Tiger’s first golf course design opens
After many months of work, imagination and anticipation, Tiger Woods’ first golf course design — El Cardonal at Diamante Cabo San Lucas — will officially open Tuesday, Dec. 16.
“I’m very excited about the opening of El Cardonal,” Woods said. “This is a culmination of a dream for me and my team. I’ve always wanted to be involved in golf course design, and now my first course is ready to open.”
The course, which features dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and the El Faro lighthouse, is the first completed project from Tiger Woods Design and has created a buzz within the industry as the 14-time major champion unveils his first finished venture into course architecture.
Woods will be on site at Diamante for the opening, when El Cardonal joins the highly regarded Dunes Course designed by Davis Love III within the community on Mexico’s Baja peninsula.
El Cardonal, named for the ranch that previously occupied the site, features wide landing areas, open entrances to green complexes and strategic choices. Woods has taken from some of his favorite old-style courses in California. The idea was to create a course that is challenging to better players while remaining enjoyable and playable for golfers of all skill levels. There are five sets of tees available to play.
The course will play 7,363 yards from the back tees and features flash-faced bunkers similar to those Woods became familiar with playing golf as a youngster in southern California.
“I designed El Cardonal at Diamante to make you think,” Woods said. “You must be willing to weigh risks and make smart choices. Proper strategy will provide the best opportunity to score. The biggest compliment I can receive after you play my course is that you want to play it again.”
The community features a 1.5-mile white sand beach, a 10-acre saltwater lagoon and various other amenities including the new Woods-designed golf course.
During the grand opening celebration, Ron Green Jr., senior writer for Global Golf Post magazine, will take over Woods’ Twitter account and will tweet updates and observations from El Cardonal.
