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Papago Golf Course

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About The Course

Papago Golf Course, owned by the City of Phoenix, AZ, was long considered the finest public golf course in the state. It was designed by well known and esteemed golf course architect William Francis (Billy) Bell, who learned his craft from his father, William Park Bell. They collaborated on many highly rated California courses. Perhaps best known among the nearly one hundred courses to Billy’s credit is Torrey Pines in San Diego. He also designed Tucson Country Club and Wickenburg Country Club.

Papago Golf Course opened in 1963 and quickly became popular with Phoenix area residents. It hosted the US Amateur Public Links Championship in 1971, and also has been home to Phoenix Open Qualifying. In 1977 Jack Snyder, Phoenix resident and golf course architect, provided some modest redesign to Papago Golf Course. In its prime, the course hosted more than 100,000 rounds annually.

The course was closed for play on April 4, 2008 and re-opened December 2008 after a $5.8 million dollar restoration.

Those who played the course in the past will be pleasantly surprised at the changes they’ll find, as extensive work has delivered a new irrigation system, improved greens, fairways, bunkers, tee boxes and more. Some trees have been removed and others thinned. Those that remain ensure the original design strategies that made Papago one of Arizona’s most challenging courses are retained. And those remaining trees also provide the appealing look of an established, mature course. Overall, it has retained its challenging play with strategic bunkering and hazards, and tees of varying lengths to challenge golfers of all skill levels. Those who have seen or already played the new Papago are raving about the course and the experience it is providing.

Friends old and new can now experience a scenic and challenging golf course, in a convenient, central location within 15 minutes of downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Airport. The course provides spectacular views of Phoenix from its unique, strategic setting at the base of Papago Buttes. Despite its convenient central location, golfers experience a setting rich with the native elements that make Arizona a unique state. And its location within Papago Park helps deliver the peace and quiet expected in a round of golf, allowing for the concentration the course’s challenges warrant.

With its remarkable history ably preserved, its even more promising future and its accessibility, both geographically and financially, the reborn, revitalized Papago Golf Course is a “must play” for Phoenix-area residents and visitors to the Valley of the Sun alike.

Source:  ‘Papago Park-The Golf Course and its History’-William Godfrey, author

Perklee Score
85.6%
3 of 3 customers recommend
Papago Golf Course
Reviews
  • Value
  • Course Conditions
  • Customer Service
  • Pace & Playability
  • Course Layout
  • Amenities
    (Range, Food & Merchandise)

Gallery

Golf Rates

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Details

  • Type:Public
  • Year Built:1963
  • Architect:William F. Bell
  • Season:Year Round
  • Holes:18
  • Greens:Bermuda Grass
  • Tees:Bermuda Grass
  • Fairways:Bermuda Grass

Play Info

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Instructor Affiliations

Instructor
Scott Watkins, PGA
   

For a little over 28 years I’ve been a PGA instructor successfully helping golfers from beginners to PGA Tour players hone their golfing skills and lower scores and I will do the same for you regardless of your playing level! I have followed in my father, Arch’s footsteps, who is enshrined in the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame and the Southwest Section of the PGA Hall of Fame. Mission Statement: My mission is to accelerate and simplify the learning process so you will achieve lasting results as fast as is reasonably possible without compromising the integrity of any aspect of your golf game. Some major accomplishments and awards include: Pac 10 Player of the Year First and Second team All American at Arizona State University Southwest Section PGA Section Player of the Year Southwest Section PGA Teacher of the year Five-time nominee for Golf Magazines Top 100 Golf Instructors Ranked 9th, 12th, 11th and 7th in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 respectively Arizona Open Winner 4-time Southwest Section Champion   I accomplish it through the following teaching philosophy: Understand your goals and how much time you will devote to achieving them through practice and playing Determine with you which sensory teaching method best enables your learning process Customize and communicate instructions that are consistent with your sensory learning preference so we are in sync and can accelerate the learning curve Implement a relevant lesson plan, tweak it as necessary, and achieve positive results Your Key Towards Success: Whether you are a beginner, want a swing change, a tweak, or otherwise improve your game, the key towards success is using an experienced instructor whose teaching method is in sync with the way you learn best, be it verbally, visually, or through feel. The Wrong Key: If the instructor’s teaching method is different from the way you learn best there will be a serious communication problem that adversely affects your learning process. For instance, if you learn best with visuals and your instructor’s method of teaching is through a sense of feel the lesson will be out of sync from the beginning. PGA Touring Pros: Over 99% of the PGA Tour’s top players have swing coaches whose teaching methods are consistent with their sensory learning ability. This enables them to realize positive results as fast as possible because the pro and swing-coach are on the same wavelength… and results are what count. Call or email me so we can talk about achieving your golf goals and getting positive results!

Reviews

Matt D

05/23/2020

(3.8)

 ASU's home course, to be honest I was expecting a little more out of the course. That amenities were top notch, but the course just seemed like it was still under construction a bit. You have some amazing views of Papago though, really cool. Will absolutely be playing there again and would 100% recommend!

Aaron S

06/11/2020

(4.0)

 

Tyler S

09/19/2020

(5.0)