OB Sports Golf & Leisure

OB SPORTS GOLF & LEISURE x WINTER 2016 x obsports.com l COURSES W hile the greater Phoenix area has transformed into one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas over the past five decades – as well as one of its premier golf destinations – one thing has remained the same: Papago Golf Course. Opened in 1963, the course is one of the legendary architect William F. Bell's gems, a picturesque, challenging track that may be located in the heart of a metropolis, but that feels like an oasis removed from the hustle and bustle. Renovated and restored in 2008 with re- built green complexes, resurfaced fairways and a new irrigation system that signifi- cantly improved playing conditions, the layout of the course, which hosted the 1971 U.S. Amateur Public Links Champi- onship and the 2009 J Golf Phoenix LPGA International, remains the same that locals and visitors have played for 52 years. "Papago Golf Course is a wonderful lay- out, with its championship pedigree, cen- ter-of-the-city setting, and spectacular views of the Papago Buttes and Camel- back Mountain," says General Manager Daryl Crawford. "It's a traditional golf course with smooth elevation changes and a little Arizona desert rough sprinkled in. It will definitely test golfers of all skills." The first thing you'll notice about the course is that it's big: 7,333-yards from the tips, with generous fairways and massive green complexes. And the course shows its length from the opening hole, a 561-yard par 5. "If you're warmed up enough and can hit a solid drive down the right side, you'll have a chance to reach the green in two," Crawford says. "But you must be careful of the water that guards the green from 100 yards in." Among the course's trickier holes is the drivable par-4 12th. It plays 322 yards from the tips with a narrow opening in front of the green where a well-struck tee shot can find its way onto the putting surface. "But if you miss right or left, you may be lucky to make a 6," Crawford says. "It's a true risk-reward hole." Along with the highly regarded course, Papago offers an expansive practice facil- ity with a large grass turf area, as well as a short-game area and lesson tee. Once the biggest name in Phoenix golf, Papago now has plenty of competition. But the combination of old-school ambi- ence and challenge makes it one of the most revered courses in an area that has changed so much in the past half century. HOT LINKS ›› CLICK HERE to visit Papago Golf Course online for rates and tee times. ›› EXTRA! CLICK HERE to view an array of amazing photos on Instagram from Papago's Cart Barn Guys. OLD-SCHOOL CHARM n papago golf course has stood the test of time BY joel Beers Rock outcroppings dot the landscape at Papago.

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