Historic layout to host NCAA Division I Women’s and Men’s golf championships through 2028
CARLSBAD, California – Omni La Costa Resort & Spa announces that following the rave reviews received from hosting the NCAA Division I Women’s and Men’s Golf Championships in May, the legendary Southern California destination has been awarded a two-year extension to its already existing contract with the NCAA.
The Gil Hanse-renovated North Course at Omni La Costa will now host the best collegiate players in their season-ending championship through 2028. With the addition of 2027 and 2028, the North Course will host the event for five consecutive years. This will be the longest consecutive streak of the tournament being played at one venue in the rich history of NCAA golf.
“Omni La Costa is poised to continue to elevate the incredible brand of NCAA Division I golf and become an even longer-term home for these prestigious championships,” says Craig Martin, managing director of Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
“We’re thrilled the fantastic work of Gil Hanse and his team transformed our North Course back to its championship splendor.”
Originally designed by Dick Wilson and 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.
Hanse and his team implemented significant design changes with the NCAA’s match-play format in mind as well as fashioning a layout ideal for the best players in the game to test their skills at the highest level moving forward.
Chief among the impressive new aspects is challenging players with more risk-reward decisions throughout their rounds.
Specific changes include the creation of a drivable par-4 on No. 11, a repositioned green on the par-3 16th hole reminiscent of Augusta National’s iconic 12th hole, and a stout finisher with the par-5 18th now playing over 600 yards from the back tee into the prevailing wind with water lurking on both sides of the fairway.
The golf course renovation work at Omni La Costa was joined by another project focused on reimagining the resort’s golf practice facility. Led by Beau Welling, and his firm, Beau Welling Design, the project elevated the practice experience with regrassing the lengthened driving range and expanded short game area. Toptracer technology is now available for the resort’s golf members as well as for instruction.
For more information about Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, visit omnilacosta.com.
