La Costa Undergoes Major Golf Course Renovation

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(CARLSBAD, CA) -- La Costa Resort and Spa, home to one of golf's iconic venues, has renamed its two 18-hole layouts.  They are now the Champions Course and Legends Course, in honor of the history and tradition that includes playing host to 37 PGA Tour events, one LPGA event, and the greatest names in golf for more than 40 years.

The new Champions Course, the former North Course, is undergoing a complete restoration project and is scheduled to reopen in November.  It is now paired with the Legends Course, formerly the South Course, on which four holes are being renovated, as La Costa enhances its reputation as a world-class golf destination.

"La Costa is synonymous with championship golf and the legendary names in the game, so it is important that we keep that spirit alive," said Paul McCormick, general manager of La Costa Resort and Spa.  "While we are excited about moving into the next era of golf at La Costa, it is appropriate that the names of our new courses reflect the history of golf here, which is so special to us.  We are proud to carry on that legacy."

La Costa's first 18 holes were designed by Dick Wilson in 1965 and even today remain the only publicly-accessible Dick Wilson holes west of the Mississippi.  Joe Lee added nine holes in 1973 and the final nine holes in 1984.  Since it opened in the coastal foothills north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa has a long, distinguished history with the greatest players in golf, dating back to the Tournament of Champions (TOC) in 1969.

La Costa's list of winners includes legends from various eras, from Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.  La Costa hosted the Match Play Championships for seven years until 2006, and in 2010 was home of the inaugural Kia Classic on the LPGA Tour.

Coincidentally, the Champions Course is being redesigned by one of La Costa's champions - Steve Pate, who won the TOC in 1989 and now is a partner in Pascuzzo & Pate Golf Course Design.

The remodeling project impacts all 18 holes on the Champions Course and four holes on the Legends Course (Nos. 1, 9, 10, 18).  Four holes on the Champions Course are being entirely replaced, as are all 18 tees and greens complexes, but the course will maintain the integrity of the original Dick Wilson design.  The Legends Course routing is to remain unchanged from its classic design, with slight modifications throughout currently being made.

Significant alterations to the fairway contours, combined with a modernized drainage system, will improve water flow throughout both golf courses.  More than 30 acres of turf will be eliminated to conserve water, with the remodel to incorporate more native grasses.  Two new lakes also will be added.

In 2011 the entire resort is undergoing a $50 million renovation, including the spa, guest rooms, event center, public spaces, and recreational amenities, in addition to the golf course. 

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