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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great course in great shape.
Can't wait for them to build a permanent structure for the clubhouse and snack bar. The course is as good or better than many resort courses in the area. The Mobile box buildings for the clubhouse and snack bar are completely out of place
Always a value.
Played the day Papago reopened & as expected greens were slow and very bumpy but otherwise the course was in great shape. The round moved well (thanks to no cart restrictions) and I will certainly be going back in a month when the greens have time to return. This course is always fun but it’s the finishing three holes that keep me coming back for more.
Best Muni in the valley.
The layout here is a real test. There are plenty of well placed bunkers, water, etc to make think out your shots here. The course is harder than it looks. The greens are generally pretty quick, with less break than they look. It tends to get breezy almost every day here and that only makes the course harder. There are some nice views of town, Papago hills etc. Overall, I believe it is the best muni in the Phoenix area. That being said, I do think the winter rates here are just plain too high!! They get as high as $90 to play here in the winter, and us poor residents don't get that much of a break on the fees.
Course needs a marshall
We arrived at the course only find out they had no power carts after we paid for a power cart on Golf Now. The course staff member said they had to wait for a cart to come in before one could be given to us. A definite first in my golfing years.
We teed off 10 mins late as all the tee times were back logged. We finally were given a cart right after we had teed off. I was not impressed.
It was a municipal course and in decent shape for a muni. The pace of play was horrible. We waited on every shot. When all was said and done, our round was over 5 hours long. I would never go back to this course or recommend it to anyone.
beautiful back drop for this established course
thought the course has great potential for greatness, but is missing some serious cart paths, needs easier connection of course and layout directional helps! To charge the amount they do would expect more completed look. Had a great on course bathroom & water station with great bonus of crushed ice!! Thought the mobile trailer look took away from the overall quality! Actual course is nice layout & has potential for good scoring for all levels of golfers!
Papago is a wonderful course
I've played Papago dozens of times and always enjoy it. The fairways and greens are good. I'm not impressed with the sand in the traps and try to avoid them. Greens are usually pretty fast and plenty challenging. Papago is an excellent layout. If you can get on for $30 or so this time of year, it is a great value.
MUST PLAY if you can swing it.
Course conditions are fantastic. The greens aren't fantastic quite yet, but you can tell they're gonna finish up nicely. ... Skipping the conditions on this one, because this golf course is just an awesome challenge. You use every club. Beautiful mountains, and holes you wanna take pictures of. .... I wouldn't advise this course for high handicappers. But if you can swing it, you just GOTTA play this course. 4 stars, because a course has to be pristine for five, and its a rough summer everywhere. But the layout, challenge, and "golf art" you get, makes it the best 4 star on the board.
Best municiple ever!
I had never played here and what a treat it was. Even though I started my round at noon, there was so much shade from trees it really wasn't bad at all. The course is in great shape!
Beware! This course is long! Multiple 200+ yard par 3s and not from the tips.
I highly recommend this course.
A must play course in Phoenix area.
Course in very good shape. Greens a little slow for Papago, but very consistent. One of the best muny courses in country.
Classic Challenge
This course has challenges for those who fade and draw the ball. Par is achievable of you stay in the fairways, otherwise you will be scrambling.
A good day
Great value, great time and a great day.. It's called golf
Great time at a nice layout
We were a bit uncomfortable not having sand bottles on the cart to fill divots. We typically empty our bottles each 9 holes.
great shape, great time
The course is in great shape, greens in great shape, Love playing this course again. I am 8 hdcp, played he tips, great challenge, cant wait til to play it again.