Overview
With the iconic red rock Papago Buttes rising behind the 18th green and the Phoenix skyline stretching across the horizon, Papago Golf Club delivers championship golf just two miles from Sky Harbor Airport. This City of Phoenix municipal course has earned Top 100 Public Course honors for decades while remaining one of the Valley's best values — a standout among Phoenix-area golf courses.
Since opening in 1963, Papago has hosted ASU's golf teams, the 1971 US Amateur Public Links Championship, and thousands of Phoenix golfers seeking a course that challenges scratch players from the black tees yet welcomes high-handicappers from the forward tees.
Course Overview
Papago plays from 5,404 yards (gold tees) to 7,333 yards (championship blacks), offering five tee boxes that accommodate every skill level. Billy Bell's design takes advantage of Papago Park's dramatic topography, with fairways framed by the iconic Papago Buttes and Camelback Mountain views.
The 2008 renovation by Billy Fuller added 400 yards and repositioned bunkers to challenge today's longer hitters while preserving Bell's original strategic concepts. The Bermuda grass fairways and greens play firm and fast during peak season.
| Tee Box | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 7,333 | 75.0 | 130 |
| Blue | 6,593 | 72.4 | 125 |
| White | 5,937 | 72.0 | 122 |
| Green | 5,676 | 69.9/72.9 | 119/125 |
| Gold | 5,404 | 65.5 | 112 |
Pros
- Championship Billy Bell design (also designed Torrey Pines)
- Exceptional value for municipal golf in Phoenix metro
- Spectacular Papago Buttes and Camelback Mountain views
- Lou's Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Home course for Arizona State University golf teams
- Just 2 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
- Phoenix Golf Premium Card offers resident discounts
- 60-day advance booking window
Cons
- Peak season rates ($100-$140) at upper end for municipal
- Course hours (6 AM - 6 PM) limit twilight opportunities
- Bermuda grass goes dormant in winter months
- Popular course can be crowded during peak season
Green Fees & Booking
Green fees typically range from $100 to $140 for daily play. Rates are not published online - call (602) 275-8428 for current pricing.
Resident Discounts: Phoenix Golf Premium Card ($50 first year, $30 renewal) provides year-round discounts at all City of Phoenix courses.
How to Book:
- Online: papagogolfclub.com (up to 60 days in advance)
- Phone: (602) 275-8428
- Third-Party: GolfNow
Cancellation: 24-hour notice required
Lou's Bar & Grill
After your round, head to Lou's Bar & Grill in the Lou Grubb Clubhouse for breakfast, lunch, or dinner overlooking the course with Papago Buttes as your backdrop.
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM (Mon-Sat), 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Sun)
- Happy Hour: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM weekdays
- Reservations: (602) 358-7004
Practice Facilities & Instruction
- Driving range with six practice tees (right and left-handed)
- Putting green for pre-round warmup
- Thunderbirds Golf Complex (ASU practice home)
- PGA instruction from $50-$300 (Head Pro: Zach Amsler, PGA)
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (March-May): Comfortable temperatures, firm course conditions, highest demand. Book 60 days ahead.
Summer (June-September): Lowest green fees but triple-digit temperatures. Book 6:00 AM tee times.
Winter (December-February): Comfortable afternoons but Bermuda dormancy affects conditions.
Getting There
Address: 5595 E Karsten Way, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Just 2 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Perfect for business travelers or golf trip arrivals wanting a quick round.