The Carlsbad, Calif., resort’s renovated Legends Course was unveiled in a ceremony on November 10 and will be open to resort guests and the general public on November 17. The debut marks the completion of the second golf renovation project in the last three years for the resort, with a remodel of the Champions Course completed in 2011.
The renovated Legends Course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., was unveiled in a ceremony November 10, marking a milestone in the restoration of the golf venue that once again offers 36 holes.
The debut of Legends—which is to open for resort guests and the general public on November 17—completes La Costa’s second golf renovation project in the last three years. Both were under the direction of Pascuzzo & Pate Golf Course Design. The remodeled Champions Course opened in 2011.
C&RB reported on the resort’s ongoing renovation efforts in the September 2012 Course & Grounds feature, “Restoring La Costa’s Luster.”
As with the first project, the Legends Course embraces the primary elements of the original Dick Wilson/Joe Lee design.
“We are pleased to have restored these legendary golf courses to world-class standards,” said Paul McCormick, Vice President and General Manager at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. “The new Legends Course adds to the excitement as we begin a new chapter in La Costa’s golf history.”
While the Wilson routing on what was formerly named the South Course remains intact, the multifaceted makeover includes a complete reconstruction and redesign of all 18 greens, as well as a thorough resurfacing of tee complexes, all-new bunkering, and the planting of paspalum turfgrass in the fairways.
“The Legends Course gives golfers a completely different type of golf course to play at La Costa,” said Damian Pascuzzo, who oversaw the renovation. “It’s fun and interesting, with different visuals and some subtle nuances, especially around the greens. Golfers will really be challenged to use their imaginations.”
The Legends Course project, which began this past spring, has created a spacious layout while providing a complementary set of strategic challenges and a variety of visual encounters.
The bentgrass greens on the Legends Course have been redesigned and enlarged so they now average 5,000 sq. ft. The green complexes present a variety of challenges and offer numerous options for approach and recovery shots. The greens at four holes, Nos. 1, 12, 15, and 17, have been relocated.
Bunkering has been completely redesigned and reconstructed, as well as reduced in number. All tees also have been entirely rebuilt, and in many cases reshaped to provide more room and options. And adding a fifth set of tees allows the Legends Course to play from 5,029 to 7,025 yards. Fairways now feature paspalum turfgrass and have been widened.
“We have a lot of respect for La Costa’s original design and have maintained its integrity,” said Pascuzzo.
The resort hosted the season-opening Tournament of Champions from 1969 through 1998. More recently, La Costa hosted the Match Play Championships for seven years until 2006, and in 2010 was home of the Kia Classic on the LPGA Tour in 2010 and 2012. The past champions’ list is directly linked to the new golf course designs, with Pate having won the 1988 Tournament of Champions at La Costa.
“La Costa has been synonymous with elite championship golf for more than 40 years,” Pate said. “It is important to ensure the future of the golf courses, which are the heart and soul of La Costa.”
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