Papago Golf Club
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.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7380 yards | 75.0 | 130 |
| Black/Blue | 72 | 7095 yards | 73.2 | 127 |
| Blue | 72 | 6882 yards | 72.0 | 125 |
| Blue/White | 72 | 6653 yards | 71.0 | 123 |
| White | 72 | 6465 yards | 70.1 | 120 |
| White (W) | 72 | 6465 yards | 76.3 | 130 |
| White/Green | 72 | 6060 yards | 68.2 | 117 |
| Green (W) | 72 | 5797 yards | 72.5 | 122 |
| Green | 72 | 5797 yards | 66.9 | 115 |
| Gold (W) | 72 | 5338 yards | 69.9 | 118 |
| Gold | 72 | 5338 yards | 65.0 | 111 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black M: 75.0/130 | 544 | 386 | 467 | 233 | 383 | 495 | 454 | 253 | 551 | 3766 | 525 | 187 | 322 | 402 | 442 | 585 | 442 | 243 | 466 | 3614 | 7380 |
| Black/Blue M: 73.2/127 | 544 | 386 | 438 | 208 | 371 | 495 | 411 | 206 | 551 | 3610 | 525 | 168 | 322 | 376 | 393 | 585 | 442 | 232 | 442 | 3485 | 7095 |
| Blue M: 72.0/125 W: 78.5/135 | 530 | 350 | 438 | 208 | 371 | 460 | 411 | 206 | 523 | 3497 | 505 | 168 | 304 | 376 | 393 | 545 | 420 | 232 | 442 | 3385 | 6882 |
| Blue/White M: 71.0/123 W: 77.1/132 | 530 | 350 | 424 | 195 | 328 | 460 | 378 | 206 | 523 | 3394 | 505 | 148 | 304 | 376 | 360 | 545 | 398 | 214 | 409 | 3259 | 6653 |
| White M: 70.1/120 W: 76.3/130 | 525 | 311 | 424 | 195 | 328 | 433 | 378 | 195 | 490 | 3279 | 491 | 148 | 293 | 365 | 360 | 508 | 398 | 214 | 409 | 3186 | 6465 |
| White/Green M: 68.2/117 | 525 | 311 | 314 | 161 | 328 | 433 | 314 | 154 | 490 | 3030 | 491 | 148 | 293 | 365 | 360 | 508 | 338 | 140 | 387 | 3030 | 6060 |
| Green M: 66.9/115 W: 72.5/122 | 525 | 311 | 314 | 161 | 328 | 320 | 314 | 154 | 478 | 2905 | 421 | 123 | 293 | 347 | 360 | 483 | 338 | 140 | 387 | 2892 | 5797 |
| Gold M: 65.0/111 W: 69.9/118 | 427 | 266 | 314 | 156 | 275 | 315 | 308 | 154 | 421 | 2636 | 421 | 123 | 256 | 335 | 318 | 431 | 338 | 140 | 340 | 2702 | 5338 |
| Handicap | 15 | 17 | 3 | 13 | 11 | 1 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 18 | 12 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 14 | 4 | 6 | 2 | |||
| Par | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 7 | 17 | 9 | 13 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 11 | 5 | 12 | 8 | 16 | 2 | 10 | 14 | 6 | 18 | 4 |
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Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
BarAvailable Facilities
ClubhouseAccolades
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Golf Advisor: Top 25 College Courses in the U.S. (2020 #23)
Reviews
Reviewer Photos
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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
Loved it.
Great muni and convenient to the airport. We were at the first tee box 45 minutes after the plane landed. Good intro to Phoenix golf. Big deep bunkers....watch ou!
not worth the money
Course was in only fair condition. Compared to other courses which are much better, this course was far too expensive for what you get. No amenities as they are under construction of a club house.
Challenging lengthy track with great conditions
Managed to squeeze in a round during a quick visit to the Phoenix Valley. Papago I was told to be the future home course of the ASU Sun Devils. Didn't know anything about Papago prior to my unexpected round. The course conditions were close to immaculate. Teeboxes and fairways were just about perfectly lush. Greens to me were a bit shaggy to consider quick but despite this still rolled true. From the tips the course plays over 7300 yards. Playing from these tee boxes presents many challenges especially the par 3's that play from 230 to over 250 yards. I would have given 5 stars only due to the construction for the new clubhouse was going on. Off course amenities were limited but staff was still super friendly. Definitely a hidden gem course in Phoenix. Extremely good track when locals consider it a muni track.
heck of a muni
golf course was in great shape...greens held shots, and putts rolled true....par 3s are long and tough
The little brother of the Arizona big hitters
I played a round of 18 at this course on my way to the airport to head home from a business trip. The staff was accommodating and I appreciated that. I did witness a staff member get involved in a pretty heated phone conversation which went on for about 15 minutes while I waited to check in for my tee time. This also held up a lady who was coming in to buy a patron pass. That was not a great start to my Papago experience. Only 1 thing though, so its hard to totally knock them. The course was well maintained, greens were nice and the views are great. A little more of an active spot in the city but it was fun watching all the helicopters and planes fly over. The clubhouse was not the greatest, especially after playing Grayhawk the day prior. Very small and low cost type environment but that is okay. The driving range was average, backdrop with the mountains was cool though. No restaurant but they do have some small food items in the clubhouse. The course was enjoyable and I am going to try and swing by again in January. It was wonderful to be able to play here and get to the airport in 10 minutes. It is not Troon North or Grayhawk, but this is a very nice course in its own right.
Popular Local Muni Among The Major Phoenix Resort Courses
Being a walk and carry clubs, classic muni guy, I had tried to get on Papago numerous times during visits to Phoenix - I got on the singles waiting list on a Sunday and was surprised to get paired up within an hour. It did not take long for me to understand the popularity of the unique course conditions, views, rock formations, and overall play. The clubhouse was a temporary trailer and not sure if that will get rebuilt or not? Good practice area and range, very walkable, and conditions were good and tough with 10-20 mph winds. Some holes seem alike but that is a good thing here. Also the location is about as central Phoenix as you can get and easy airport access!
A great course!
Like I said a, great course. I was in Arizona for vacation. It was nice to get out of the rain back east. While it was hot, 96, my wife and I enjoyed the dry heat! I did enjoy the course. I like that it was right in front of you. Nothing hidden. The greens rolled true and the bunkers were perfect. The rough was sparse and really did not present any challenge (probably the time of year). It is a good walking course. Staff service was excellent. I gave the off course amenities a Fair rating because they are in a temporary trailer, but I'm sure it will be nice once the new clubhouse is built. Gave Value Average rating because the price seemed a bit steep and it seems they were sticking it to the visitor a little too much. My only real complaint is that all of the par 3s were long (180 yrds +, one was 220 yrds). I don't mind one or two 200 yrd par 3s, but three or four seems to be pushing it for amatour golf. Nevertheless, it is a great golf course!
I still can't believe this is a muni...
This is a great course for the money. The only things wrong with this course are some of the tees are chewed up and there is not a definable cart path. However, that being said, this course's fairway and green conditions were very well manicured. The layout is great which leads this course to be a pleasant course for round 2 of the day. Not too hard and not too easy. I'd recommend this to anyone visiting Phoenix.
So happy we found each other..
I'm a recent transplant from SF. San Francisco has Harding Park-Phoenix has Papago. Enjoy this place locals- we are lucky to have access to such a classically designed track. Staff is very professional and the conditions are exceptional. I play weekly very early and usually join visitors who are all very complimentary of the course.
I've been walking recently before it gets too hot.
Great course, slow going.
Played a nice afternoon round here. The course was in good condition; smooth greens, flat, well kept tee boxes and overall well taken care of. I really enjoyed my round, even if we were playing against the setting sun - it was definitely dark when we finished, but managed to get all 18 in. My only complaint was the sloooww pace of play. There were a couple of groups ahead of us that were hacking away which forced a minimum of 5 minutes wait at each tee. Really frustrating, but there were marshals out and they were on top of it. I'd play here again, but would consider a morning round, versus an afternoon.
The tell tale course
Papago has long been a favorite course. From decades ago as a competitive member to now, Papago has always let me know where my game is.
The wind, then rain, became quite a factor in this round. Even though I can't play long as in the past, the course still provides a fulfilling round and the full gambit of golfing aficionados that have played there. I'll always look forward to playing another round at Papago.
Took care of us, will return!
So I somewhat gave up on Papago last year during the Winter as I usually play on Saturdays and they can get very backed up during busy months. Also way too many snow birds like to play here so it can get VERY slow on weekends during busy season.
Today I got a hot deal time with two buddies in the afternoon. Sadly right at around the 10th/11th hole we got hit with a rain storm. Luckily even though we already got through about 10 holes they gave us a raincheck for a full 18 to come back since they decided to shut down because of the rain. We were very pleased with this and the entire staff was awesome! Can't get upset at the weather, but they made it even easier not to do so.
I can't wait to see what happens with ASU taking over. I have heard they may get a new clubhouse which would take this place to the next level. We will return, and very much look forward to it.
missing the "wow" of this course.
Well......decided to give this one a try because of the "history" of it. Its a 30 min drive from my house (past many courses I have played and enjoyed). There was a tournament before play today and pins were cut in ridiculous places on corners and edges of greens making putting a joke. I was fortunate enough to be paired up w 2 great guys that have played here several times because this layout is a series of ambiguous tee shots. Several times I would ask where the @!##&* fairway was. When they told me , it was completely different than where I assumed.
I seriously can't believe people use to sleep in their cars to get tee times here, lolololol. And the LPGA played a tournament here?!?! I'm sure the players wondered if they had lost a bet and were forced to play here. Its honestly not scenic at all and the par 3's are absurd distances to impossible greens. Sorry, but there are way too many other courses in same price range that will bring more joy.
Solid golf course
Greens and tees were in great shape. Nice layout, challenging, but not ridiculous. Course was in great shape for this time of year.
Always love the challenge
Love playing Papago. This is always a course I play to see where exactly my game is at. Course was in great shape. Plays very tough for the most experienced and skilled golfers. Anything in the 70s is a good score here.
" Better ole Papago !"
Solo, I got there to find young Mike at the ready & informed Me that another player also had same tee time on the sheet. He mentioned I could hit a few range balls to warm up, sounds silly as it was 111°. Started out fine and seemed grooved early, not My norm. Players heading out on 10 mentioned the greens could be shorter since the we're punched a couple of weeks earlier. I enjoyed them as they rolled fine out fine, if only at a moderate speed.
Fairways were even and are surely undulating with the Papago Buttes RIGHT THERE ! Greens are firm & fortunately not dried out HARD as many tracks in Phoenix get. Michael at the turn is very cordial & was glad to get some ice for Me as there was NO beverage cart. A true Local Gem for a Homer like Me that I always enjoy !
The now years old renovation to the course certainly gives the holes a much fuller/complete look through the greens ,wonderfully done Folks. THANKS !
It's the same old Papago without the trees
I haven't played this course in several years. The layout is pretty much the same they've cut down some trees and put better sand in the barkers but overall it's the same course as it's always been for years . I got a pretty good summer rate however I would not play this course in the winter time for the amount of money they are asking to play. Their are much better courses out there to play in the winter time for the money.
"Better"ole Papago!
An afternoon round started by having Mike meet Me at bag drop and explained that another person also was booked for the tee-time. I was able to warm up, sounds silly when it's 111°, although I was tardy. The course is in outstanding condition ,even the bunkers played well as I could get a good "thump" gettin' out. Then Michael was cordial & helpful with some ice at the turn as there wasn't a beverage cart on duty. I really enjoy the now years old renovations that give a more complete look of the holes through the greens ! Good Time Folks !
The Phoenician Golf Around Package
The Phoenician Golf Around Package
Arizona Golf Grind Package
Arizona Golf Grind Package
I never played here years ago, but I would 100% agree with your sentiment for the prices they charge here during the winter. This course should never be $75 for 18 holes.