In honor of the many great American patriots that have called Arizona home and as a tribute to the state of Arizona’s proud heritage, Wigwam Golf has announced the renaming of its historic Blue and Red courses, The Patriot and The Heritage, respectively. In addition, each hole on The Patriot and The Heritage courses will ultimately be named after great Arizona patriots, events and leadership that have shaped the history of Arizona during its first 100 years of statehood.

 The naming of each hole will begin on The Patriot course, with the first hole designated for U.S. Air Service Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr., the namesake of Luke Air Force Base. Luke was America’s second highest scoring air ace during World War I.  His tally of 18 victories - comprised mainly of observation balloons - was second only to Eddie Rickenbacker’s total of 26.  Each subsequent hole, also dedicated to Arizona great patriots, will be revealed by way of special tribute announcements and events in the coming years.

To celebrate the course renaming, Wigwam Golf Club is giving golfers that play The Patriot course through September 21, the opportunity to dedicate his or her round to a fellow patriot family member or friend. Each of the names submitted will be showcased on display outside the clubhouse. Later this year, the names will be engraved on a permanent memorial that will adorn the course walkway.

The Wigwam’s Gold Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and home of the upcoming Patriot All-America Invitational in December 2011, will continue to be referred to as The Gold Course. This nationally recognized, award-winning course completes the Wigwam’s trio of championship golf courses that have received numerous awards and accolades since opening in the 1950’s.

Previously known as the Blue Course, The Patriot has been described as the “great contradiction” in that it behaves so differently from front to backside. Also a Jones, Sr. creation, the 6,000 yard, par 70 layout challenges golfers to negotiate a number of difficult bunkers, ponds and challenging dog-leg fairways. In addition to various military personnel being lauded throughout the course, other great Arizona patriots from the ranks of the police and fire departments will have their stories told with signage on each tee box.

Previously known as the Red Course and so named for its designer, Robert “Red” Lawrence, the par 72, 6,900 yard course is a natural complement to the Gold and Patriot. Set among a forest of pines and eucalyptus, this 224-acre, parkland course plays alongside and over ponds, streams and canals and is a test for even the most experienced player with its four finishing holes. The Heritage stands in tribute to the men and women who have shaped the history of Arizona over the past 100 years.

The historic Wigwam Resort opened in 1929 and is set on 440-acres of lushly landscaped desert. Blending casual elegance with the charm of the Southwest, the resort features luxury casitas and suites, a variety of award-winning restaurants and full array of recreational amenities, including pools and a spa and tennis courts. Located just north of I-10 off Litchfield Road, The Wigwam is 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix.

For more information on Wigwam Golf, visit www.wigwamgolf.com.