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
Challenging from the tips - good practice facilities
This is a challenging course for long hitters when played from the blues or blacks. Greens were in good condition for late July in PHX and a GolfNow hot deal of $10 made this a great deal for a weekday afternoon round. Fairway bunkers on the back nine are a reachable hazard and will make for some long approach shots if you end up in them off the tee.
Papago -- Papa Went
Nice course; like the dog leg layout; very few straight holes. Several LONG par 3's. First time out, I tried to out muscle the course and paid. Will play it a smarter next time out.
ASU and the city need to upgrade the pro shop/clubhouse facilities soon. Trailer park setting not very inviting.
Practice range & greens very nice and roomy.
The bag "boys" were very accommodating as were the clubhouse staff & starter; very nice folks!
Looking forward to playing it again.
Course review
Great day to play golf. Perfect weather, good breeze. Course in pretty good condition. Greens were bumpy from overseed and didn't hold. Might wait a week before returning.
Papago in the Summer
For being so hot in Arizona in the summer, Papago was well maintained. Greens a little bumpy as it appears they were aerated a few weeks ago. Greens were fast. Fairways were in great shape and the practice facilities were very good as well.
The contractor took the money and ran.
Course was supposedly rebuilt w/millions. All holes were exactly the same w/the pond area now cleared of its vegetation. There is now partial paved cart path and partial is being generous. The nice clubhouse before is gone and now they are using temporary mobile homes instead. The contractor took the money and ran. Would I recommend to a friend......NOT at their ridiculous prices.
wish they would have said something about the greens
It was a hot slow day, and the greens are still gaining strength from being punched. Inconsistent, slow and then fast at times and very grainy and bumpy. I say give it another week or two and they should be good. I don't see why courses wish to be sneaky and not but the notification on the site that they punched the greens.
Summertime Good value
Played here once before last year. This time around the greens were being aired out so they were very bumpy. Can't complain given the price. Great course. Enjoyed it.
not nice when courses dont post overseeding alert prior to booking
i think it ought to be required that all courses post dramatic changes in conditions prior to letting folks book times. there is not a price low enough if the greens are unputtable!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Golf in a Park
The layout of the course made you feel like you were strolling through a park. With sparse apparatus defining the tee boxes and minimal sections of paved cart path, one hole would flow from the next to the next with little to distinguish them; it felt like a giant park that went on for acres. At times, it was even a bit confusing where the next tee box was situated. Nevertheless, a little scouting would resolve the problem and on you would play. The fairways and greens were in very good shape, and the course provided several interesting challenges. The biggest challenges were the long par 3s. 3 of the 4 par 3s were over 200 yards. This required good accuracy with the long clubs (I was using a 3 rescue club). The other par 3 was a 'tweener club' distance over water (165 yds. the day I played. I found it a fun course to play with consistently good conditions over the 18 holes.
Average Course
This happened to be our least favorite of the courses we played during our golf vacation. There was nothing spectacular to note. Although the price was right we would not be inclined to play it again. Some of the holes were adjacent to each other which could at times be a bit dangerous. The condition of the course did not compare to others we played. Once again I would say average. They have a temporary clubhouse which surprised me considering the course has been around for more than 50 years. I had heard good things about it was was underwhelmed.
much improved
haven't played Papago for two years because it had dropped off in conditions and cost, very pleased with improvements, condition of course was excellent, cost was reasonable and bag boys very welcoming.
Looks like it is back to being one f the best courses in the valley
Papago in the afternoon
Very pleasant day on the links, very few people out on the course so the three of us never waited to make a shot. We teed off at 3:00 and were done by 6:30. Reasonable rates due to Golfnow. Course is in very good shape. Quite enjoyable.
Great Classic Golf Course
This is a great track if you are a low handicapper who wants a serious challenge. If play from the tips you'll have your work cut out for you. On this it was after a good couple of days of rain and they had no chance to mow the fairways therefore no roll out on tee shots. It was a challenge to shoot 74 that day. No frills but if you want good solid golf its a great spot.
Papago
Staff is very friendly, especially the bag drop attendants. Let us go off 20 min early. Greens were in excellent shape, putted very true and approach shots stuck. Fairways in good condition, just a few dry spots. It been a while since I played here. Will come back. Price is a bit high for the course, but on Golfnow with a hot deal it was fair.
Great Value at $60
Course is challenging with all playable areas in perfect condition. Most of the course has no cart paths, which was bizarre. Only gripe is the clubhouse/snack bar had lackluster food/beverages
Good course
Great fairways, green and cart girls but bring a sandwich unless you just want to eat chips and candy bars.
My name is Daryl Crawford, the GM at Papago Golf Course. I was disappointed to read your comment regarding our staff... may I speak to you about it? Please contact me at 602.275.8428.