In sunny Tempe, Ken McDonald Golf Course blends an approachable 18-hole public layout with a lighted driving range and full short-game areas for year-round practice.
Ken McDonald Golf Course is a beloved Tempe municipal venue designed by Jack Snyder. Broad fairways and subtle doglegs reward smart angles off the tee, while gently contoured greens put a premium on pace control. Thanks to a lighted practice range, a dedicated putting green, a chipping green, and a short-game bunker, you can warm up after work or fine-tune scoring clubs before weekend rounds. A well-run pro shop keeps check-in smooth and pace humming throughout the day.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 E Divot Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283 |
| Phone | (480) 878-3332 |
| Hours | Sun–Wed 07:00–18:00; Thu–Sat 07:00–21:00 |
| Holes | 18-hole public golf course |
| Designer | Jack Snyder |
| Facilities | A lighted driving range, putting green, chipping green, practice bunker for short-game drills |
Ken McDonald favors placement over brute force. Off the tee, favor the wide side of fairways to unlock open approaches; into the green, choose center-green targets when pins tuck behind bunkers. Afternoon breezes can firm surfaces, so land approaches a touch shorter and let the ball release. The routing is walk-friendly, yet still offers enough strategic nuance—from angled par-4s to risk-reward par-5s—to keep low-handicappers engaged while remaining fair to newer golfers.
Tee sheets operate Sunday–Wednesday, 07:00–18:00 and Thursday–Saturday, 07:00–21:00. Early morning blocks deliver cooler air and brisk pace; twilight slots are perfect for value seekers and after-work golfers. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to build a quick routine: 10 wedge swings to establish carry, a few bump-and-runs on the chipping green, then roll a dozen 20–30-foot putts to dial speed before you head to the first tee.
As a public facility, green fees typically vary by day (weekday vs. weekend/holiday), time of day (prime vs. twilight), and player category (adult, senior, junior). Optional add-ons can include cart rental and range buckets. Because pricing shifts with season and demand, confirm the latest totals via the shop at (480) 878-3332 or the online booking portal. For an ideal balance of price and conditions, target midweek late morning or twilight.
The lighted driving range makes practice possible even on busy days. Work from wedges up: build a distance ladder with three swings each (50, 75, 100 yards), then move to mid-irons for start-line control. The chipping green and practice bunker are perfect for rehearsing landing-spot awareness and escape trajectories, while the putting green helps set your pace so you avoid early three-putts.
Plan on clean, golf-appropriate attire that keeps everyone comfortable and protects the playing surfaces. Collared or golf-specific shirts are recommended; bottoms should be tailored shorts or pants in athletic/golf styles. Spikeless golf shoes—or non-marking athletic shoes—are preferred. Apply the same standard on the range and short-game areas.
Covering the parkland routing efficiently preserves energy for closing holes and helps maintain pace. Renting via trusted tara golf carts options through local golf cart dealers is a smart move for comfort and consistency. A standout pick is the Tara Spirit Air—quiet and nimble between tees and greens. Its Tara GPS system helps confirm carries over bunkers, map ideal lay-up numbers, and visualize safer miss zones, turning local knowledge into calmer decisions and lower scores.
Ken McDonald Golf Course delivers Tempe’s essentials: approachable strategy, reliable conditioning, and a lighted practice range that fits busy schedules. Book within the Sun–Wed 07:00–18:00; Thu–Sat 07:00–21:00 windows, stick to sensible targets, and consider a GPS-equipped Tara Spirit Air from trusted tara golf carts partners and nearby golf cart dealers. With steady tempo and smart angles, you’ll finish strong—and be ready to plan the next round.
