Ken McDonald Golf Course

Ken McDonald Golf Course sits in the heart of Tempe, Arizona, occupying a compact parcel of land that has served the local golfing community for decades. Designed by Jack Snyder, the course reflects the practical, accessible approach to municipal golf design common in the mid-20th century American Southwest. The layout makes efficient use of limited acreage in an increasingly urban setting, bordered by residential neighborhoods and the infrastructure of greater Phoenix. The course plays relatively short by contemporary standards, with a straightforward routing that accommodates golfers of varying skill levels. Desert vegetation and mature trees frame many holes, providing definition and some shade in the intense Arizona climate. Water features appear on several holes, adding strategic interest to what is otherwise a forgiving layout designed for steady play and high traffic volume. The terrain is generally flat, typical of the Salt River Valley, though subtle elevation changes and bunkering create enough variety to maintain interest across the round. Ken McDonald serves primarily as a community resource for Tempe residents and Arizona State University students, offering affordable golf in a metropolitan area where land values have long since made such facilities increasingly rare. The course operates as a city-owned facility, emphasizing accessibility and pace of play over championship conditions or exclusivity. Its location near the ASU campus makes it a convenient practice venue for recreational golfers and students learning the game in the Valley of the Sun.