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.

Legendary Golf

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.