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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

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Papago

Nice track
Paid 66$ walking rate on golfnow
A little slow until ranger took charge and the pace was fine

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

The course was well kept and manicured

Loved the course but yardages hard to find and how to get from geen to tees on some holes, but overall a good course, For the money they should have gps systems on the carts.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

long course, long round....

Played this course with one rider (separate cart) and one walker - not ideal logistically.... The course had some nice views of the Buttes, but mostly was pretty plain. Longer course than I'm used to, especially the par 3's. Fairways great, bunkers in good shape (better than most I've played here), greens a little bumpy.... I got a good discount through GolfNow, but frankly I felt this course provided less bang for the buck than I expected. Pace of play was pretty awful, especially for a round played late on a weekday - no rangers in evidence, and it looked to me like everyone (players behind, ahead, and in our threesome) expected this slowness.... With all the other options here, I won't be back soon....

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 26
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Review

Still struggle with pace of play. Layout is fine, conditions okay but you can't enjoy a mid-week round of 5 hours.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 44
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Fun course

Course was in good shape and has some interesting holes. Also has a nice driving range, putting green and chipping area. Only complaint was clubhouse and food service. We teed off about noon and when we came to the turn......no hot dogs and the young lady was closing for the day.
I was able to finish without my hot dog, but it wasn't easy.
We will go back

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Glorious AZ

Great fairways; tough greens; great company. Top notch course!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great greens, good golf holes

The greens rolled very nice, fairways in great condition, fun golf course to play.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course in top condition, tees, greens, fairways.

Had a great time. Only negative is lack of a decent clubhouse. Thought they would have built one by now instead of trailers.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Used cart

Love the views at Pappago

We loved the scenery at Pappago! We liked the way it played . . a little more like what we are used to in the midwest.
The price was great! And so was the staff.
I was told that there are plans to upgrade the clubhouse at the tune of MILLIONS of dollars. Can't wait to see that happen.
I would play there again in a heartbeat!

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 57
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

GREENS LIGHTENING FAST

The day we played we followed a Pro tournament and the greens were extremely fast.The course was in fantastic shape and a great test of golf for mid to low handicappers.This should be on your list of places to play especially if you can get a decent rate.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Puccio

The course is in good condition, moderately challenging with beautiful views.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Golf Channel
Previously Played
Walked

As good of a buy as you'll find in Phoenix

Papago is one of the best courses you'll ever play. Architect Billy Bell was George C. Thomas' bunker man at Riviera Country Club. So you have a Golden Era architect who designed a municipal golf course, green fees are reasonable, holes are interesting, and the greens are usually pretty good. For the money it's as good a buy as you'll get in the Phoenix area.

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Excellent example of Phoenix golf

Great course - by far the best city course in the system and rates along with many of the top courses in the valley. Challenging but fair with several very strong holes. Views are wonderful, conditions are great, staff is very friendly and helpful. One of my favorites.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
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

Challenging but fair golf course

I have played Papago a couple of times with my wife, booking a red hot deal thru Golf Now. Great value! Course is scenic and has a lot of variation. Greens rolled pretty consistently and fairways were in good condition. I am a lower handicap and my wife is pretty high. We both walked away happy.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great course but pricey

Really enjoyed the course, the setting is great. The only downside is the price which in my opinion is to high for the course itself and especially a city course. The club house is bare minimum and needs improvement. I would play there more often if it were more in line with Aquila prices.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 20-24
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Fantastic course

Papago has to be my "go to" course when I need a golf fix. Par 72, 18 hole course in great condition. The greens, bunkers, and fairways are well cared for. One advantage Papago has over most courses in Phoenix is the potential length from the back tees. If you like to flex your muscles this is one of the courses to let loose on. Fairways are also forgiving most of the time as well.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Papagos Course Conditions (2nd to None)

Some valley natives told us to play this track. We booked online for $65. Pulled up to the bag drop, bag attendant pointed to a trailer for the golf shop. I was considering driving away and saving myself $65. We found out why the course was packed once we got to the #1 fairway, course conditions were fantastic! Lush fairways, greens were receptive, fast and rolled true. Course was difficult but you don't notice until you count all the strokes at the end. Par 3's (kind of challenging). Par 4's (Easy), Par 5's (Not reachable in two!). My buddy Doug has a bad leg from his tours overseas, but Papago was perfect for him. You can park really close to the greens and tee boxes and little-to-no cart paths. Get out to play this track and do not judge this course by its clubhouse, it's unlike anything I've played in the heart of Phoenix.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 0-4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Great Course

Papago is a classic. Very beautiful course kept in very good condition. The course is tough to play the first time you are there. A few blind spots will have long hitters in the desert if they don't know where to put their drive. Staff is always friendly, nothing exceptional but nice. Water and bathrooms are strategically placed and I always seem to be thirsty as I'm pulling up to it. very little cart paths and the first few times you play it can be hard to find your way around some holes.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

papago

course was crowded and play very slow...greens need attention

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

GOOD VALUE AND CHALLENGING LAYOUT.

Late tee time on Black Friday but pace of play was excellent. Greens were receptive, rolled true and were moderately fast. Nice variety of holes and green complexes, lots of elevation change.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
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Golf Packages

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-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.

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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