Cave Creek Municipal Golf Course
A par-72, 18-hole layout, the Cave Creek Municipal Golf Course is the busiest municipal course in Phoenix, hosting more than 100,000 rounds per year, according to the City of Phoenix Web site. Opened in 1984, the course is a landfill reclamation project that has verdant greens and more water features than the usual desert course.
Cave Creek Municipal Golf Course
15202 North 19th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
(602) 866-8076
phoenix.gov/golf
Encanto Golf Complex
The municipal Encanto Golf Complex has 18 holes of championship golf, designed by William P. Bell, in a par-3 executive course. Finished in 1935, the Encanto 18 course is the third-oldest course in Phoenix and has wide fairways with few obstructions. The par-70 course, which plays 6,386 yards from the tips, has mature landscape and views of the Phoenix skyline. There is also a driving range and putting green on-site. The Encanto Nine executive course is located west of the championship course and is a par-30.
Encanto Nine Course
2300 North 17th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 262-6870
phoenix.gov/golf
Encanto 18 Championship
2775 North 15th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 253-3963
phoenix.gov/golf
Palo Verde Municipal Golf Course
This 9-hole, executive course is a par-30 that opened in 1962 and has few challenges between the tees and greens, making it a great spot to brush up on your short game. It plays 1,820 yards from the tips, and the course is lit, so night play is available. There is also a driving range on-site.
Palo Verde Golf Course
6215 North 15th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85015
(602) 249-9930
phoenix.gov/golf
Papago Municipal Golf Course
Selected by "Travel + Leisure Golf" magazine as one of "America's 100 Best Courses for $100 or Less" in 2002, the Papago Municipal Golf Course was designed by William P. Bell, Arthur Jack Snyder, and William Fuller---and hosts an annual LPGA event. Set at the base of the Papago buttes, the fairways are wide but rough while the greens are generally very fast. The course underwent a renovation and reopened in 2008, nearly 300 yards longer--it plays 7,333 from the tips.
Papago Municipal Golf Course
5595 East Moreland St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 275-8428
papagogolfcourse.net
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
