Interviews

Oakmont: An interview with Gil Hanse

With the 2025 US Open arriving at Oakmont, Richard Humphreys spoke with the architect, who renovated the course in 2023, about what to expect

Martin Ebert: Design journey

With a portfolio that includes eight of the ten Open venues, Mackenzie & Ebert occupies an enviable position in the golf design industry. Adam Lawrence spoke with principal Martin Ebert to learn how they got there

Designs for the big screen

Chad Goetz and Agustin Piza discuss their design decisions for the virtual holes that featured in the first season of TGL

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Ben Cowan-Dewar: Shock and awe

Golf development firm Cabot now has properties in six countries. Richard Humphreys speaks with co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar about what makes a great site, selection of golf course architects, and more

Team building

Turfgrass has launched its US arm with the appointment of John Lawrence, Adam Moeller and Brad Owen. Richard Humphreys speaks with them, Turfgrass founder John Clarkin and director of agronomy Julian Mooney to find out more

Brian Curley: Life of Brian

The designer has surely clocked up more air miles than anyone else in the business. Adam Lawrence caught up with him in between flights to discuss his career and his new venture with Jim Wagner

Oakmont: An interview with Gil Hanse

With the 2025 US Open arriving at Oakmont, Richard Humphreys spoke with the architect, who renovated the course in 2023, about what to expect

Martin Ebert: Design journey

With a portfolio that includes eight of the ten Open venues, Mackenzie & Ebert occupies an enviable position in the golf design industry. Adam Lawrence spoke with principal Martin Ebert to learn how they got there

Designs for the big screen

Chad Goetz and Agustin Piza discuss their design decisions for the virtual holes that featured in the first season of TGL

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Ben Cowan-Dewar: Shock and awe

Golf development firm Cabot now has properties in six countries. Richard Humphreys speaks with co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar about what makes a great site, selection of golf course architects, and more

Team building

Turfgrass has launched its US arm with the appointment of John Lawrence, Adam Moeller and Brad Owen. Richard Humphreys speaks with them, Turfgrass founder John Clarkin and director of agronomy Julian Mooney to find out more

Brian Curley: Life of Brian

The designer has surely clocked up more air miles than anyone else in the business. Adam Lawrence caught up with him in between flights to discuss his career and his new venture with Jim Wagner

Amber Hickman
/ Categories: News

Omni La Costa breaks ground on Gil Hanse renovation

Ground has been broken for the Gil Hanse renovation of the Champions course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. 

Among the goals of the renovation are the introduction of more risk-reward elements, ahead of hosting the NCAA Championships from 2024 to 2026, and a new aesthetic inspired by classic Southern California courses. 

Specific hole changes will include the creation of drivable par-four eleventh, a repositioned green on the par-three sixteenth, reminiscent of the twelfth at Augusta National, and bringing the putting surface closer to the existing creek on the par-five eighteenth. 

Once complete, the par-72 course will be playable from 4,300 to 7,500 yards. 

“Our design work will bring a bit more simplicity and elegance to course aesthetics,” said Hanse. “This will be accompanied by a strategic focus balancing enjoyment for everyday play by members and resort guests, with shot-making requirements that test the best of collegiate golf.” 

The resort is also seeking improvements in sustainability, with work on irrigation, which uses reclaimed water, the removal of man-made ponds and reintroduction of natural barrancas with drought tolerant and native plant species. 

“We are excited to officially kick off this work with Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner and the rest of their team,” said Kurt Alexander, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “We believe that the Champions course will be one of the marquee courses available to the public in Southern California after this renovation.” 

Omni La Costa will also renovate its practice facility, with Beau Welling Design planning a lengthened driving range and expanded short game area. 

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    Onmni La Costa Resort & Spa

    Gil Hanse, centre, breaks ground on the Champions course at Omni La Costa

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Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
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