Back
CARLSBAD, Calif. - For its size, this southern California city with a population of slightly more than 100,000 people sure makes a major impact on the golf industry.
Between its two signature golf resorts - Omni La Costa and Park Hyatt Aviara - Carlsbad has hosted dozens of premier PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour events since 1969.
Many golfers know that TaylorMade, Topgolf-Callaway, Cobra, Fujikura, Full Swing Golf and other golf equipment/accessories companies call Carlsbad or the surrounding area home. The SoCal weather, beaches, Pacific Ocean, laid-back vibe and a charming village along the Pacific Coast Highway all elevate the appeal for golfers.
Gil Hanse's redesign of Omni La Costa Resort's famed North (Formerly Champions) Course has put Carlsbad back on the map when it comes to high-profile tournament golf. It hosts the Division I men's and women's NCAA Championships during back-to-back weeks in May of 2024, 2025 and 2026. The TV coverage from Golf Channel/Peacock - May 20-22 for the women and May 27-29 for the men - will serve as a two-week commercial for Carlsbad.
After recently teeing up three rounds and shacking up in three different area resorts, I can attest that playing golf in Carlsbad is much more fun than simply watching from afar. In a perfect world, you should do both. GolfPass offers two golf packages to Carlsbad for that sun-splashed SoCal golf getaway you've been craving (Don't forget that GolfPass+ members can get $100 off certain packages).
Staying and playing at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
For three decades, La Costa hosted the Mercedes Championships (the original Tournament of Champions), from 1969–1998. In 1999, it transitioned to the inaugural WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, the first of seven on property. The Kia Classic, a popular LPGA Tour event, ended the resort's decorated run or pro events in 2010 and 2012.
Hanse's redesign has put some teeth back into La Costa's North Course in hopes of becoming a long-term home for the NCAAs.
The short par-4 15th encapsulates the changes in a single shot. Fronting bunkers feel like a fortified wall protecting the elevated green. Good players wouldn't normally think twice about them, except that beyond the green is a shaved slope falling sharply into a pond. If the approach isn't struck precisely with some spin, it's bye-bye ball.
Falloffs like this feature on green surrounds throughout the 7,500-yard routing. It's frustrating when your ball finds one, even if creativity does allow for recoveries. Players can putt, chip or even smack a hybrid up the slopes to get up and down. A new practice facility designed by Beau Welling with a massive Toptracer Range, a prominent golf institute and the shorter South (formerly Legends) Course - a parkland where nine holes were used during the Mercedes - provide a complete menu of services and amenities for golfers.
Upgrades are ongoing throughout La Costa's resort campus, wrapping up this summer. Everything from the resort's lobby bar to the 600 guest rooms, suites and villas, will have been remodeled. Eight pools, including an adults-only hangout and a splash zone with two water slides for kids, attract sun-seekers. The 43,000-square-foot Spa remains the heartbeat of the Spanish Mission-style property. Bob's Steak & Chop House provides fine dining for a special occasion, while VUE and Bar Traza serve more casual coastal cuisine. I dined on lamb and fresh scallops (see the photos above) at VUE during my one-night stay.
Staying and playing at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Aviara Golf Club sports its own tournament pedigree, hosting the Kia Classic from 2013-22 (except a 2020 pandemic cancellation). Inbee Park (2021) and Lydia Ko (2016) are its two most noteworthy champions.
Designed by Arnold Palmer in 1991, Aviara blends the characteristics of a resort course that can host a tournament to perfection. Its collection of colorful flowers and rock landscaping impress everybody who tees it up and look great on TV. The adjacent Batiquitos Lagoon attracts 80 different species of birds, and provides a stunning setting for the demanding final par 4.
The majority of the 7,007-yard routing roams the surrounding hills, encouraging some fun shotmaking while remaining playable for members and hotel guests. It's one of my favorite courses in all of SoCal. There's not a bad hole in the bunch. Three of the four par 3s are pond-laden paintings come to life.
Aviara made a significant investment in 2022-23, regrassing the entire course with a hybrid Bermuda strain called TifTuf, which requires 20 percent less water. The course no longer requires a fall overseeding, a change that saves more water and keeps the new turf in consistently good shape year-round.
A GolfPass review from April celebrated the ongoing improvements: "Fairways are a little thin still but coming along nicely! Greens are true, accept shots well and are not so fast as to be unfair. ... All's well at Aviara! Keep up the great work!"
Having never stayed at a Park Hyatt before, I had no idea what to expect but came away impressed. A $60-million renovation completed in 2020 touched all facets of the 200-acre Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond resort, introducing a marvelous view from the lobby to nice touches in the spacious 327 guest rooms and suites.
I loved the modern technology that turns on a soft light under the bed and another one in the bathroom every time you get up to make a restroom run in the dark. Instead of kicking a wall or tripping on a misplaced shoe, you can see where you're going.
A shuttle takes guests down to the clubhouse for golf or a nice dining experience at Ember & Rye, a seafood and steak joint. I only had time to dine at Ponto Lago just off the lobby. An open kitchen allows you to watch your food being prepped. I've never had churros served with such a cool presentation (check out the photo gallery above).
Between the spa, Topgolf Swing Suite and adults-only and kid-friendly pools, the Park Hyatt can entertain groups and family gatherings of any age.
Staying at the Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa and playing The Crossings at Carlsbad
My final stop - the Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa - brought a pleasant surprise. I woke up one morning to a fantastic view from my balcony: at least six dolphins frolicking in the ocean across the street. Not bad! Guests can rent complimentary bicycles to enjoy the beach and the breeze.
I prefer golf carts, however. They're a must when playing the Crossings at Carlsbad. As munis go, the Crossings at Carlsbad ranks among the best in the country. Its massive clubhouse, popular for weddings, serves excellent food. The course is polarizing - I know a few contemporaries who don't like it at all - mainly because of its $74-million price tag way back in 2007. It's the most expensive muni ever built. The main drawback is a wild ride on the back nine, which requires long card rides between holes, plus an overdose of target golf and penal green surrounds.
Golfers can see where the money was spent by architect Greg Nash along the way: elaborate bridges, massive retaining walls and a 12th hole that doubles back on itself, featuring 447 yards of prison-style fencing that protects the cart path.
Those who can shrug off the quirky layout and higher-than-normal scores will enjoy playing at The Crossings. Several elevated tee boxes deliver the best vistas of any of the four local courses. There's also a nice resort complex across the street home to a Westin and Sheraton for those who want to cash in some rewards points to lessen the costly sting of visiting SoCal.
The local equipment companies used to offer tours of their facilities, but they're not longer available. It's probably for the best - wouldn't you rather be playing golf than getting a subtle pitch to spend $500 on a new driver?
My last supper was spent dining at Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana, where the veal parmigiana was full of flavor. I'm guessing this will be a popular spot for teams and individuals who want to carb-load before their NCAA rounds. Battling La Costa will take every ounce of skill and energy they have to come out on top. Enjoy the show.
What's your favorite golf course in Carlsbad? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments (0)