The Rio Verde Country Club and Community are in the midst of a renaissance. As one of the first golf developments thoughtfully placed between the eastern foothills of the McDowell Mountains and the Tonto National Forest, it has attracted golf and nature lovers for the last 46 years. But recently, this former slice of desert ranchland is thriving with renewed energy.
More than 100 new members have joined since Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, was hired to manage the club in mid-2016, and the Net Promoter Score (NPS) has nearly doubled. An annual measurement of member willingness to recommend the club to others, the higher NPS scores can be attributed to many factors, including:
• Troon’s agronomy team implementing strict agronomical practices to provide members with consistent and quality course conditions
• Service levels improving through increased staff training
• Improved food and beverage options, including dine-in, carry out or staff delivery
• An increase in member programs with new experience nights and special events
• Enhanced communication through a new club website and member portal and other digital messaging
“It’s amazing the improvements we’ve seen and continue to see here at Rio Verde,” said Dave Ulm, general manager, Rio Verde Country Club. “Our members are engaged and excited about the future of this club. There’s a whole new buzz about the lifestyle available here at Rio Verde.”
With Full Membership no longer limited to those who live in the community, Rio Verde members enjoy unlimited access to dining and events, 36-holes of parkland-style golf, a driving range, three putting greens, bunker/chipping complex, tennis, pickleball, swimming, fitness, bocce, and dozens of special interest clubs. There are no food and beverage minimums or trail fees (non-residents don’t pay to use the club’s carts), and Full Members also receive preferred access and rates to more than 270 private, resort and daily fee clubs around the world through Troon. Troon Privé Privilege offers tee times at participating Troon Privé-managed private clubs for just $35 to $55 per round. Troon Advantage provides tee times at participating Troon Golf-managed resort and daily-fee clubs at a rate guaranteed to be 15% off the lowest published price. Day Pass access to other amenities such as fitness, spa, tennis, pickleball and more is also available through both programs.
Earlier this year, members approved a multi-million dollar, member-funded renovation project on the existing 27,000 square-foot clubhouse, with work expected to begin this summer on dining venues, common areas and the golf shop. A grand re-opening of the clubhouse is expected in December 2018.
The Troon Privé Division currently manages more than 80 private clubs, half of which are member owned. For more information about Rio Verde, visit www.rioverdearizona.com or call 877-746-8373.
