About
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.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
Awards & Recognition
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Top 25 College Courses in the U.S.(2020 #23)
Golfer Photos
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Photo submitted by TravisDubs on 04/27/2026
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Photo submitted by tqtCBUBb3HVnkZvVzgIT on 02/17/2026
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Par 3 4th tee box Photo submitted by handymn on 02/07/2025
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Photo submitted by u314161622535 on 02/24/2024
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Photo submitted by QuantumGolfx on 03/12/2023
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Photo submitted by QuantumGolfx on 03/12/2023
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Photo submitted by QuantumGolfx on 03/12/2023
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Photo submitted by QuantumGolfx on 03/12/2023
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Photo submitted by QuantumGolfx on 03/12/2023
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Photo submitted by QuantumGolfx on 03/12/2023
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Photo submitted by u314161194845 on 02/28/2023
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Papago Golf Course, hole 1 Photo submitted by TimGavrichGP on 08/12/2022
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Papago Golf Course, hole 15 Photo submitted by TimGavrichGP on 08/12/2022
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Photo submitted by Soberhiker on 03/21/2021
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Photo submitted by u050433218 on 05/30/2020
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Morning T Time Photo submitted by u886178050 on 08/07/2019
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Photo submitted by StephanJS on 07/22/2019
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Photo submitted by BabyLama2014 on 05/02/2019
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Photo submitted by BabyLama2014 on 05/02/2019
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Photo submitted by BabyLama2014 on 05/02/2019
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Photo submitted by BabyLama2014 on 05/02/2019
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Photo submitted by BabyLama2014 on 05/02/2019
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 02/21/2019
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 02/21/2019
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 02/21/2019
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 02/21/2019
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 02/21/2019
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 02/21/2019
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Photo submitted by Ienjoygolfing75 on 09/12/2017
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Photo submitted by Ienjoygolfing75 on 09/12/2017
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Photo submitted by Ienjoygolfing75 on 09/12/2017
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Photo submitted by Ienjoygolfing75 on 09/12/2017
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Photo submitted by Ienjoygolfing75 on 09/12/2017
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Photo submitted by Ienjoygolfing75 on 09/12/2017
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Photo submitted by u000005700701 on 03/19/2014
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Papago Buttes! Photo submitted by Hansel4033523 on 05/11/2013
Golfer Reviews
Nice course, good fast greens, great staff
The course was is good shape, the greens were quite fast and smooth. The course is moderately difficult. The desert area around the holes could use some maintenance.
Pace of play was good, the cost ($48) on June 14 was fair for the quality and condition of the course.
AVERAGE
$29 is a special at 3pm during the week according to the course. I'd say baed on how hard the greens were it should probably be a little less. Everyone was pretty friendly but $9 for a sandwich with stale bread and some chips at the turn probably prevents me from coming back. The weather has been pretty cool for this time of year so it's surprising how hard and dry the greens were. You'd like to think with pretty much no cart paths that the cost to maintain this course is pretty cheap and some more $ should be spent on keeping the greens in a lot better shape. I'd hate to see what the green will look like a month from now. At a similar price point Dobson Ranch is a lot better.
Papago
Played Papago on a Tuesday morning. Pace of play was outstanding. Very little waiting.
Course is in great condition for thistle of year.
Sand traps were mostly dirt.
BriPat
Not your fault but we played in 25 mph gusts of wind during our round. Course is challenging enough without having to adjust two clubs up and down depending on hole direction. Will play again, but we ask that you turn the wind machine down the next time. ;-)
Relaxing Atmosphere
FIrst stop on our annual #BuddiesTrip2019. Papago is situated about 10 minutes from the PHX airport, and is the home of Instagram sensation, CartBarnGuys. Papago was recently renovated, due to Arizona State moving there. 10/10 for atmosphere.
We had some time to kill before our round, so we grabbed a bite at the restaurant which overlooks the 1st and 10th tee, as well as the driving range.. Very Cool!
Practice Facilities were very nice. Hitting on the Range with the Camelback mountains in the distance, was a nice change from what we are used too. A little disappointing that we had to pay $14 for a large bucket of range balls.
Front and back 9's start with reachable par 5's (from the blue tees). Nice to have a 3 shot hole to start any round of golf in my opinion. Course overall has a fun layout, with a variety of long and short holes.
It seemed as though most par 5's were reachable in two, but forced your hand with a layup, due to well protected, large greens. Par 4's werent too long, but forced you to make a decision to take the conservative route and have a mid iron in, or be agressive and be punished or rewarded, depending on the outcome.. I love that type of course management. FInally the par 3's seemed to be the teeth of the course, as they were all over 200 yards, except for 1 that I recall.
Greens were fast, but true! Fairways were generous, but if you are off the beaten path, be aware. I would recommend (if your playing mated approve) list and sweep away the rocks around your ball. I destroyed my AW by hitting from the desert.
Big props to the management team for having every 3-4 holes, a full water jug! Arizona is hot, and dry. Its a small, but very noticeable detail.
Will be back
Getting Closer to Prime Time
Papago is a municipal course that ASU has now taken over as its home course for the golf team. Money is being injected to bring this course up to a higher overall level. A new clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop were built on the site, replacing an old, recycled trailer affair. The fairway grasses and greens are in good condition, the bunkers are sandy, but their consistency could use some improvement, and the practice area is quite good. In all respects, the course is on track to being an excellent course; it is not there yet, but is well on its way.
First timmer.
The course condition was okay but for a first time player it was sometimes hard to recognize which way to go for the next hole. Club house was really nice.
Papago
Course was in good shape. Enjoyed being able to walk a course. Greens were true but hard to hold. Sand was fair to good. Course could use a bit more water. Pace was 4.5 hrs. Really nice restaurant.
Just ok for a municipal course
Considering the amount of rain we've had, the grass fairways were fairly barren in many places, the greens need a lot more grass and seeding. The price even with the golf now discount was not a value. The cart paths were almost nonexistent. The course appears to need a lot of grooming and TLC.
On the pluse side, the new clubhouse and dining facility was very nice.
Still One Of My Favorites
I really liked this course last year and it did not disappoint this year either. Excellent condition. The new clubhouse is awesome. It’s nice to have the practice facilities back again too.
Great track, I recommend it to everyone.
great course
We were looking for a course next to the airport. This was perfect. The course was in excellent condition and the right amount of challenge.
The staff was so friendly and stored our bags, etc. We stayed for lunch while waiting for our Lyft, the meal was very good.
Great value for the money
Other than the 5 hour pace of play, I loved everything about Papago. There was some kind of mini-tour event the day I played, so that might have caused the slow pace. Greens were in great shape but unbelievably fast. New clubhouse is awesome. All staff members were very courteous and friendly. For the money, this course is as good as any I play in the Valley.
Fast greens!
Played on a Sunday front nine in under two hours. Back nine little over two. Just short of four hours overall. Bunkers very thin. Greens super fast but true! Hard to get a shot to check. Played lots of bump and runs. Would definitely play again if rate is good.
Great value and great test
After playing 5 or 6 rounds at some of the high end courses around Phoenix that were a bit of a let down, Papago was a lovely surprise. Very good shape, great welcome from staff and a lovely facility. Plan to make this my "home course" while on holiday in Phoenix