The La Costa Resort & Spa is undergoing a significant transformation to regain its status as a premier golfing destination on the national stage. Having been a beloved location for PGA Tour players for many years, the resort is now preparing to host the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Division I Golf Championships, attracting some of the finest amateur players to its course.
At a cost exceeding $20 million, the North Course at La Costa has been subject to extensive renovations led by the esteemed design team of Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Additionally, a substantial investment has been made in a state-of-the-art practice facility to further enhance the resort’s appeal to golfers.
Aiming for La Costa to serve as the permanent host of the NCAA Championships, the initiative is championed by University of Texas men’s golf coach John Fields, with the endorsement of Omni Hotels & Resorts, the proprietors of the resort. The ultimate goal is to establish the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa as the preferred venue for the championships in the years to come.
In order to achieve this objective, Hanse and Wagner have completely revamped the course, seeking to strike a balance between accessibility for the public and a challenging experience for top college players. The renovated layout, greens, and course length have all undergone significant changes to ensure they meet contemporary golf architecture standards.
The most notable alterations have been made to the greens, with the design team striving to create playable surfaces for recreational golfers while presenting competitive players with a genuine test of their abilities. The new design also incorporates risk-reward par 4s and strategic additions that prompt players to approach their shots thoughtfully.
As the North Course at La Costa prepares for the NCAA Championships, it is still in the early stages of maturity. The Bermuda grass fairways and newly installed Pure Distinction bentgrass greens will require some time to fully settle. Nevertheless, the firm and responsive nature of the greens is set to present a genuine challenge to the golfers during the championship.
The revitalization of La Costa signifies a new beginning for this storied golf course, reviving the glamour and prestige it once held. With the backing of the golfing community and visionaries such as John Fields, the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is well on its way to reclaiming its status as a leading golfing destination. This is an exciting time for the sport, and the renewed focus on La Costa is certain to capture the attention of golf enthusiasts and players alike.