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Rating Index Rating
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3.8
629 Reviews (629)
5 Stars
168
4 Stars
270
3 Stars
99
2 Stars
61
1 Stars
31
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.6
Layout
4.2
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
3.5
Amenities
4.0
77.2%
Recommend this course
479 out of 629 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
13 Reviews (13)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.9
Value
4.0
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.6
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.8
84.6%
Recommend this course
11 out of 13 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.3
20 Reviews (20)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
9
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.1
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.8
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.6
90.0%
Recommend this course
18 out of 20 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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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.

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Papago Golf Course
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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)
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Reviews

3.8
629 Reviews (629)

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

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
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
Played On
Reviews 1
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

All about the greens

Greens are in bad shape, bare spots and bumpy. The rest of the course is in good shape.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

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.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 38
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

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.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart

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

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 44
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

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

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

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!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 315
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 250 Contributor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

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.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

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.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

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.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 32
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

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.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/15/2014

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.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

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.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 28
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

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.

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

fun course

Challenging but very fair, third time I've played here and it is always in great condition. Staff is friendly and helpful.

Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
IC
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Demanding course

Demanding golf course, but fair. Good conditions, particularly the greens. Overall accessment is good value.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
3.0
First Time Playing

Beautiful

The staff were very friendly and helpful, the course was in fair shape, but overall I would recommend the course to my friends.

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

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.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

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.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

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.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
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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
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