Where in the World Is Cori Brett?
March/April 2013
Gold Course #10
The Wigwam speaks my language. We’re a golf family with deep roots in cowboy country. My grandmother saddled up for trail rides into the mountains, my little sister married a rodeo rider, and I once had to be rescued off a runaway steed. We love hayrides, Fourth of July parades, and golf, especially golf.
So of course, I feel right at home at the Wigwam. It’s a landmark Arizona resort that opened in 1918 as a company guest ranch in the town of Litchfield Park, in the west Valley. I love the elegant drive leading up to the ranch-style entryway. “WIGWAM” carved into a massive log, welcomes visitors. Although understated at arrival, the golf experience is probably the Wigwam’s top attraction. I can’t think of another resort in the Southwest with three terrific 18-hole layouts right on property. I knew there had been a lot of changes at the resort recently, and I wanted to experience it for myself.
It was a perfect April morning, and we decided to tee off on the Gold Course, cheerfully nicknamed “Arizona’s Monster.” The yardage told me why: five tee boxes starting from 7,430 yards, with the forward tees at a lengthy 5,885 yards. Legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., undertook the challenge of designing a parkland masterpiece out of flat desert terrain. www.wigwamarizona.com
Mature trees shade fairways and often come into play. Jones made creative use of the lakes, streams and canals that meander through the course. On the 8th hole, the green is faced with a brick wall and perches above the canal, daring players to give it their best shot. The 10th is one of the most outstanding holes, scenic yet with a long stretch of bunkers to overcome. The Gold is a beautiful course that plays long for women, especially the 10th and the 4th holes, both of them par-5’s of more than 500 yards. Yet it’s straightforward, with few blind shots or forced carries.
Jones designed the Gold Course and the adjacent Blue Course (now called the Patriot Course) in 1965. Both courses were renovated by local golf architect Forrest Richardson in 2005, and restored as close as possible to the original look. The Blue Course is shorter and plays from 6,000 to 4,791 yards, with similar terrain to the Gold Course. The two courses share the same midway snack house. My favorite hole on the Patriot Course is no. 15, a short par 3 that plays to an island green. Both courses were in great condition.
Patriot Course #15
The Heritage Course at the Wigwam was originally known as the “Red Course,” named for its designer, Robert “Red” Lawrence. He also designed Desert Forest Golf Club and Tubac Golf Resort, both well known in Arizona. Although golfers check in at the main pro shop, the Heritage has its own small clubhouse. It’s a short cart ride away on a quiet side of the resort property. The course plays from 6,852 to 5,806 yards, along similar parkland terrain. I found it peaceful and relaxing, with wider fairways and bigger greens.
Players at all three courses have access to the large practice facility and to private and group instruction at the Plane Truth Performance Center.
The Wigwam features a full-service Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and yes, it really does have a big bright red door. Relaxation hit me the moment I entered: wonderful scents, soothing décor and private treatment rooms upstairs on the secluded second floor. The quiet coed lap pool is just for spa patrons, as are Jacuzzi tubs and outdoor fireplaces located on private spa patios.
The resort’s new pool complex is designed for active family fun, especially the 25-foot descending tower with twisting waterslides. Four pools with both adult and family areas are part of a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2011 by new owners Jerry Colangelo and his investment group. They also updated dining options throughout the resort. Litchfield’s, the fine dining restaurant, features a farm-to-table menu, great steaks and live music. Dining under the stars adds to the feeling of casual elegance.
Wigwam Gold Course
The Wigwam sits on 440 acres, built at a time when people took wide open spaces for granted. The resort offers all the luxurious amenities a family or group could want, while providing intimate settings where romance can flourish. Lighted walkways wind through lush landscaping, giving the 331 casita-style guest rooms easy access to dining, spa, and recreational activities. Everything is available within walking distance. To me, it’s so relaxing to leave the car behind.
Then I read about the Wigwam’s early days. No paved roads linked Phoenix with the Wigwam, so guests made the journey via horse-drawn carriage. Sounds romantic, but it must have been a long, bumpy ride. Still and all, I know it was all worth it when they finally arrived at the Wigwam.
“Escape with Cori” on assignment to exotic and fun golf destinations. First-hand impressions from an experienced golf travel writer and AWGA member. www.coribrett.com. Copyright Cori Brett 2013 – do not copy or cite in whole or in part without permission.
