Website: Papago Golf Course

As one explores the impressive roster of golf courses in Scottsdale, the historic allure and geologic wonder of the Papago Golf Course undeniably etch a remarkable spot in every golfer’s journey through the desert. Papago, not merely a golf course, serves as a picturesque canvas where the region’s vibrant history and rich culture are seamlessly interwoven with the noble sport of golf.

Nestled amidst the illustrious red sandstone formations of Papago Park, which have stoically stood for 6-15 million years, the course invites players to navigate through a landscape where nature and history converge. The majestic Hole-in-the-Rock, a notable landmark sculpted by time through erosion, whispers tales from an ancient epoch when the Hohokam tribe utilized its unique openings and sunlight to track the solstices.

Opening its gates in 1963, Papago Golf Club swiftly cemented its place in the hearts of Phoenix residents and global golf enthusiasts. Its reputation was further embellished when it became the battleground for the US Amateur Public Links Championship in 1971 and, later, the 2009 J Golf Phoenix LPGA International, along with hosting numerous Phoenix Open Qualifying events. It’s a course where each fairway and green narrates stories of triumphs, challenges, and historic moments in the golfing world.

Managed professionally by OB Sports Golf Management and proudly heralded as the home ground for the Arizona State University Men’s and Women’s golf teams, Papago seamlessly marries its rich past with an effervescent future. Undergoing a staggering $8 million renovation in 2008, the course not only preserved its classic appeal but also infused modern elegance into its character, ensuring its vibrant presence in the future narratives of golf.

The beauty and challenge of Papago are aptly encapsulated by Matt Thurmond, Head Coach of ASU Men’s Golf, who appreciates the course for presenting “a great challenge for the pros and top collegiate players, while also being enjoyable for anyone, on any day.” He admires “the rolling flow of the course coupled with the beautiful views,” acknowledging it as “one of the most pleasant walks in the valley.” For Thurmond, and undoubtedly many others, a day at Papago may not guarantee your best round, but it does assure “you’re guaranteed to enjoy any day you spend at Papago Golf Club.”

Peter Longo, a PGA Life Member and respected Golf Historian, attributes a significant chapter of the rich history of American golf to public venues like Papago, where the game’s complete, vibrant “libretto of triumph, passion, error, comedy, and comradeship is played out daily upon the affordable grounds of the public venue.” In his perspective, Papago Park exemplifies the pinnacle of municipal golf, encapsulating “the story, the humanism, and the feel of Papago’s past, present, and future” and offering “great reading for any lover of the game.”

When you traverse the greens and fairways of Papago, you’re not merely playing a round of golf; you’re walking through chapters of history amidst geological wonders that have witnessed epochs unfurl. The verdant course, against the backdrop of stoic, red sandstone formations, offers an experience that transcends golf, beckoning players to savor a journey where sport, nature, and history harmoniously coalesce.

With its delightful challenge, spectacular views, and profound history, Papago Golf Course continues to stand as a testament to Scottsdale’s rich golf legacy, inviting every golfer to pen their own story upon its historic grounds.

There is a beautiful book that displays the incredible history of Papago Park. You can check it out on Amazon