Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/59404
ARIZONA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB The University of Arizona and I.R.I. Golf Group announced a partnership that gives the Wildcat men's and women's golf programs a start-of-the-art practice facility and home course. Announced June 12, 2002, at a press conference at the facility, I.R.I Golf Group CEO Jeff Silverstein announced the purchase of The Raven Golf Club at Sabino Springs and an enhanced partnership with Arizona athletics. As part of the deal, the facility will be renamed "Arizona National Golf Club at Sabino Springs." "We see great things happening at this new course and are excited about this relationship with the University of Arizona," said Silverstein. "The Wildcat men's and women's golf teams are already among the top five in the nation. We feel that this partnership will further enhance Arizona's ability to attract top-quality student-athletes." As part of the new Arizona National facility, I.R.I. Golf Group has committed to a multi-million dollar capital improvement program, including a clubhouse renovation, practice facility and a Wildcat Hall of Honor. When completed, Arizona National will be a top-notch playing and practice facility for the University of Arizona. "I'm really pleased with this agreement," said Arizona director of golf Rick LaRose. "It's going to be a great deal for us. This is going to give us one of the finest golf facilities in the country." Arizona National is a desert golf facility designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course is situated in the foothills of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains, and its diverse 6,776-yard, par-71 layout provides classic golf-in-the-desert challenges as well as some of the most spectacular scenery of any golf facility in the Southwest. Spectacular city views and magnificent desert vegetation created by nine natural springs make Arizona National an unparalleled golf experience. According to Golf World magazine, Arizona National "is what desert golf should be." Similarly, Golf Magazine's Brian McCallen said of the facility, "It may be one of the best desert courses ever built." In addition to those comments, Arizona National has also earned the following kudos: • Rated #5 in the world for customer service by Golf Digest in May of 1998. • Top-10 Best New Courses - Golf Digest • Top-10 Best New Places to Play - Golf Magazine • Top-5 Courses in Arizona - Arizona Republic • #18 Hole at Arizona National - Best Finishing Hole in Arizona - Arizona Republic • America's Best 100 Golf Shops - Golf Shop Operations Magazine. PREVIOUS NEXT BACK TO INDEX 4