StephanJS

I decided to take the Monday before I leave for vacation to visit a golf course I had never been to before. Normally I'm on the north side of the valley, but a friend recommended I try Papago, and being a city golf card member the price was right. So this review is for a round of golf in the middle of July that cost me $30. During peak season (and peak price), the expectations may have been a little different.

First, I'll say that the level of service was unexpected and I have never been treated so well at a city course, let alone during the summer when most courses trim back their staff and amenities. I arrived at the parking lot at about 8:10am, and as I was pulling my bag out of my car a staff member rolled up in a cart and greeted me, asking if I had a tee time or was walking on. After giving him my time, he greeted me by name, loaded my bag, and drove me up to the clubhouse. I was quickly checked in, and after heading back out the starter greeted me by name, gave me directions to tee #1, and gave a few pointers as well.

The course was not particularly busy, so pace of play was not an issue today, For a beginner, the course started a little tough for me, especially since I did not spend any time warming up. Wayward shots can be extra punishing as there is not much rough to save you before your ball ends up in dirt and rock. I'll admit, I did kick my ball a few times to get it back onto the grass.

The tee boxes were all in great shape. Fairways were pretty good. Again, July in Phoenix, so a few brown spots are to be expected. I wish there was more grass in the rough and a larger rough, but I believe that speaks more to my handicap than it does the course. Some of the fringes near the greens were scraped down to dirt; looks like they are trying to get worn sections fixed before the fall. The greens had been aerated just a few weeks ago, so speed was inconsistent and I'd frequently see my ball bounce down the green.

I also wish there were more scenic views. It's a shame that a course right up against the iconic Papago Park doesn't really feature it at all. Really the only way to take in the park scenery is from the driving range, which is nestled up against the hills. For most of the course you just get a view of the city.

Finished all 18 holes in just over 3 hours at a nice relaxed pace. As I was dropping off the cart, the staff wiped down all of my club heads and helped me take everything back to my car. Again, for a city course I did not expect this level of service.

So, bottom line is for Phoenix golf in July for $30, this was a fantastic deal and I plan of visiting again in the near future.

Despite the higher slope rating on this course, every time I go here I have lots of fun and I don't think of the course as particularly difficult, probably because it's just well designed. Pair that with the low summer rates and this has become my summer 'home course'.

Most fairways here in Phoenix get a little patchy this time of year, though I think this grounds team does an adequate job keeping it playable. Depending on the week the rough can get a little wild. I've lost a few balls to the weeds just off the fairway, and with the heat I often opt to just drop instead of trying to search for the ball if I can't find it in a couple minutes. The bunkers tend to get 'crusty', but that's what happens when sand gets watered then baked. Greens are usually in pretty good condition and play fast.