The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, located in Carlsbad, California, boasts a rich history of hosting prestigious PGA and LPGA Tour events on its Championship Course (North Course). This history has cemented its reputation as a premier golfing destination.
PGA Tour Events
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Tournament of Champions (1969-1998):
- Overview: Originally held in Las Vegas, the Tournament of Champions moved to La Costa in 1969. This event gathered winners from the previous PGA Tour season, making it a showcase of top talent.
- Notable Winners: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, and Lanny Wadkins are among the renowned golfers who claimed victory at this event during its tenure at La Costa.
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WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship (1999-2006):
- Overview: As part of the World Golf Championships series, the Accenture Match Play Championship was a highly anticipated event, featuring the top 64 players in the Official World Golf Ranking.
- Notable Winners: Tiger Woods, David Toms, Kevin Sutherland, and Geoff Ogilvy were among those who triumphed in this match-play format at La Costa.
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Mercedes Championships (1995-1998):
- Overview: Before relocating to Hawaii, the Mercedes Championships, another winners-only event, was held at La Costa, continuing its legacy of showcasing elite golfing talent.
- Notable Winners: Notable champions at La Costa included Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
LPGA Tour Events
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Kia Classic (2010-2012, 2015-2017):
- Overview: The Kia Classic became a staple of the LPGA Tour, bringing top female golfers to La Costa for several years.
- Notable Winners: Winners included Hee Kyung Seo, Sandra Gal, and Lydia Ko, highlighting the competitive nature of the event at this prestigious venue.
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Honors Match (1965-1973):
- Overview: Before the establishment of the modern LPGA Tour, La Costa hosted the Honors Match, featuring top female golfers in a match-play format.
- Notable Participants: The event saw participation from some of the era’s leading women golfers, contributing to the course’s early legacy in women’s golf.
Recent Highlights
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2024 NCAA Championships:
- Overview: In 2024, the North Course at Omni La Costa hosted the prestigious DI Men's & Women's NCAA Golf Championships, showcasing the top collegiate golf talent in the country. This event further solidified La Costa’s reputation as a premier championship venue. Omni La Costa will host the Championships 2024-2026 (bids were submitted for 2027 & 2028, with a decision due in October).
- Significance: Hosting the NCAA Championships brought a fresh wave of attention and acclaim to the North Course, demonstrating its continued relevance and challenge in modern golf.
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First Hole-in-One on Gil Hanse Redesign:
- Overview: Following Gil Hanse's extensive redesign of the North Course, the first hole-in-one was recorded by Texas Tech's Calum Scott, marking a significant milestone in the course's new era.
Other Notable Events
- La Costa Invitational: An unofficial event that occasionally attracted top professional and celebrity golfers, adding to the course’s storied history.
- Senior PGA Tour: The course has also been a venue for Senior PGA Tour events, including the Legends of Golf.
Significance
The North Course (formerly the Champions Course) at Omni La Costa has been pivotal in golf history, offering a challenging and picturesque setting for some of the sport’s most memorable moments. Its design, renovations, and commitment to hosting premier events have made it a beloved destination for both professional golfers and fans. The addition of the 2024 NCAA Championships and notable moments such as the first hole-in-one on the redesigned course by Texas Tech's Calum Scott highlight its ongoing legacy and appeal.
