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The Wigwam Golf Club, located just outside Phoenix in Litchfield Park, Arizona, is one of the most historic and beloved golf destinations in the state. With a history spanning nearly a century, The Wigwam boasts three championship golf courses and a range of other attractions that make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts and vacationers alike.
History and Background
The Wigwam Golf Club traces its origins to the early 1920s when it was established as part of The Wigwam Resort. Originally built as a guest ranch for executives of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the resort gradually expanded into a luxury destination. The golf club officially opened its first course in 1929, marking the beginning of its longstanding legacy in Arizona’s golf history.
Over the decades, The Wigwam has been recognized as one of the top golf resorts in the country. Its three golf courses — the Gold, Blue, and Red Courses — were designed by some of the most famous golf architects, including Robert Trent Jones Sr. Today, it remains a hallmark of Arizona golf, known for its rich history, picturesque surroundings, and a blend of challenging yet accessible courses.
Golf Courses
The Wigwam Golf Club stands out with its three distinct 18-hole golf courses, each offering a unique experience.
1. Gold Course
- Theme and Design: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1964, the Gold Course is a classic championship layout. It is often referred to as a “monster” due to its length and difficulty.
- Difficulty Level: The Gold Course is known for being the toughest of the three courses, measuring over 7,400 yards from the back tees. It is recommended for experienced golfers who are up for a challenge.
- Unique Features: The Gold Course features narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast, undulating greens. Water hazards come into play on several holes, and the wind can be a factor, making club selection critical.
2. Blue Course
- Theme and Design: The Blue Course, originally designed in the 1960s, offers a more approachable layout compared to the Gold Course. However, it still retains plenty of challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
- Difficulty Level: Slightly shorter and more forgiving, the Blue Course offers a great balance of difficulty for both casual golfers and seasoned players. It’s known for its wide fairways and smaller greens.
- Unique Features: The Blue Course is characterized by tree-lined fairways and fewer water hazards, making it a more straightforward course. However, the small greens require precision when approaching.
3. Red Course
- Theme and Design: The Red Course is the most beginner-friendly of the three but still provides a fun and engaging round of golf. It was designed with playability in mind, making it a great option for groups, families, or casual golfers.
- Difficulty Level: This course is shorter and less punishing, with wider fairways and slower greens. It’s perfect for golfers looking for a relaxing, enjoyable round.
- Unique Features: The Red Course is notable for its strategic use of bunkers and doglegs. While not as difficult as the Gold or Blue Courses, it still offers enough challenges to keep players engaged.
Other Attractions
Aside from its premier golf courses, The Wigwam Golf Club offers several other amenities that make it a top destination for visitors.
- Dining: The Wigwam offers a variety of dining options for visitors. The signature restaurant, Litchfield’s, offers farm-to-table cuisine in an elegant setting. For more casual dining, The Wigwam Bar and Red’s Bar & Grill are popular spots where guests can enjoy a drink or meal while overlooking the courses.
- Spa and Wellness: After a day on the course, guests can relax at the LeMonds Aveda Salon – Spa, which offers a range of treatments and services.
- Resort Amenities: The Wigwam Resort itself offers more than just golf, including tennis courts, swimming pools, and a fitness center. It’s a perfect spot for a full weekend getaway or vacation.
Pricing and Hours
The Wigwam Golf Club offers various pricing options to suit all golfers, whether you’re visiting for a quick round or a weekend of golf.
- Standard Rates: Pricing varies depending on the course and time of year. On average, expect to pay between $100 to $200 per round during peak season (October to April), with lower rates during the summer.
- Packages and Discounts: The Wigwam offers discounted rates for Arizona residents, twilight golf packages, and group discounts. Frequent golfers can take advantage of membership options that provide further savings and benefits.
- Operating Hours: The Wigwam Golf Club is generally open from 7:00 AM to sunset. However, exact times may vary based on the season, so it’s recommended to call ahead or check the website for the latest hours of operation.
Visitor Tips
Here are some helpful tips for making the most of your visit to The Wigwam Golf Club:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit The Wigwam is during the cooler months (October to April), when temperatures are more comfortable for golf. During the summer, early morning or twilight rounds are recommended to avoid the midday heat.
- Group Accommodations: The Wigwam is well-equipped to handle group events, including corporate outings, tournaments, and weddings. They offer personalized services to accommodate large groups.
- Accessibility: The golf courses and club facilities are accessible to guests with disabilities. The resort also offers golf carts and other amenities to ensure all visitors can enjoy their experience.
- Seasonal Events: The Wigwam hosts several seasonal events, including golf tournaments, holiday celebrations, and community festivals, making it a lively destination year-round.
Recent Updates
The Wigwam Golf Club has undergone several renovations in recent years to maintain its status as a top golf destination in Arizona. Most notably, the Gold Course received updates to its bunkers and greens to improve playability and preserve its championship-quality layout. Additionally, the club has introduced new GPS-enabled golf carts to enhance the on-course experience.
Looking ahead, The Wigwam is planning several community events and tournaments, including a Veteran’s Day Tournament and a Holiday Charity Event, bringing golfers together for great causes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the dress code at The Wigwam Golf Club?
- Collared shirts and golf-appropriate attire are required. Denim and athletic shorts are not permitted.
- Can I rent golf clubs at The Wigwam?
- Yes, The Wigwam offers club rentals for both men and women, including premium club options.
- Does The Wigwam offer golf lessons?
- Yes, the club offers private lessons and clinics for golfers of all skill levels.
- Is The Wigwam Golf Club family-friendly?
- Absolutely. The Red Course is perfect for beginners and families, and the club provides family-friendly amenities.
- What are the best months to golf at The Wigwam?
- The best months are from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for golfing.
- Are there any dining options at The Wigwam?
- Yes, several dining options are available, including Litchfield’s for fine dining and Red’s Bar & Grill for casual meals.
- Can I book tee times online?
- Yes, tee times can be booked directly on The Wigwam Golf Club’s official website.
- Is there a membership program?
- Yes, The Wigwam offers a variety of membership options that provide access to the golf courses, discounts, and other exclusive benefits.
- Are golf tournaments held at The Wigwam?
- Yes, The Wigwam regularly hosts tournaments, both for amateurs and charity events.
- Is The Wigwam a good venue for corporate events?
- Yes, The Wigwam is a popular venue for corporate outings, offering group packages and event planning services.
- Does The Wigwam offer discounts for Arizona residents?
- Yes, Arizona residents can take advantage of special discounted rates, especially during off-peak times.
- Are there caddies available at The Wigwam?
- While caddies are not standard, golf carts with GPS are available to enhance the golfing experience.
- Can I play all three courses in one visit?
- Yes, depending on availability, guests can book multiple rounds to experience all three courses.
- Does The Wigwam have golf carts for rent?
- Yes, golf carts are available for rent and are equipped with GPS systems.
- Are there any upcoming golf events at The Wigwam?
- Yes, upcoming events include the Veteran’s Day Tournament and the Holiday Charity Event.
Conclusion
With a blend of history, challenging courses, and first-class amenities, The Wigwam Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience in the Phoenix area, perfect for both seasoned golfers and those just getting started.
