My last two trips to Arizona have included a day of golf at the Raven at Verrado. Their all-day golf package is really a great deal. For $179 you get:

• Breakfast – tasty buffet or a cook to order omelette (or both)
• Range balls
• Unlimited golf – we’ve played 2 rounds each time
• Lunch
• Some drink and food coupons for on the course

The course was in great condition on both occasions and the staff was courteous and helpful.

The range is fine with good targets and the putting green near the first tee is a good match to the speed of the actual greens.

On the course, it can get quite windy. The course naturally plays a lot tougher in the wind. One day this was a real challenge (putts breaking uphill due to the wind), the other it was manageable.

The course has some pretty generous landing areas on some holes, but if you go offline you’re in the desert and a punch-out or drop is fairly likely. Bring a rock-club , I wish I had. If you’re hitting the ball well, the course is challenging but fair – with some nicely tricky holes.

The only negative I can think of is the course is a little ways out, so you have to get up early. 🙂