By DANIEL WOODS
CARLSBAD, CA – I recently had the chance to play the Omni La Costa North Course which reopened in June of last year after a complete renovation by renowned architect Gil Hanse.
The experience was fabulous. Arriving on the property you are greeted with tremendous views of the resort and the nearby coast. Walking to the pro shop you pass an arcade room plus a great looking pool with a water slide that faces towards the Omni La Costa’s two golf courses.
Prior to teeing off we went to the practice area, which is a Beau Welling redesign with an extended driving range and large putting green. The practice facility, with a new state-of-the-art irrigation system, also offers an enlarged short game area giving both the freedom and space to adequately prepare for your round.
After warming up on the driving range we went to the large practice putting green that provides foreknowledge of the challenge in front of you as the round develops.
Heading to the North Course first tee we were ready and excited and decided to play from the II tees, a sufficiently long test at 6,703 yards and it proved to be a good choice.
Omni La Costa’s North Course presents a serious challenge to golfers of every skill level with the option to play from six different sets of tees – playing from 4,502 to 7,500 yards. The NCAA Division 1 Championship through 2028 are set to take place on the I tees as one would expect.
The first hole on the North Course is the shortest par-4 on the front nine featuring an elevated green providing an early view of both the North and South Courses and while each hole presents its own vista the tee box of the seventh hole is the highest vantage point of the golf course.
It was a good way to give me a true sense of the course’s beauty along with the renovation completed last summer. The North Course was awarded the third best renovation in 2024 by Golf Digest and Sports Illustrated named it the Best Resort Golf Course Renovation. Golf.com also says it is in the Top 100 Courses You Can Play listing.
The first nine went by too quickly but we were happy to find a real treat at the halfway house, complimentary burritos with home-made salsa and they were delicious.
Driving from Orange County was smooth and easy as Interstate 5 is close by, and should it be important the McClellan-Palomar Airport is just north with direct flights available. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year and they are offering discount packages.
The North Course is truly exceptional and is a great challenge to anyone’s golf game. On top of that, being able to play the same course as golf legends like Gary Player, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson is truly an amazing experience, something I think every golfer would appreciate.
Membership opportunities are available please dial (760) 804-7445 to inquire.
