Ken McDonald Golf Course
A welcoming 18-hole public golf course in Tempe, AZ, featuring wide fairways, a lighted driving range, and great value for all skill levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace
Ken McDonald Golf Course
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A welcoming 18-hole public golf course in Tempe, AZ, featuring wide fairways, a lighted driving range, and great value for all skill levels.
"Our go-to course! Always have a great experience with wonderful staff and great value."
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular public course, so book ahead online or via GolfNow to secure your spot!
💰 Great Value for Money
Affordable rates and good value, especially for practice buckets at the driving range.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Driving Range
Driving Range
A spacious, lighted driving range perfect for practice, even after sunset. Great value for buckets of balls.
Hole 10
Hole 10
A scenic hole offering a good challenge and a chance for a great shot. Featured in social media highlights.
Putting and Chipping Greens
Practice Area
Well-maintained greens for honing your short game before hitting the course.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tee Off Smart: Booking Your Ken McDonald Experience
Pace of Play: Enjoying Your Round
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular public course, so book ahead online or via GolfNow to secure your spot!
💰 Great Value for Money
Affordable rates and good value, especially for practice buckets at the driving range.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Summer can be very hot; play early or late, and stay hydrated.
🏌️ Practice Makes Perfect
Enjoy the lighted driving range for late-day practice sessions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular public course, so book ahead online or via GolfNow to secure your spot!
💰 Great Value for Money
Affordable rates and good value, especially for practice buckets at the driving range.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Summer can be very hot; play early or late, and stay hydrated.
🏌️ Practice Makes Perfect
Enjoy the lighted driving range for late-day practice sessions.
👍 Accommodating Staff
Staff are known for being helpful, especially with unexpected issues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ken McDonald Golf Course is praised for its affordability and excellent practice facilities, especially the lighted driving range. Visitors appreciate the accommodating staff and the forgiving course layout, making it a go-to for many. However, some find the pace of play can be slow during peak times, and course conditions can be affected by weather.
"Little more expensive than other public ones around. But great golf none the less. They have kids clinics and some fast greens. What else do ya need?"
Dakota Kildoo
"Our go-to course! We usually play here twice a month and always have a great experience. The staff is wonderful—when we had a family emergency and had to leave after just the second hole, they were so accommodating and made sure we could come back out the following weekend. Huge shoutout to Marty for the excellent service! Definitely one of the best spots around for value and a great bang for your buck."
Sidney Hogberg
"The course was in good shape. We were the 2nd group off and took 3:45 to get through 18. The one 3-some in front of us was a little slow and we could have finished in 3 hours if we were the first group off but still not bad. It rained the day before and the greens were slow but were in good shape. Bunkers had water in them from the rain but not much you can do about that. Fairways were in decent shape for summer and never had to hit out of dirt from the fairway."
Robert Yamamoto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ken McDonald Golf Course is located in Tempe, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular choice for local golfers. Many visitors mention it as a go-to spot in Tempe.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the golf course. You'll find it convenient for both the course and the driving range.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a viable option for reaching Ken McDonald Golf Course, offering a convenient alternative to driving yourself.
Simply search for 'Ken McDonald Golf Course' or 'Ken McDonald Golf' in your GPS app. The address is straightforward to find for navigation.
While specific bus routes might vary, Tempe generally has public transportation. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes serving the area around the golf course.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book Ken McDonald Golf Course tee times online through their official website or via platforms like GolfNow. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends.
Green fees can vary based on the time of day, day of the week, and season. It's best to check their website or GolfNow for the most current rates. Visitors often note it as affordable.
Yes, keep an eye out for specials and discounts, particularly on GolfNow. They also offer value for money, especially for practice buckets.
The golf course typically opens early in the morning and closes at dusk. The driving range is often lighted and available later into the evening, especially during summer months.
As a public course, the dress code is generally relaxed but typically requires collared shirts and appropriate golf attire. It's always a good idea to check their specific guidelines if unsure.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Ken McDonald Golf Course is an 18-hole public course known for its wide fairways, making it generally forgiving for players of varying skill levels. It offers a good challenge without being overly penal.
Greens are generally in good shape, though they can be slow after rain due to water absorption. Visitors have noted they are well-maintained for a public course.
Yes, with its wide fairways and generally accessible layout, Ken McDonald Golf Course is considered a good option for beginners and those with higher handicaps looking to improve.
The course boasts a large, lighted driving range, a putting green, and a chipping area, making it an excellent spot for practice and honing your game.
Pace of play can vary. While some rounds are completed in under 4 hours, others can be slower, especially on busy weekends or during peak heat. Rangers are sometimes present to help manage flow.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Ken McDonald Golf Course has a bar & grill on-site, offering food and beverages for golfers to enjoy before, during, or after their round.
The bar & grill typically offers classic golf course fare, including snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally recommended to check with the pro shop regarding outside food and beverage policies. It's usually best to utilize the on-site facilities.
Being in Tempe, there are numerous dining options available nearby, ranging from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, should you wish to explore beyond the course.
Many golf course bar & grills offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal or drink with a view of the course. It's worth inquiring about their setup.
📸 📸 Photography
Scenic holes, particularly Hole 10, offer great photo opportunities. The well-maintained fairways and greens also provide picturesque backdrops for golf-related shots.
Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos on the course. It's a great way to capture memories of your round, especially if you hit a great shot.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other golfers and avoid disrupting play. Professional photography might require prior arrangements.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer beautiful, soft lighting for photography. The lighted driving range also provides unique photo opportunities in the evening.
Tournaments, like the Polynesian Golf Association of Arizona Tournament, can offer dynamic action shots and a lively atmosphere for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The course also hosts kids' clinics, providing structured learning opportunities. The staff's accommodating nature means that if a family emergency arises, they are often understanding and willing to help reschedule, as noted in some reviews. It’s a welcoming environment for all ages to enjoy the sport.
💰 Budget Travelers
Booking through platforms like GolfNow can often unlock additional discounts, making your round even more economical. The combination of accessible pricing and good facilities makes it a smart choice for travelers looking to enjoy a round of golf without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ken McDonald: Course Layout and Conditions
Despite occasional challenges with course conditions due to weather, the overall consensus is that Ken McDonald offers good value. The course is known for its accessibility and is frequently recommended as a solid option in the Tempe area. It's a place where you can focus on your swing without the intimidation of an overly difficult layout.
When planning your visit, consider the time of year. Summer in Arizona can be intensely hot, which might affect the pace of play and overall comfort. Playing in the cooler morning or late afternoon hours, especially during the winter months, can significantly enhance the golfing experience.
Practice Makes Perfect: The Driving Range and More
Beyond the driving range, Ken McDonald also provides dedicated putting greens and chipping areas. These practice facilities are well-maintained and offer golfers the opportunity to refine their short game before heading out onto the course. This comprehensive practice setup makes Ken McDonald a go-to destination for golfers looking to improve all aspects of their game, not just their drives.
The availability of these practice amenities, combined with the course itself, contributes to Ken McDonald's reputation as a place that caters to golfers who want to work on their skills. It’s a place where you can spend hours improving your swing, putting, and chipping in a supportive and accessible environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit