GOLF & TRAVEL
DISCOVER TIMELESS CALIFORNIA COOL AT
OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA T
oday, I’m walking in the steps of Tiger Woods. And, not “Chill Dad Tiger” or “Over-40 Underdog Tiger,” either. I’m talking Dominant, Smack You Down and Put You in Your Place Tiger. Our foursome just walked onto the 16th tee at Omni La Costa Resort Spa’s Champions Course in idyllic Carlsbad, California. Visions of what Tiger did to Tom Lehman here at 1997 Mercedes Championship (then the PGA TOUR’s season-opening Tournament of Champions) are inescapable and the desire to replicate his prowess are mak-
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ing this 170-yard tee shot to the challenging par three all the more thrilling. In a sudden death playoff, Lehman found the water off the tee here, leaving Woods with an opportunity to safely steer his approach anywhere onto the putting surface and still win his third professional title comfortably. Woods had something different in mind, though, taking a mighty swing and stuffing his approach to 10 inches. The shot was a proclamation, a notice to the golfing world that this kid from Cypress wouldn’t shrink in
California Golf + Travel
the big moments. Not a chance. If you wanted to beat him, it would take your best shots and a fearless approach. My swing was fearless but my result, however, wasn’t Tigeresque. After seeing my par save skid inches past the cup, I took solace in the serene beauty of the surrounding hills and visions of a sizzling ribeye at the resort’s signature dining spot, Bob’s Steak and Chophouse. Things could be a lot worse. From an award-winning spa to eight sparkling pools and its two iconic championship golf courses, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa provides a refreshing escape and transcendent weather any time of year. This celebrated retreat brings visitors a true taste of the coastal California lifestyle. Touched by fresh ocean breezes and set within a captivating 400-acre village, Omni La Costa, a GOLF Magazine Top-100 Resort in North America and Golf Digest Editors’ Choice among Best Golf Resorts in California, elevates the concepts recreation and leisure. Originally developed as an amenity-driven playground for well-heeled celebrities and
