The Wigwam Resort's Gold Course stands as a tribute to the difficulty and style architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. wove into the many courses he built. After 70 years, it's still a fine example of traditional resort golf.

Yes, traditional golf still exists in the Valley. Amid the acres of sparkling desert layouts and multi-million dollar projects, there are a few reminders of the game our parents and grandparents played still standing. One of the finest among them is the Wigwam Resort's Gold Course.

Designed by the prolific and legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the Gold Course is rugged and mature, and as fine a test of your shot-making. Sand traps are abundant on the Gold Course, and narrow fairways lead to small, hard greens while canals wind through a healthy mixture of deciduous trees, pines and high, waving palm.

The original Wigwam course was laid out in 1929, which is mostly the Blue Course of today (also an RTJ, Sr. design). Later, the Gold Course was reworked and then a Red Course was added, but the Gold Course is the crown jewel. It stretches 7,074 yards from the gold tees and is a challenge from wherever you tee off. The Gold tees are rated at a 74.1 from the tips, with a slope of 133.

Among Robert Trent Jones contributions to the world of golf was the concept of the “signature course.” His work at The Blue Course is testament to the ability of a great designer to create courses with such different character. The Blue has been described as tricky and subtle. Playing to a length just over 6,000 yards, but a par of 70 the test can be a bit deceiving. Here is a creative course: one full of decisions and thought-provoking strategy. The hallmark of Mr. Jones’ design can be found in the array of deep and perilous bunkers, ponds and dog-leg fairways.

The Red Course was created by Red Lawrence the golf course architect responsible for Arizona’s first desert golf course. His work at The Wigwam is a compliment to The Gold and Blue Courses. With a length between its two siblings and par 72, The Red plays alongside and over streams and ponds. Set among a forest of pines and eucalyptus trees, the golfer is transported through exclusive estates, which are part of The Wigwam’s rich neighborhood.