CARLSBAD, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2013) – The thoroughly renovated Legends Course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa was unveiled in a special ceremony Sunday, November 10, marking a milestone in the meticulous restoration of the iconic golf venue that once again offers 36 holes that reflect the destination’s rich golf history and tradition.
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.
Tee times for both courses are now being accepted at www.lacosta.com/golf.
As with the first project, the Legends Course embraces the primary elements of the original Dick Wilson/Joe Lee design, which has challenged the greatest names in the game for more than 40 years.
“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,” says 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 – it is more open than Champions Course – 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 square feet. The green complexes present a variety of challenges and offer numerous options for approach and recovery shots. The greens at four holes – No. 1, 12, 15, and 17 – have been relocated, some slightly, some dramatically.
Bunkering has been completely redesigned and reconstructed, as well as reduced in number. In contrast to the Champions Course, the bunkers on the Legends Course are shallower, with lower faces and are less visible by design, although a few deeper bunkers are featured around the greens.
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 – a salt-water-tolerant grass that provides favorable, cushioned lies – and have been widened. Fairway expansion is most notable at the par-4 15th hole, where the landing area on the sharp dogleg left was expanded 16 yards to the right and the cart path rerouted.
“We have a lot of respect for La Costa’s original design and have maintained its integrity,” said Pascuzzo, who teamed on the project with partner Steve Pate and Jeffrey D. Brauer of Golfscapes Inc. The trio also worked together on the Champions Course remodel.
Located in the coastal foothills north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa has a long history challenging the greatest players in golf. The resort hosted the season-opening Tournament of Champions from 1969 through 1998, with the list of winners personifying the game’s eras, from Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. 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.”
About Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Nestled among the beautiful coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa boasts the 43,000 square-foot Spa at La Costa, 607 spacious guestrooms, suites and Villas, a Clubhouse with a fitness center, two acclaimed restaurants – BlueFire Grill and the new Bistro 65 – two championship golf courses and a 17-court tennis center. The entire resort, linked by walkways and washed in color by lush vegetation and gardens, enjoys a village-like ambience. For more information on Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.
About Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at nearly 60 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations and travel publications. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.
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