Golf at The Wigwam is a truly classic experience. This Arizona treasure was established in the 1930s, a time when golf courses did not get built through dense housing developments, and certainly not with tight, target fairways. At the Wigwam, the golf courses have remained at the top of the list. This jewel of the desert is among the Southwest's last remaining golf resorts built for a pure golf experience. Canals, streams and lakes cascade through the journey. The shadows cast on greens and bunkers are from majestic parkland trees, not multi-story resort buildings.
Steeped in tradition, The Wigwam's three 18-hole championship golf courses offer a diversity that cannot be matched by any other Arizona resort. Here, the golf enthusiast has their pick of not just one or two courses, but three 18-hole courses — 54 holes of championship golf including two courses designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. And, in true Wigwam style, each course — The Gold, The Blue and The Red — offers a unique challenge that adds spice and variety to one's stay at this timeless and relaxing retreat.
Blue Course A Tricky Challenge
Among Robert treat Jones contributions to the world of golf was the concept of the “signature course.” His work at The Blue Course is testament to the ability of a great designer to create courses with such different character. The Blue has been described as tricky and subtle. Playing to a length just over 6,000 yards, but a par of 70 the test can be a bit deceiving. Here is a creative course: one full of decisions and thought-provoking strategy. The hallmark of Mr. Jones' design can be found in the array of deep and perilous bunkers, ponds and dog-leg fairways.
Red Course A Solid Test
The Red Course was created by Red Lawrence the golf course architect responsible for Arizona's first desert golf course. His work at The Wigwam is a compliment to The Gold and Blue Courses. With a length between its two siblings and par 72, The Red plays alongside and over streams and ponds. Set among a forest of pines and eucalyptus trees, the golfer is transported through exclusive estates, which are part of The Wigwam's rich neighborhood.
Gold Course Arizona 's Monster
The Wigwam was given new life in the 1960's by Robert Trent Jones. Sr., America's most famous golf course architect. At more than 7,400 yards and par 72, the Gold Course anchors The Wigwam golf trio. The Gold Course, a long and winding layout, was Jones' West Coast version of the relentless South Course at Firestone History & Tradition
Legendary Golf
Robert Trent Jones, Sr
The Wigwam Golf Club was created by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., America 's most famous golf course architect during the most prolific time of his career. Inspired during the period he was busy throughout the world, Jones inflicted his idea of strategic design at such great courses as Augusta, Oakland Hills, Southern Hills, Oak Hill and Congressional. Jones was also active at more than 500 courses across the globe.
A legend has been reborn on the Arizona golf scene. The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa completed a $5 million renovation at its renowned Golf Club during the summer of 2005, restoring the grandeur of two signature courses, The Gold and The Blue, and developing one of the Southwest's most extensive practice facilities. Forrest Richardson, a golf course architect with numerous classic restorations to his credit, oversaw the enhancements of the courses originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Special attention was paid to The Gold Course to recreate the "Heroic Strategies" envisioned by Jones. Bunkers were reshaped and greens were expanded using aerial photos from the 1960s. Tee boxes were elongated and a fourth set of tees was added. The Gold Course now plays nearly 7,400 yards from the tips, earning it the moniker "Arizona's Monster."
Considerable changes were also made to The Blue Course, including a complete reconstruction of two holes. The 15th hole now features a dramatic "Island Green" and the 17th hole was reshaped as a mirror image of the famous 16th at Augusta where Jones' work has endured as one of the most famous holes in all of golf.
Richardson's work was focused on returning the two courses to their place in Phoenix history. "Our goal is not to redefine the experience," said Richardson. "Rather, we have set out to bring back many of Mr. Jones classic bunkers and his tendency to ask the golfer to make 'hard pars and easy bogies'...that was the philosophy of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and it should never be lost at the Wigwam."
The centerpiece of the new golf experience is the new "Village Green," a two-acre putting green and garden that can be enjoyed by guests throughout the day and evening. Rolling putting surfaces meander through giant saguaros, flowers and Sonoran desert landscape. Sophisticated sound and lighting makes for a perfect setting to sip on a drink and take in the day or starlit night.
http://www.wigwamresort.com/
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