Golf in Carlsbad on the Rise for the Future

This will likely be Southern California’s most in-demand course when it opens for play next spring. That was genuinely my first thought when I recently toured the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s reimagined Champions Course. Gil Hanse essentially ripped up all of the holes here, did some rerouting, formed some completely new holes, and obliterated the perpetual uphill approach shots that seemingly adorned every hole of the former course.

I revisited the original Dick Wilson design, which opened in 1965, the other day and can confirm that it looks visually spectacular. Hanse, who has quickly become one of the top golf course architects in the world, is planning to bring in some of the feel from historic designers like George C. Thomas or Alistair Mackenzie who created vintage Southern California layouts. Better players will find it challenging from the tips, and less-skilled players will thoroughly enjoy it from whatever tee boxes they’re playing. Yes, this is all the talk among Carlsbad’s golf community right now.

Carlsbad is home to top golf resort destinations Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and Park Hyatt Aviara, along with The Crossings at Carlsbad and Rancho Carlsbad Golf Club. The oceanfront town showcases world-class golf, luxury resort destinations, world class culture and cuisine, and some of the finest year-round weather anywhere. Golf Digest already recognizes Carlsbad among its “23 best summertime buddies trip golf destinations.”

I’ve been playing a lot of rounds this year on La Costa’s other course – the Legends – that has been in fantastic condition. Simply referred to the South Course by locals, this has always been a more player-friendly layout that stretches 6,996 yards from the tips. It’s a parkland style course that features mature trees, gentle doglegs, and water features on both nines. The last few holes on both nines strategically play into the ocean breeze off the Pacific. Guests can also navigate the course on a smooth-cruising surf-style Golfboard to heighten the adventure and put some extra excitement into the round. The back nine – combined with nine holes from the Champions course –hosted the PGA TOUR’s Tournament of Champions from 1969 – 1989.

I recently also had the chance to play Aviara Golf Club, part of the world-class Park Hyatt resort, has been known as one of San Diego County’s best-conditioned courses and the only course in the area designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. In 2022, as part of the resorts $50 million dollar transformation, a golf course sustainability renovation was completed to minimize the resort’s environmental footprint. All 18 holes were re-grassed with Tiff Tuff – a warm season Bermuda grass that doesn’t require overseeding and reduces chemicals and water usage for perpetually outstanding playing conditions. Many of the greens were also leveled out rough areas were either removed, tightened, or made easier to hit the ball from.

Rarely had I found my ball land on a flat lie here, which only added to the challenge. Yet with the new grass and what I feel are more consistent greens and landing areas, this course is more fun than ever to play now. Since the re-do, I’ve noticed my scores have lowered by a shot or two. And it’s not because I’m hitting the ball any longer – Aviara has simply become more playable with the new turf.

I’ve also found myself spending more time this year at The Crossings at Carlsbad, situated just one mile from the Pacific Ocean. The popular municipal course is known as one of the finest in Southern California. With panoramic views of the Pacific to the west and the southern California Peninsular Mountain Ranges to the east, the on-course scenery is truly jaw-dropping. Named for the five bridges golfers cross over canyons during the round, the course meanders across rugged terrain and through canyons and wetlands accentuated with sagebrush and native flora. Its practice range, putting green and chipping area are all incredibly popular with locals – and always in fantastic condition. Plus the restaurant and patio bar in the clubhouse overlook the ocean, with a relaxing Southern California vibe.