The Wigwam Resort and Spa

 

The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa is one of the original first class golf resorts in the US. I had the pleasure of spending a week there some 30 years ago with my parents and was eager for a return visit.

Located just west of Phoenix, The Wigwam is a gathering spot for winter golfers from around the country, especially from the Midwest.

The resort features three championship 18-hole courses, including two by Robert Trent Jones and one by Red Lawrence. The Wigwam has been ranked by Travel and Leisure as the Best Golf Resort for Families in the Country

 

 

The Golf

The Gold and Blue Courses were designed by Trent Jones. The Gold Course is the resort’s signature layout. It was designed in the ’60s and consistently has been ranked in the top 100 courses in the U.S.

It was one of the longest courses in the world when it opened, and can be stretched to 7400 yards. There are numerous lakes as well as a canal system, which runs through all the resort’s courses.

On this trip I played the Blue Course. It is the shortest of the three at a little over 6,000 yards, but it is quite a test. The greens are small and well bunkered making, approach shots demanding. A long-hitter will have his way with the par-5s here but will struggle on the par-3s.

 

Number nine is a perfect example. At just over 200 yards, it plays slightly downwind to a wide but narrow green with a large deep bunker guarding the middle.

To reach the green, the golfer must hit a towering shot that will clear this bunker yet hold the firm putting surface. Most will have to rely on their short game to save par here.

The 15th hole is another excellent par-3 measuring only 132 yards. The green is mostly an island with water guarding the approach.

From the tee, the back of the green is partially hidden, adding a bit of excitement to the play.

All three courses were in excellent shape, as you might expect, with an abundance of ground water and never-ending sunshine.

The Wigwam is unusual in Arizona golf because it features nearly 300 acres of grass throughout. It has more of a traditional feel, unlike most of the area’s so-called target golf courses. The target golf course became a necessity due to the tight water restrictions imposed on new golf projects.

 

Not so at the Wigwam. There is a large grass driving range as well as multiple chipping greens and putting greens. I spent one day just practicing and working with my two young golf prodigies. They even have an underground stereo system around the driving range to make your practice session just a little more fun.

 

The Resort

Guests at the Wigwam from Southern California will notice a similarity to the famed La Quinta Resort and Spa. Casitas are spread throughout the property, and are never too far from the pool, the tennis courts or the golf courses.

The common areas are expertly manicured and boast colorful flowers and grass. The rooms are very large and enjoy private balconies as well as small kitchenettes.

The finest in bedding and linens will ensure a comfortable rest after a long day of golf or tennis. By the way, Tennis is big at the Wigwam. There are nine plexi-paved lighted courts and a 350-seat stadium court for exhibitions and celebrity matches.

A large pool area sits behind the main building.

 

It features a poolside café and a waterslide, keeping all ages happy.

We happened to visit during Easter, and what a treat this turned out to be. The resort had numerous activities one the front lawn for the kids including a petting zoo, egg hunts and of course a visit with the Easter Bunny. After this we opted for the Easter brunch.

I must say I have never seen a spread like this in all my years. They had everything you could think of, and the food, as well as the service, were excellent. On another day we dined at the Arizona Grill located at the golf clubhouse.

Here guests can dine indoors, or they can dine outdoors overlooking the golf facility. This is hearty fare, and I chose the pork chops, which were expertly prepared.

The Wigwam staff is very friendly and has many employees who have been there a long time.

Many have come here from the Midwest and are genuinely happy to be part of the resort.

The Wigwam has aged well since my last visit 30 years ago. It is a perfect spot for a family golf retreat or for a couple looking for sunshine and a great golf or tennis vacation.

For more information, visit www.wigwamresort.com or call (800) 327-0396.