GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
3.8
628 Reviews (628)
5 Stars
168
4 Stars
269
3 Stars
99
2 Stars
61
1 Stars
31
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.5
Layout
4.1
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
3.4
Amenities
3.9
74.7%
Recommend this course
478 out of 628 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
13 Reviews (13)
5 Stars
6
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.0
Value
3.9
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.5
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.8
84.6%
Recommend this course
11 out of 13 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
22 Reviews (22)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
9
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.8
Value
3.9
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.7
Amenities
4.1
StaffFriendliness
4.6
81.8%
Recommend this course
18 out of 22 reviews
Read Reviews
frame.svg
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
circle-star.svg
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.

Book a Tee Time at
Papago Golf Course
Powered by GolfNow.com

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)
The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
golf ball.svg
$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
waivedfees
12 rounds of waived fees
redeemtrophy
GolfPass Member Pricing
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection

Reviews

3.8
628 Reviews (628)

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

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Enjoyable Papago experience!

Booked as a single and put in with a threesome...great guys! The course was in excellent shape, pace of play was OK (group in front of us was a bit slow...), but overall, a really enjoyable round on a perfect day at a really good, old-fashioned course! Looking forward to playing Papago again soon!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Regulars only

We were a twosome stuck behind a slow group of four. We couldn't play through because the course was so backed up. The group behind us kept hitting into us. They had five in their group. The cart girl and I talked for a while. The group in front and behind us were regulars according to her. The course was in decent shape. Not for $42 though.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice

Have not played this course in 8 years. It has been totally remodeled. The course is in great condition . Loved everything about Papago!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 17
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Must Play!

Great public course! Very good course layout with varying terrain and very well conditioned even though it is late summer. Good variety of holes, doglegs left and right and long par 3's.... three of them over 190 yards! Highly recommend that you play this course when in Phoenix.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Pleasantly suprised.....

Had not played Papago in years and was pleasantly surprised with the new routing and conditions. The renovations cleaned up the course, still more to do when ASU moves in. Course was in good shape. Greens rolled true. If you have a GPS unit, make sure its updated otherwise you'll have some challenges with yardages.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 134
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Arizona Advisor
Verified Purchaser
Top 250 Contributor
First Time Playing

Good mint

Excellent tee boxes and fairways but greens were punched on Monday (8/18) and were clearly not up to normal Papago standards. Easy course to walk with excellent views. Great layout with long par 3's. Highly recommend but Golf Now needs to do a better job in reporting aeration situations at the courses. PHX munys have all recently done aeration with no mention of said fact on Golf Now.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good condition

Was amazed how green fairways were! Sand was soft overall great course, would defiantly golf there again

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

great public couse

always like to play here. course is well maintained.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Great

Frist time back in 15-20 yrs. thoroughly enjoyed it course is nice shape.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

A great value all around

The green fees are reasonable and the beverage cart rates are some of the best in town. We got off to a slow start but after the 5th hole, the pace picked up nicely. Conditions were as good as to be expected given it is summertime.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

A gem in the valley

Papago has left alot to be desired in the past, but it is really good now. The fairways and greens are really in good shape. These greens are my favorite that I've played in the last 2-3 months. They accept a lofted shot, and also will let the ball check if you hit a good chip shot.

The course still has some challenging holes and tight fairways. I wish the dirt/desert had less rocks. I would appreciate it if when you missed the fairway, you weren't at risk of damaging your club on the hardpan.

I like this course and plan to be back. They are doing a good job keeping it up!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

best deal in valley

course in great summer condition..played in just over 3 hours..plenty of looks from cart person, used about every club in my bag.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Course

Nice course. Narrow but playable. Long par 3's. Need more water coolers on course. The ice/water machine button works when it wanted too. Loved the $2 can of Miller Lite(16oz.)

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great Layout

Great location and layout! Can't wait for the greens to completely heal from aeration!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 41
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

nice play to play in summer

Has some nice holes with some variety. Not real busy when i played it in July but could tell that it has seen lots of play. Greens in pretty nice condition for the summer tee boxes were a little beat up. Overall a nice course but i might be afraid with the holes running close to each other if it was busy.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 0-4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Papago

Papago is always a fun test of golf. I'm always surprised to see how busy it is there on a weekday afternoon in the middle of summer. The greens were in really great shape for this time of the year and were challenging. The pace of play wasn't bad, but it also wasn't great for that time of day.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 25
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Home course and beautiful

Love the mountain scenery, love how green they keep it, love the challenge of the pin placement. There is no better driving range in the area. And perfect that it's close to home :)

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great round

Greens were a little bumpy and inconsistent, otherwise 5 stars.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Long from the Black tees

Greens were a little bumpy but not too bad. I would pay again with someone who has played their before, hard to find the proper lines.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

Great walking course

First time back since Dec. greens were punched a couple of weeks ago so were a little bumpy but still not bad. I was paired up with a couple gentlemen we were al walking which made the round a lot nicer, no need to hurry we were moving fairly well.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Nearby Courses
Phoenix, Arizona
Private
0.0
0
Tempe, Arizona
Public/Municipal
3.867201426
250
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
1.7897574124
407
Scottsdale, Arizona
Resort
4.6043034172
1391
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
3.8995309315
1197
Scottsdale, Arizona
Private
5.0
1
Paradise Valley, Arizona
Resort
4.6626444574
1025
Paradise Valley, Arizona
Private
3.0
2
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
4.1967486943
3923
Tempe, Arizona
Public
3.2317274098
939
Golf Packages
the-phoenician-9.jpg

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.

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.
20-3208_0256.jpg

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.
Sunridge Canyon 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 and SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account