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Rating Index Rating
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3.8
628 Reviews (628)
5 Stars
168
4 Stars
269
3 Stars
99
2 Stars
61
1 Stars
31
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.6
Layout
4.2
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
3.5
Amenities
4.0
76.7%
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
4.1
21 Reviews (21)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
9
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.9
Value
3.9
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.7
Amenities
4.1
StaffFriendliness
4.6
85.7%
Recommend this course
18 out of 21 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
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

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 28
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Go to Papago

I walked this course during an LPGA event, so I was stoked to play it, and it did not disappoint. It was challenging and forgiving. This course really makes you think about your game, and hurts you for making a mistake. Great rate, great pace, great course. I highly recommend it

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

tough greens

greens were very fast but ran true..very enjoyable round,paired with a couple of local men,very unusual but fun to golf with...excellent conditions.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Long and open venue

The first impression was not positive due to the pro shop being in a trailer and a somewhat confusing process to tee off due to a lack of a starter. The fairways and greens were very good, although overall the course is not one that has the appearance of being manicured. Plenty of sand traps, but only three holes with water. On most holes you can let it fly. It is a good walking course.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Amazing greens

Some of the best greens in Phoenix. Good pace roll excellent and hold a 3 iron.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Average weather
Walked

Great greens made the round

Interesting layout. The greens were in superb shape. The fairways were average. Walked 18. Paired up with 3 locals which helped me get more out of the round. Worth playing.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Solid Municipal Course for the Value

Nice layout. I have played twice once last fall and again this late spring season. course in great shape. clubhouse is not permanent facilities but has nice air conditioned snack bar area. Greens a bit fast but receptive. No houses!! inside public park area with great views of nearby hills. only downside is near airport so air traffic can be noisy if wind is out of south.

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

Beautiful scenery

Very scenic course with red hills. Great location. A little older

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Great Place To Play

Overall I had a great experience. This is a fairly basic course. The pro shop and snack bar are trailers. The course was in great shape. Not a lot of trouble but the desert is punishing. Plenty of room to hit driver. It sone of those courses that looks easy on the scorecard but it requires some shot making. The bunkers can use a little work. Its very walkable for those who are so inclined. Great views of the mountains and valley. The staff was super friendly and attentive. Overall a good experience.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

less then 10 min from airport is nice but...

had to wait 5-10 min on every tee box, of course no marshalls around, nobody seemed to care just big smile on all staffs...

will not recommend/play here at Papago again.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good. Not great.

This course is nice and fair. The practice facilities are good. Staff was excellent. I was impressed with the greens. They putted true.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Play here!

My first time playing Papago and it is a nice track. Long par 3's were a challenge. Bunkers were well maintained (and some are deep). I will be back.

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

Great course

This course is in amazing shape. The greens were almost flawless as we're the tee boxes and fariways. I really have absolutely no complaints for the way the course was. It was a good challenge, the greens were in great shape and pretty fast, made it fun. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone, definitely worth the money.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Course for a great price

Great course for a great price. Really liked the course. Great views too.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

This course lived up to the hype!

This course had everything, difficulty, length, trees, water, desert, friendly staff. I have heard about this place for a while and since my brother was in town I wanted to take him to a nice course. He loved it and so did I.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Used cart

Fast paced muni

Course was fine, in good condition, some decent views and very friendly and attentive staff. Also played in under 4 hours which is always a bonus. They offer a walking rate which we did not take advantage of. I suspect the pace if play has something to do with the rates. $80 for this course is out of line with the market.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Overall

Starter could not have been nicer or accomodating as we ran into a time conflict that morning. He moved us up 45 minutes......much thanks. Only a few backups, play moved along well considering it was busy. With card, good value. Great greens, fast and tricky. Always enjoy playing Papago.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Value

Not worth the money. Spend another 20 bucks and get a much nice course.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

Excellent shape and decent price.

Greens were in great condition, fairways good. The price is good compared to the rest of the Valley, but it seemed higher than last year. Paid $61.00 to walk on a Thursday in March. But, because the course condition was improved we were happy.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Dave

Golf course is very enjoyable. Club house is ordinary at best. Considering we started at 2:00 the pace of play was great. The starter did a great job of explaining some of the course basics to us. If you just want to golf I heartily recommend this course but if you want a nice meal after go elsewhere for your food.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 34
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Good management makes good golf

Staff was great, starter gave us tips on the course that helped a lot. Pace of play was best we have seen in the Phoenix area. Course was not over loaded with players and Marshall came by a couple times to check to see if things were going good. It was nice to see someone that cared about the golfer after they paid.
Course was in great shape, not a real hard course, the Par 3's can be changeling if you play the tips, some around 250 yards. Wife and I played and she found it a fun course from the rd tee's. Started at 2pm on the GolfNow hot deal and finished at 6pm with plenty of light to spare. Play here if you get a chance.
Wife took a lot of pictures on the course, the views were spectacular.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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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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