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.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
Awards & Recognition
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Top 25 College Courses in the U.S.(2020 #23)
Golfer 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
Golfer Reviews
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.
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.
Value
Not worth the money. Spend another 20 bucks and get a much nice course.
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 $61.00 to walk on a Thursday in March. But, because the course condition was improved we were happy.
Dave
Golf course is very enjoyable. Club house is ordinary at best. Considering we started at 2:00 the pace of play was great. The starter did a great job of explaining some of the course basics to us. If you just want to golf I heartily recommend this course but if you want a nice meal after go elsewhere for your food.
Good management makes good golf
Staff was great, starter gave us tips on the course that helped a lot. Pace of play was best we have seen in the Phoenix area. Course was not over loaded with players and Marshall came by a couple times to check to see if things were going good. It was nice to see someone that cared about the golfer after they paid.
Course was in great shape, not a real hard course, the Par 3's can be changeling if you play the tips, some around 250 yards. Wife and I played and she found it a fun course from the rd tee's. Started at 2pm on the GolfNow hot deal and finished at 6pm with plenty of light to spare. Play here if you get a chance.
Wife took a lot of pictures on the course, the views were spectacular.
Papago
Nice track
Paid 66$ walking rate on golfnow
A little slow until ranger took charge and the pace was fine
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.
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....
Review
Still struggle with pace of play. Layout is fine, conditions okay but you can't enjoy a mid-week round of 5 hours.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.