Payson Golf Club
Payson Golf Club offers a rugged yet accessible 18-hole public course set against Arizona’s distinctive high desert terrain. Known for its approachable layout and attentive service, it provides golfers of varying levels an affordable round marked by natural beauty and a genuine mountain golf experience.
Course Overview
Located in the heart of Payson, Arizona, Payson Golf Club offers an inviting 18-hole public course that caters to golfers seeking an approachable but engaging round amid the unique high desert landscape. This layout reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by its rugged terrain, with expansive fairways framed by natural scrub, pines, and iconic Arizona rock formations that shape much of the hole routing. Despite some aging infrastructure and evolving course conditions, Payson Golf Club remains a viable option for players who value a budget-friendly round paired with scenic variety.
The course plays over gently rolling contours that encourage strategic shot-making without overwhelming less experienced players. Tee boxes and greens sit in close proximity at times, demanding alertness and patience during play. Several holes feature narrow corridors guarded by native vegetation, leveraging the elevation shifts to test distance control and trajectory. The greens present receptive surfaces that allow precise approach shots to hold but also reward a deft touch around the edges.
In recent seasons, the club has undergone improvements targeting maintenance standards, and the welcoming staff enhances the experience with attentive service and an emphasis on customer enjoyment. Underscoring the community-centered nature of this venue, the clubhouse’s food service enjoys strong local praise, particularly for its fresh, handcrafted offerings including hearty burgers that are a favored stop for members and visitors alike.
While plans to reduce the number of holes have created uncertainty for some regulars, Payson Golf Club continues to serve as the only public golf course in the immediate area. It remains well suited for golfers who appreciate a relaxed pace, modest green fees, and a straightforward mountain-style layout that reflects its surroundings without pretension or excess complication. The setting's clear desert air and open skies provide refreshing conditions, especially in spring and fall, making it a practical destination for those traveling through Central Arizona.
Visitors are advised to prepare for varied footing and to remain aware of the shared space aspects inherent to the course’s design. Golfers seeking a no-frills, genuine Arizona golf experience will find value here, supported by a passionate staff dedicated to elevating the rounds played on this course amid Payson's evolving golf scene.
Course Highlights
Payson Golf Club is notable for its distinctive mountain-style layout that integrates native desert flora and rock outcroppings to create natural challenges. The course’s elevation changes encourage thoughtful shot placement, while its approachable design welcomes golfers of all skill levels. The clubhouse features a popular grill known for fresh, handcrafted menu items that complement a day on the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
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!
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.
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!
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!!!
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!
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.
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 with grill and pro shop
Walking is permitted; terrain varies with some rocky footing, recommended sturdy golf shoes
Open to the public with daily tee times; walk-in play available
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