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 |
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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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
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.
All about the greens
Greens are in bad shape, bare spots and bumpy. The rest of the course is in good shape.
Papago was great!
We love public golf courses like Papago because they are unpretentious and dedicated to the love of the game. The staff at Papago is so friendly and helpful. We liked the challenge of flanking bunkers on every hole too.
cart paths
need more signs and better directions for those that golf there for the first time,little confusing where the next tee boxes are,there are very few cart paths for you to drive on ,there is only one restroom out there on the whole course,but it comes with a ice maker,and water machine,great for hot weather.
Surprise
I played Papago for 12 years back kn the 90 s . Course is a lot better now more grass where there used to be dirt, grass was thicker didn't get much roll. I had quit playing when aga took over cause the rates went to $ 59. Putting is still a big challenge . I do miss all the big trees. They cut down , but I noticed they added fairway sand traps, always a challenge , Papago
Very nice municipal course
Really well maintained municipal course at the foot of Papago park. The course is in great shape, with lush fairways and rough. The greens are always soft and roll very true. I play this course quite a bit and its always in good shape. There may be weeds here and there, but for the price you really can't beat it. My only complaint is that there isn't a cartpath on some of the holes so it is confusing to navigate your way around
Great course in good shape
This course was in a lot better conditions than some of the other Phoenix courses I've played and the summer rates are great!
Good golf holes
This course has some very good golf holes. The par 3's are not easy (long). The greens were in very good condition, not real fast. Very good bargain.
Great views
Everyone talks about this being the best municipal course and it might be. The views were beautiful as well as the cart girl. Ow ow. I couldn't even focus every time she came around. Anyway... The greens were in great shape and stuck very nicely. I usually play from the tips but this course was very long at 7333 so I decided against that. A 253 yard par 3 is pretty intense and not my cup of tea.
Favorite Muni
Always in very good condition. Pace of play is usually good, with slower groups usually allowing others to play through. Great track for the moderate to advanced player. Greens and bunkers are well maintained and consistent.
Changing seasons.
The winter over seed is starting to wilt and the Bermuda grass is just getting started. The fairways were still in good shape but a little warn in places from golfers out having a great time. Greens were smooth and fast. easy to over read. Had a great time.
BORING!!!
I don't get why this course has so many stars. There are so many great courses in the valley and this is not one of them. Half of the holes don't even have cart paths. Narrow fairways with and a few of the greens would be the only challenge here. Layout is basic and BORING to play. There isn't one hole on the course that would get me to come back. If your a beginner looking for an average course this is the place for you. I prefer great conditions, fun layout, this is a $15-$20 course at best. This place is equal to Encanto golf course.
Review of Papago
The course is very nice! Can be a challenge for people who don't hit the ball very far. The course is long and plays long! 7300+ from the tips.
You don't get a discount after using this site though. Was 32 online here and when I got there is was 51 for a cart and 18 holes.
Fun Time
Nice course for being so close to Downtown Phoenix & Airport. Very nice layout with some longer Holes, especially the par 3's. Fairways were mostly in good shape and the greens held shots well & were quick. We waited every shot which made for a long round, but I wasn't in any hurry so it was ok. Certainly worth the value and will play again. Could use a clubhouse rather than trailers, which would make it appear as a more upscale Muni course.
fun course
Challenging but very fair, third time I've played here and it is always in great condition. Staff is friendly and helpful.
Demanding course
Demanding golf course, but fair. Good conditions, particularly the greens. Overall accessment is good value.
Beautiful
The staff were very friendly and helpful, the course was in fair shape, but overall I would recommend the course to my friends.
5th of 7 rounds
Papago Park was my 5th round in 7 days during my visit to Sedona and Scottsdale from California. I was paired up with local players and it was very enjoyable. Course conditions and playability was ok. Long par 3's 180yds plus. Par 4s are a good mix, short and long. Putting could be tricky from above the hole.
This course is walkable as well as challenging.
The par 3's were long and difficult. Many blind shots off the tees, so it would help to have better maps of holes.
Great value. Kid tolerant
Four of us played. Two adults and two kids. The $45 price tag for each made it affordable for kids that played from the 150 yd in . While they don't have much for a pro shop - we didn't care and the course quality was very good. Well maintained and challenging.
The Phoenician Golf Around Package
The Phoenician Golf Around Package
Arizona Golf Grind Package
Arizona Golf Grind Package
i disagree that Papago is equal to Encanto. Papago just lacks some investment by the city or else it would be ranked up there with other more popular and overpriced courses in the Valley. The layout is much more interesting and more challenging than Encanto. The fact that it does NOT have cart paths on many holes makes it even more appealing to those of us who can appreciate walking and lament having our ball hit an ill-placed path on often times a very good shot.