Papago is the City of Phoenix’s flagship course, laid out in Papago Park where Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale meet, under two miles from Sky Harbor. Billy Bell, the designer of Torrey Pines, built it in 1963, and it hosted the U.S. Amateur Public Links in 1971. An $8 million renovation in 2008 brought it back to championship shape, and it is now the home ground of Arizona State University’s golf teams. It is run for the city by Troon and is open to everyone.
Papago Golf Club green fees and tee times.
Book through the Papago golf website’s tee-time link or on 602-275-8428. Papago is a city partnership course and is not on the city’s main rate sheet. Visitors can buy the Phoenix Golf Card for non-residents, US$120 a year, which gives card rates at every city course including Papago and opens tee times nine days ahead; it lasts 12 months from purchase, so ask a city golf shop how to buy one. The city’s rewards scheme and junior golf pass do not apply here. The mid-century modern Lou Grubb Clubhouse houses Lou’s Bar and Grill, and Evie’s Pavilion, added in 2018, takes group events.
The round, in perspective.
From the black tees Papago is a par 72 of 7,333 yards; the blue tees play 6,771 and the gold 5,404. Much of that length sits in the short holes and the long par 4s. The 3rd, a 467-yard par 4, is the hardest hole on the card, and three of the four short holes stretch past 230 yards from the back: 233 at the 4th, 253 at the 8th and 243 at the 17th. The 15th is a 585-yard par 5. The ground rolls, the Papago Buttes frame the holes, and Camelback Mountain and the downtown skyline are in view. The club’s history page calls it one of the most pleasant walks in the Valley, and ASU men’s coach Matt Thurmond describes it as a real test for professionals and top college players.
Know before you go.
Golf shop
602-275-8428
Non-resident Phoenix Golf Card
US$120 a year; 9-day booking window
2026 aeration
8–10 June and 10–12 August
2026 overseed
13–29 October
Make the trip work.
Because ASU’s teams play out of Papago, college events can take over the tee sheet on some days, so ask the shop about tournament dates before fixing a round. Pick tees with those long short holes in mind: most visitors will be better served by the white (6,382 yards) or green (5,777) tees than by the blacks. In 2026 the city closed Papago for aeration on 8–10 June and 10–12 August, with nine holes open on the Monday, and for overseeding from 13 to 29 October. Plan a late-autumn trip after those dates.
Sky Harbor (PHX) is under two miles away, about ten minutes by car north-east of the terminals via McDowell Road. The address is 5595 East Karsten Way, Phoenix. That makes it the easiest course in the Valley for an arrival-day round.
The Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes sits on a rock outcrop a few minutes south. Tempe’s Mill Avenue, with ASU’s campus beside it, has hotels, bars and restaurants about ten minutes away, and Old Town Scottsdale is around 15 minutes north-east. Staying near the airport also works well for a short trip, as so many courses are within half an hour.
Make a trip of it.
Talking Stick’s Coore and Crenshaw courses are about 15 minutes north-east, and TPC Scottsdale is around 25 minutes. Stonecreek and Raven are each roughly 20 minutes away. Away from golf, Papago Park itself has the Hole-in-the-Rock formation, and the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo are both next to the course.
Find your season.
November to April is the main season, with the course at its best after the overseed in late October. Summer brings lower prices and early starts. The Phoenix Open in early February fills hotels across the Valley, so book rooms early that week.
Yes. It is a city-owned public course run by Troon. Book online or call 602-275-8428. Non-residents can also buy the US$120 non-resident Phoenix Golf Card, which gives card rates and a nine-day booking window.
Who designed Papago Golf Club?
William Francis “Billy” Bell, who also designed Torrey Pines in San Diego. The course opened in 1963, hosted the 1971 U.S. Amateur Public Links and was renovated for $8 million in 2008.
When is Papago closed for maintenance?
In 2026 the city scheduled aeration for 8–10 June and 10–12 August. Only nine holes opened on the Monday, the 18 closed on the Tuesday while the practice area stayed open, and both shut on the Wednesday. Overseeding closed the course from 13 to 29 October. A new schedule is published each year.
How close is Papago to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
Under two miles, which is about ten minutes by car. It is a natural first or last round of a Phoenix trip, especially with a late flight home.
Last checked 11 November 2026. This is an independent planning guide, not a first-hand review or a booking service. Check live availability, access, fees and travel details with the operator before booking. Airport suggestions are starting points for route planning.
