casual accessibility alongside golf. The club draws members and guests primarily from the Rio Verde area and neighboring Scottsdale, offering a less formal alternative to some of the region's resort and private clubs. The setting provides a quiet desert experience removed from the more densely developed parts of the Valley.