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| - Papago Golf Course, future home of Arizona State University golf program has developed into a first rate, highly competitive course. Designed by Bill Bell, (of Torrey Pines fame) Papago was held in high esteem as one of the finest public links in the Phoenix Area.
Most of the courses I have reviewed have been in the lower price range and more "affordable" but I had a chance to play Papago this past week as part of a scramble tournament.
First. The pro shop is in a trailer until the new clubhouse is finished later this year. The new clubhouse will be magnificent! The staff in the pro shop are courteous, professional and helpful.
Second, the course is clean, very well maintained and long! We played from the middle tees and it was 6400 yards. Play it from the tips and you'll play an honest 7300 yards. Many of the old trees were removed and the fairways are wife and open.
Lastly, the greens are beautiful. NOTE. The true mark of a higher end course is the condition of the greens. Ball mark repairs and rolled greens take time and manpower. But if you can shave of 2-3 strokes because the greens roll true, that's a plus!!
The down side. (Yup. There are a few) don't blink when you're driving on 52nd street or you'll miss the entrance on Mooreland. Also, don't blink when you're on Mooreland or you'll miss the turn into the course parking lot.
The saying goes, "the mountains are on the north, the river is on the south so all greens go towards the river". Yeah. Nope! The greens are very deceptive.
All in all. A fantastic course to play and when all the construction is finished, I'm going to upgrade my rating to 5 stars.
"GO PLAY PAPAGO!"
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