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ASU Karsten vs. Papago
Karsten’s gone, but the turf war lives on
Terence Daniels
May 28, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
This week: Sandstone views vs. stadium vibes. Pete Dye vs. muni charm. This isn’t just a course comparison; it’s a love letter to two legends of Arizona golf.
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Let’s get one thing straight: I didn’t go to ASU. I’m a proud GCU Antelope, so I’ve never bled maroon and gold. But even I can admit that the Karsten Golf Course was special.
A Pete Dye design on a college campus? Unreal. One of the best short game facilities in the state? Facts. And now? Just a memory.
In this week’s Turf Wars, I’m not crowning a winner. I’m reflecting on what we lost when Karsten closed and what we gained when Papago Golf Course stepped up to carry the Sun Devil torch. One lives in the past, the other in the present, but both shaped the future of Arizona State golf.
Round 1: First Impressions (Arrival + Vibe)
Karsten:
You didn’t roll into Karsten, you pulled up on campus. The driving range echoed with team spirit, and the pro shop was a Sun Devil shrine. What were the views? Water towers, highways, and stadium scaffolding.
Papago:
Desert vibes for days. You drive through red rock, show up at a sleek, glass-wrapped clubhouse, and walk into Lou’s Bar & Grill with a golf bag and a grin. ASU signage is subtle, but the program’s pride lives here.
7 @ ASU Karsten