Payson Golf Trip Planning Guide
Payson sits at 5,000 feet under the Mogollon Rim, 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix in summer. Three excellent courses make it a legit golf destination, and the pine forests and mountain air feel like a different state. It is the anti-Scottsdale — small-town, laid-back, and built around the outdoors.
Quick Facts
Spring, Summer, Fall
PHX (90 min drive)
$45–$150
$200/night
1 of 3
~$285/person
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic 3-day itinerary for a group golf trip to Payson. Every venue below is real and pulled from our curated database — no filler.
Day 1
The Rim Golf Club — mountain, $80–$150 · 4.7★
Tom Weiskopf design perched below the Mogollon Rim — dramatic elevation changes through pristine pine forest
Fargo's Steakhouse — steakhouse, $$$
Payson's go-to steakhouse with a saloon vibe, big cuts, and a solid whiskey selection
Buffalo Bar & Grill — saloon · Open late
Classic Western bar with mounted game, pool tables, and a porch under the pines
Day 2
Chaparral Pines Golf Club — mountain, $75–$140 · 4.6★
Semi-private David Graham & Gary Panks design through thick pine and juniper forest — a hidden gem
Mogollon Rim Overlook Hike — 2-3 hours, $0–$10/pp
Walk to the edge of the 2,000-foot Mogollon Rim for jaw-dropping views across the Tonto Basin
Macky's Grill — casual, $$
Local favorite with burgers, ribs, and a sports bar atmosphere — perfect post-round spot
Mazatzal Casino Bar — casino bar · Open late
Small tribal casino with cheap drinks, slots, and poker — the late-night option in Payson
Day 3
Payson Golf Club — mountain, $45–$85 · 4.4★
Public mountain course with ponderosa pines lining every fairway — gorgeous and affordable
Tonto Creek Fishing — 3-4 hours, $0–$40/pp
Stocked trout creek running through pine forest — bring a rod or hire a local guide
La Sierra Mexican Restaurant — mexican, $
Family-run Mexican joint with massive portions and cold margaritas at small-town prices
Olde Payson Pub — dive · Open late
No-frills local pub with darts, pool, and the kind of regulars who buy you a round
Course-by-Course Guide
Payson has 3 courses worth playing. 1 are walkable if you want to save on cart fees.
Where to Stay
Payson has 2 group-friendly lodging options in our database, starting at $200/night for the whole house. Several options include hot tubs — a non-negotiable for most groups.
$350–$1200 /night
Cabins in the pines east of town near Rim Club and Chaparral Pines
$200–$600 /night
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino or local lodges along Highway 87
Group Dining Guide
4 restaurants vetted for group golf trips. Several can handle large parties without a reservation headache.
Fargo's Steakhouse
$$$Payson's go-to steakhouse with a saloon vibe, big cuts, and a solid whiskey selection
Macky's Grill
$$Local favorite with burgers, ribs, and a sports bar atmosphere — perfect post-round spot
La Sierra Mexican Restaurant
$Family-run Mexican joint with massive portions and cold margaritas at small-town prices
Buffalo Bar & Grill
$$Smoked meats and cold beer in a no-frills mountain bar — exactly what you want after 36 holes
Nightlife
3 bars curated for groups. 3 stay open past midnight.
Buffalo Bar & Grill
Late nightClassic Western bar with mounted game, pool tables, and a porch under the pines
Mazatzal Casino Bar
Late nightSmall tribal casino with cheap drinks, slots, and poker — the late-night option in Payson
Olde Payson Pub
Late nightNo-frills local pub with darts, pool, and the kind of regulars who buy you a round
Activities Beyond Golf
5 off-course activities for rest days or afternoons.
Mogollon Rim Overlook Hike
Walk to the edge of the 2,000-foot Mogollon Rim for jaw-dropping views across the Tonto Basin
Tonto Creek Fishing
Stocked trout creek running through pine forest — bring a rod or hire a local guide
Mazatzal Casino
Small Tonto Apache tribal casino with slots, poker, and table games
Horseback Riding at Kohl's Ranch
Trail rides through ponderosa pine forest below the Mogollon Rim
ATV Trails on the Rim
Rent ATVs and rip through miles of forest trails in the Tonto National Forest
Getting There
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) — it's a 90-minute drive to Payson. For groups of 8+, consider booking a shuttle or party bus from the airport (local providers include Payson Shuttle and Rim Country Transit). Renting two SUVs usually works for groups of 4-8.