Nearly 80 Years of Wigwam History

1929
On Thanksgiving Day, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company opened "The Wigwam" as a guest ranch.

1930
In 1930, the first nine-hole golf course was developed, and in 1935 V.O. "Red" Allen expanded the course to 18 holes and became the first golf pro at The Wigwam. Between 1930 and 1940, building progressed rapidly and several new buildings called "wickiups" were built near the original main building, increasing capacity to 66 guests.

1940
By the mid-1940s, The Wigwam had expanded to hold 110 guests. But with the establishment of "Luke Airfield" and its subsequent training activities during World War II, the guestrooms were leased to house military personnel.

1954
In 1954, Reade Whitwell became manager of the resort as well as the Goodyear Country Club. The Wigwam underwent continuing improvements and expansions and reached a peak in 1969 when more than $2.5 million was spent on construction.

1965
In 1965, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. was brought in to oversee the development of a second 18-hole golf course and rebuild the first. The new 36 holes were renamed as the "Blue Course" and the "Gold Course."

1970's
In 1970, Whitwell was named General Manager of the resort and Vice President of the SunCor Corporation, which owned and managed The Wigwam. Subsequent construction of additional guestrooms increased the capacity to 425 guests. In 1971, a new country club was completed, replacing the old clubhouse that was destroyed by fire in 1969. In the fall of 1979, two plush Presidential suites, the Oraibi and the Bacabi, were constructed. Named after the oldest Native American village in Arizona, the Oraibi suite features more than 5,000 square feet of elegant Southwestern furnishings and decor.

1980's
By 1985, the number of casita guestrooms increased to 241 and could accommodate 500 guests.

1990's
In 1990, SunCor sold the resort to the current owners, Kabuto Arizona Properties. Kabuto made substantial enhancements to the resort, including a 10,800 square foot ballroom and 90 courtyard villas surrounding a second resort pool.

2000
In 2000, Kabuto tapped Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc to manage the property as part of The Luxury Collection brand of hotels. And in 2005, a new agreement was signed allowing Starwood to manage the property for an additional 15 years.

2005
In the fall of 2005, a renovation of the Blue and Gold golf courses was completed with a design by renowned architect Forrest Richardson. Also, in early 2006, a 26,000 square foot Red Door Spa and fitness center opened at the resort.

2008
Guests today will experience the "Rebirth of a Legend" with more than $25 million in additions and renovations in the last three years, including a new high-end steakhouse, state-of-the-art junior ballroom, and modern refurbishments throughout the property.

The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa | 300 Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340
Phone: 623.935.3811 | Toll Free: 1.800.327.0396 | Info@WigwamResort.com