Gil Hanse redid storied California layout
Following a comprehensive renovation of the Champions Course of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa by Hanse Golf Course Design, the layout will revert to its original name, the “North Course,” and will open for resort guest and member play beginning June 1.
Originally designed by Dick Wilson, the course quickly becoming one of golf’s treasured destinations after debuting in 1965. Omni La Costa’s North Course previously served as a home to notable PGA Tour events. For thirty years, the resort hosted the Mercedes Championships (originally called the Tournament of Champions) from 1969 – 1998. In 1999, Omni La Costa hosted the inaugural WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship as well as six additional occasions. In 2010 and 2012, the resort hosted the Kia Classic, a popular LPGA Tour event.
The North Course will feature six sets of tees and play from 4,500 to 7,500 yards. Additional portions of the completed project are environmental in nature, such as transitioning irrigation lines that will continue to use reclaimed water, man-made ponds removed, and the reintroduction to natural barrancas composed of drought tolerant and native species.
‘South Course’ returns to the Omni La Costa
The Legends Course at Omni La Costa is also going back to its original name, the “South Course.” An ideal complement to the North Course, the parkland style 18 features mature trees, gentle doglegs and it places a premium on accuracy off the tee. Holes Nos. 10 – 18 on the South Course were used for the Mercedes Championships tournament routing over the decades. The impressive number of victories by the greats of the game at Omni La Costa includes Gary Player, Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
Set to play 7,500 yards from the back tees, the par-72 North Course will add to Omni La Costa’s rich history by returning the property to prestigious tournament golf when hosting the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship (May 17 – 22) and Men’s Golf Championship (May 24 – 29).
The North Course is also scheduled to host the NCAA golf championships in 2025 and 2026 as well.
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Featured image courtesy of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
