Award-winning Raven Golf Club at Sandestin turns 10

DESTIN, FL, March 18 /PRNewswire/ - The Raven Golf Club at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, considered to be one of the finest courses in the South, turns 10 years old today.

Skillfully designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., The Raven Golf Club has been home of the PGA Champions Tour Boeing Championship. It has also hosted many well recognized tournaments with some of golf's finest players. From the St. Jude's Charity Classic to the PGA Dixie Section Championship, Raven has gained national reputation and prestige over the last decade.

"Raven is an outstanding course that relies on strategy and will reward a good shot at each hole," said Rick Hileman, Director of Resort Golf Operations. "The expertise of Sandestin's excellent golf maintenance teams combined with the stunning environment and golfer friendly climate has allowed Raven to mature and grow like a true golf tradition."

The Raven Golf Club at Sandestin is masterfully carved through the marshes, wetlands, and pine trees of the resort. Robert Trent Jones Jr. crafted this unique and visually stunning 6,900 yard, par 71 into what he calls "a true modern traditional." The Raven is a natural wonder that presents drama and strategy on every tee. Guests are presented with a myriad of exciting shot options while experiencing dramatic changes in color and texture throughout the course. All of this combined with the Raven Golf Club's nationally recognized guest service makes it a "must play."

Robert Trent Jones Jr., son of the legendary late golf course designer Robert Trent Jones Sr., designed the Raven. His brother, Rees Jones, designed the equally acclaimed Burnt Pine course at Sandestin. Sandestin is the only facility in the country where these two famed architects have courses side by side.

    Award Winning Raven
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Raven Golf Club at Sandestin has earned an acclaimed four and a half stars by Golf Digest Magazine and was named one of the best "Places to Play" in Florida by Golf Magazine. Additional recognitions have included:

    Best New Course in Florida - Florida Golf News
    #1 in Northwest Florida - Florida Golf News
    America's Top Golf Courses Guide - Zagat Survey
    Toughest Hole on 2006 PGA Champions Tour - PGATour.com
    "The Best Courses Near You" - Golf Magazine
    "Best Tour Courses You Can Play" - Golf Week

    About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
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Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers one of the most complete resort experiences in North America. Located on Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, Sandestin is a 2,400-acre destination resort for all seasons and for all ages. Sandestin invites guests to enter a world of 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,500 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations. A member of the Beaches of South Walton, the resort features more than seven miles of sugar-white sand beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village featuring boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife venues. For information, visit www.sandestin.com.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort