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
Great Place for Locals
Papago has a long history in the Valley and a few years back they renovated the course to return it back to it's original beauty. It's a great track for locals who want to get out and play 18 holes and enjoy views of downtown. Course does play long and it seems that you are always having to deal with the challenges of the wind. It's a walkable course with some up and down fairways. Greens are usually in good shape but watch for the mountain effect it can make you misread some of your putts. When in doubt every thing breaks toward downtown.
Slow Play
It appears Papago Mgmt has chosen to concentrate on the customer service side raise them above the muni level. Check-in, cart service, and club cleaning staff does a good job.
Unfortunately when you fail to have a marshal on the course, you end up with a 5hr 25 min round. The only positive side to the marathon is we didn't have to pay by the hour.
PACE OF PLAY
No need to have a ranger out if they are buddies with 4 groups that like to play 6 hour rounds due tot heir bets... We had 3 groups stacked up on all par 3's ALL DAY.
Love this course as it is right next to my house, but after the ranger disregarded us and 6 other groups asking for his help, doubt I will return. Terrible experience for an otherwise great course.
Exceptional muni course
Superb setting, fast, challenging greens, and a nice layout. Far superior to pricier courses like Talking Stick.
Great course
This is a very strong challenge. Don't be fooled by several short par 4. The par 3 are all over 200 yds except for one. Virtually all greens are elevated making bounce or run in shots difficult. Playing surfaces are well maintained Deep faced bunkers make getting out a challenge. Played it from the white tees and it was still very difficult. It you are long and like evelated greens you will like this course. Staff was fantastic!
Long, but very playable.
While holes were long, fairways were forgiving. Course was in great shape. Bunkers are deep and sand is hard, making play more difficult. Greens rolled true and were as greens should be.
A great outing. I will choose to play there again.
Great fun course
If you complain about this course then you are a golf snob. For municipal course, it is excellent. Many reviews are complaining about poor course markings, the clubhouse, in the cart paths. I went there to play golf in that is what I did. I didn't go to have a fancy meal in a club house and even the simplest mind could follow the markings on the course to each hole. If you are visiting Phoenix save the money and play here. Also, there are 0 houses around this course. It is not jammed into a resort community as an afterthought
course and greens are in great shape
Played on a Wednesday and in 3 1/2 hours!
Played from forward tees so it was a bit easier but still
a great challenge as always at Papago
Unfortunately, to me, they're taking out even more of the old tree however, hate to see them go.
No Rain
Lots of big old trees came down last month. Probably a good thing as most were not in play and opens up the views. Fairways and greens are in excellent shape. Played in just under 3 hours, 18 holes. Nice
1st time playing here.
Very nice course. A bit challenging with narrow fairways and bunkers around the greens. Staff was great. Nice views and great staff but overall a bit disappointed comparing Papago compared to other courses.
Papago golf course review.
I've been playing Papago golf course for many years and find it in as good a shape as I can ever remember. I only wish I could say the same for my golf game.
Great golf
I continue to be amazed at how well Papago is maintained with excellent fairways quick greens and no burnt spots. Although there were a good number of trees down from recent storms, the course itself is in great condition for this time of year. Stay out of the rough, the Bermuda will suck up your ball and wrap up your club. Looking forward to a club house!
A great challenge
Any time I want to see where the state of my game is, I go to Papago. It's a wonderful course and I look forward to playing there again as soon as possible.
Great day at the course!
pace of play was spot on, greens in darn good shape seeing they Aerated 1 week ago fairways tight and clean
still waiting in the construction of a club house...
ultimately the main thing thing is
ANOTHER GREAT DAY OF GOLF IN AZ!!
Great Layout... No Frills
One of the best layouts in the valley. Every hole is challenging and the course is never monotonous. Great views of Papago Buttes and it does not snake through condos or McMansions. Course conditions were very good and pace of play was under 4 hours on a Friday morning.
Lacks amenities and services of the resort courses but the layout makes up for the lack of someone to carry your clubs 10 feet or wipe them with a damp towel.
Course in great shape
I played this course after work in the afternoon, hardly anyone on the course. The fairways were in the best shape I have seen them in the summer, the greens were in really good shape and played true.
Course has tough par threes
Good layout, everything is out in front of you. Tough par threes