Payson Golf Club
Payson Golf Club offers an approachable public 18-hole layout set in Arizona’s high country, blending open terrain with straightforward playability. Ideal for golfers of all levels, it combines generous fairways with a welcoming clubhouse and a budget-friendly experience.
Course Overview
Payson Golf Club, located at 1504 W Country Club Drive in Payson, Arizona, is a public 18-hole course offering a straightforward, budget-friendly golf experience amid the transition zone between high desert and pine forests. The layout unfolds over moderately rolling terrain that introduces golfers to an open, sunlit landscape accented by sparse trees and scrub brush rather than lush fairways or traditional desert hazards. This setting provides a raw and honest golf environment that appeals to players seeking an unpretentious round rather than immaculate conditioning or high-end resort finishes.
Designed with accessibility in mind, Payson Golf Club welcomes a wide range of skill levels, from beginners eager to explore the game to mid-handicap players who benefit from wide fairways and approachable greens. While the course may lack significant elevation changes or dramatic natural features, it offers generous driving opportunities that invite long hitters to test their distance off the tee. Accuracy remains a factor, especially where tightly spaced tee boxes and greens create a compact challenge that rewards thoughtful club selection.
The course’s condition has seen fluctuating reports over recent years, though improvements have been underway with consistent maintenance efforts focused on bringing the layout closer to its potential. Players should anticipate a solid pace of play and a friendly atmosphere from a team keen on enhancing the overall experience. The club features an on-site restaurant praised for its famously fresh, hand-crafted burgers and welcoming service, making it a comfortable spot to relax after the round.
Walking the course is possible, but golfers should prepare for uneven ground and packed dirt paths rather than manicured cart paths, with proper footwear recommended for stability and comfort. Golf carts are available, though walking is encouraged for those wishing to engage more intimately with the terrain.
Payson Golf Club delivers a straightforward golf outing with an emphasis on value and a laid-back environment. It stands as the town’s main public course, making it an essential stop for visitors and locals wanting to enjoy a casual round against the backdrop of Arizona’s high country.
Course Highlights
An open 18-hole course emphasizing straightforward shot-making, with wide fairways and approachable greens. The compact layout includes tightly spaced tee boxes and greens, demanding focus on accuracy off the tee. The clubhouse restaurant is noted locally for quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. The course is actively maintained with ongoing improvements aimed at enhancing playability and course conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
CSH
Been playing here since last year. Huge improvements and more coming. Seriously considering a membership. I see the improvements from week to week and month to month. You can certainly see the differences from the previous original owner. As a golfer on a budget this is where I like to play. Golf unfortunately is costly no matter where you play. I've played all over the country. The fees here are fair and reasonable. You must also consider the weather here especially in the fall and winter. Way different than the Valley's conditions. This group has the right core people in place and has been consistently makeing updates. It's certainly a big process and it's very expensive. My wife went to elementary school down the street when this location was Payson's main drag. I've been coming to Payson for 40 years from the Valley and now own a 2nd home here. This is the only public venue in my price range and with this group in place this course will shine with some time to update itself. The restaurant serves great food and the Staff all around here are interested in your experience and your enjoyment. Give them a chance and you won't be disappointed. I too have worked at a large golf course and there is certainly no shortage of things to do when making over a course. You really have to know the inner workings of the maintenance challenges and requirements to makeover a course. It's a huge process and it can take years to accomplish. I enjoy myself here and I think you will too. I bring my elderly mother weekly and we have a blast. Every course has quirks and needs constant updates. Give this course time to complete its over-all makeover and support it while it continues to improve. It is and can continue to be a place for the public to enjoy a round of golf and get a nice meal.
Mitchell Shively
I think calling this place a "goat ranch" is a huge over-statement. There is very little rough off fairway but if you like hard pan with weeds you'll love it here! The tee boxes were horrific. Surprisingly, the greens were actually pretty good. Furthermore the layout of the back nine, with OB between holes (as in, if you end up on the 12th hole from the 11th tee you've gone OB, and vice versa) is ridiculous and other parts of the back nine are just mystifying, as in there is not a single sign as you come off the 13th green to tell you that the 14th tee is up the hill behind! This is not a place I'll play again if I return to the area!
Brandon Wood
stephen todd
They're going to turn this into a 9 hole course in the near future to allow for housing development. Absolute shame as the only public course in Payson. Course is in rough shape to begin with. Tee boxes and greens packed very tightly together, better keep your head on a swivel cause no doubt a couple balls will be coming your way during the round. Just so disappointed they're turning this into a 9 hole course.
stephen todd
They're going to turn this into a 9 hole course in the near future to allow for housing development. Absolute shame as the only public course in Payson. Course is in rough shape to begin with. Tee boxes and greens packed very tightly together, better keep your head on a swivel cause no doubt a couple balls will be coming your way during the round. Just so disappointed they're turning this into a 9 hole course.
Mike Pannell
What a fantastic golf course! The staff were so friendly, food was great and the golf course is super fun! Brad was especially accommodating at the pro shop!! Lots of opportunities for drivers and fairway woods on this course. We were treated like royalty, and so was our dog! We will be sure to come back! Thank you Payson Golf Club for a perfect 2-days on the links!!!
Jeffry Parker
Best burger in town! Hand pressed and made with love!! All the hand cut topping and specials you could ask for on a burger, even SALSA!!! I would recommend to all friends and family to get the double because the beef is so fresh!
MJ S
Mitchell Shively
I think calling this place a "goat ranch" is a huge over-statement. There is very little rough off fairway but if you like hard pan with weeds you'll love it here! The tee boxes were horrific. Surprisingly, the greens were actually pretty good. Furthermore the layout of the back nine, with OB between holes (as in, if you end up on the 12th hole from the 11th tee you've gone OB, and vice versa) is ridiculous and other parts of the back nine are just mystifying, as in there is not a single sign as you come off the 13th green to tell you that the 14th tee is up the hill behind! This is not a place I'll play again if I return to the area!
Jeffry Parker
Best burger in town! Hand pressed and made with love!! All the hand cut topping and specials you could ask for on a burger, even SALSA!!! I would recommend to all friends and family to get the double because the beef is so fresh!
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Course Details
Access & Location
1504 W Country Club Dr, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
Payson Golf Club Clubhouse and Restaurant
Walking allowed; terrain includes packed dirt with some uneven spots. Sturdy golf shoes recommended.
Open to the public with no advanced booking required; group outings and events accommodated.
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