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Rating Index Rating
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3.8
627 Reviews (627)
5 Stars
167
4 Stars
269
3 Stars
99
2 Stars
61
1 Stars
31
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.5
Layout
4.1
Friendliness
4.4
Pace
3.4
Amenities
3.9
74.3%
Recommend this course
477 out of 627 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
12 Reviews (12)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.9
Value
3.8
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.4
Amenities
4.1
StaffFriendliness
4.8
83.3%
Recommend this course
10 out of 12 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.9
24 Reviews (24)
5 Stars
8
4 Stars
10
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.7
Layout
4.3
Pace
3.5
Amenities
3.9
StaffFriendliness
4.4
79.2%
Recommend this course
19 out of 24 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Papago's deceptively challenging layout rewards accurate play, with well-maintained fairways, greens, and tee boxes consistently impressing returning golfers. Friendly staff and strong value make this a course worth adding to your regular rotation.

About

Holes 18
Type Public/Municipal
Style Traditional
Par 72
Length 7380 yards
Slope 130
Rating 75.0

Papago Golf Course is conveniently situated just a few minutes from downtown Phoenix though you would never be able to tell with the peace and seclusion provided by the course's location in Papago Park. The golf course sits at the base of Papago Buttes, past the rugged red rocks you can see Phoenix skyline. The course was designed by William Francis Bell, whom you may know for Torrey Pines in San Diego. The challenging layout features undulating greens framed with strategically placed bunkers and subtle but tricky mounding. Water hazards appear on a few holes as well. It's a tough but straightforward layout that is still playable for a range of skill levels. Since opening in 1963, Papago has hosted numerous events including the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and Phoenix Open Qualifying.

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Papago Golf Course
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Course Details

Year Built 1963
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
GPS No
Pull-carts Yes
Caddies No
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Bar

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 College Courses in the U.S. (2020 #23)
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Reviews

3.8
627 Reviews (627)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 19
19th Hole Scenic Views 8
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 73
Undulating Greens 51
Plays Long 50
This course/club is great for:
Locals 67
Advanced Golfers 57
Walkers 56
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 85
Near the Airport 76
Near Local Attractions 37

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Fairways and greens were in good shape. Greens were slower than others in the area. Very challenging par 3s. Great 19th hole. Bartenders and servers were great.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 26
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Extremely slow play

Played on a Monday afternoon. We we not notified about a 20 minute starting time delay until 15 minutes before our tee time. Was 24 minutes behind schedule by the 6th hole. Never saw a Marshall the entire round. Course was in good shape. Greens were fast and undulating. A great challenge! Do to the pace of play I would prefer to try a different course for the money.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 32
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Average Course

We had fun playing this course but would probably not play again for the price we played. Greens were in great shape, layout was good, but pace of play little slow. The 19th hole and driving range were excellent! Great food and beautiful driving range!!

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 32
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Excellent 19th hole!

Course was challenging, greens were excellent and vary fast. Pace of play could have been better either by getting a ranger or tee time spacing. Would play again if the price was a little better.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Previously Played

There are many better options in the area.

I returned to this course for the first time after several years, and it was a disappointment this time around. The course plays the same as before... a moderately-challenging, mid-quality, “city course” with some good views. Now, though, it is WAY overpriced for what you get, and vibe is much less appealing. Also, dirt cart paths can be great when done right, but they just appeared neglected at this course. Upside: Dave, the starter, and the beverage cart attendants were great!

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good Course

Enjoyable, nice layout. The greens a very fast made for interesting putts. Pace of play was very slow.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
First Time Playing

Fast Greens

Papago was a challenging track! Make sure you play with someone with local knowledge. The fairways were tight, the desert was punishing, and the greens were interestingly fast.

To look at them you might think they would be running at 8 or 9... but they were like 12-13!!! Very challenging unless putting is your strength!

I would have rated the course higher if it were less expensive. I’m not sure that it’s worth the price they are asking. Plus, there’s quite a bit of trash in the desert areas. (I saw it while looking for my ball a couple of times.)

The practice facilities are top notch, the bloody Mary’s excellent, and the burger/fries are the way to go!

I’d play better if I’d have played it before but won’t likely return because it is too expensive. There are many other courses in the area that are better for less money.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Poor conditions for the value of the course . Scenic views might be all ur playing for and paying for

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

1st timer

fun challenging greens, staff was great,4 hours and 45 min. to play. Did not see a Marshal, beverage cart gal came around often, I would say its a little overpriced for the condition.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course, poorly managed tee sheet

Didn’t honor time that was booked month in advance.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 86
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
North Dakota Advisor
Top 500 Contributor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Sun Devils

It was a great layout, good green speed.

The only downfall was quick pace of ball to get to the sandy areas along the holes.

I am glad we paid a great price

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 55
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Pricey course

I liked the layout and the staff were very accommodating- fairways and greens are very nice but all the rough area is not aesthetically pleasing to the eye at all. I feel this course is way over priced and there are plenty of other courses that are nicer and cheaper.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great Municipal Course Experience

Thoroughly enjoyed playing Papago for the first time. Straightforward layout with firm and fast greens. Devilish pin positions the day we played (staff explained there is a Monday skins game and the grounds crew likes to make it challenging). As an out-of-town visitor the greens fees were a bit pricey, however glad we bit the bullet. It’s apparent the ASU presence onsite has resulted in great upgrades to the property. Desert scenery and weather were nice in January.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
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Golf Packages
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The Phoenician Golf Around Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Phoenician Resort and golf at The Phoenician Golf Club, Westin Kierland Golf Club & Papago Golf Course.

The Phoenician Golf Around Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Phoenician Resort and golf at The Phoenician Golf Club, Westin Kierland Golf Club & Papago Golf Course.
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Arizona Golf Grind Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town and golf at the Phoenician Golf Club, Longbow Golf Club, Papago Golf Club, and Eagle Mountain Golf Club.

Arizona Golf Grind Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town and golf at the Phoenician Golf Club, Longbow Golf Club, Papago Golf Club, and Eagle Mountain Golf Club.

The Fairways of Fountain Hills Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy accommodations at ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection or The Inn at Eagle Mountain and golf at Eagle Mountain Golf Club & SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
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