NCAA Extends Omni La Costa as Host Through 2028
The NCAA has announced that the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, will host the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Division I Golf Championships through 2028. This marks a significant extension, as the resort was already set to host the championships in 2025 and 2026. Now, with five consecutive years of hosting, La Costa holds the record for most championships hosted at any venue for both men’s and women’s golf.
La Costa’s Success and Future as a Permanent Site
La Costa received positive feedback after hosting its first championships in May. Coaches and players praised the course conditions and overall experience. With Omni Resorts investing over $20 million into the redesign of La Costa’s North Course by Gil Hanse and upgrading the driving range, the venue has become a contender for a permanent NCAA championship site.
Some coaches, led by the University of Texas, have voiced support for making La Costa the championship’s permanent home. Georgia Tech men’s head coach Bruce Heppler stated, “I think we found a winner here and hope we can make it permanent.”
Positive Feedback from Coaches and Players
The redesign, despite being relatively new, impressed many. Tennessee head coach Brennan Webb noted, “The course was in incredible shape after only six months of growth. It’s going to be a great venue for years to come.” Stanford women’s head coach Anne Walker, whose team won at La Costa, echoed these sentiments. She shared, “The course setup was terrific, and my players loved it.”
While some concerns remain about the lack of regional alternation, most coaches appreciate La Costa’s predictable weather, top-tier facilities, and prime TV windows for Golf Channel broadcasts. These factors make the course an attractive option for future championships.
Strong Performances Highlight La Costa’s Challenge
La Costa’s North Course offered a challenging test for the athletes, further emphasized by new greens that were still maturing. Despite this, the men’s and women’s competitions delivered top-quality results. Auburn took the men’s team title, while Georgia Tech’s Hiroshi Tai and Texas A&M’s Adela Cernousek claimed individual honors. Stanford’s women also secured the team championship, with 14 women finishing even par or better.
The Vision for a “Road to Omni La Costa”
The concept of making La Costa the permanent championship site originated with Texas men’s head coach John Fields and athletic director Chris Del Conte, alongside Oklahoma State coaching legend Mike Holder. After discussions with Omni and securing Gil Hanse for the redesign, the project gained momentum.
Texas has taken the lead as the host school for the championships at La Costa, with Fields calling it the project of his “dreams.” He has been deeply involved in the renovation process, making frequent trips to California. Fields believes that if La Costa performs well over the next five years, it could secure a permanent spot on the NCAA golf calendar.
Play at Omni La Costa
Interested in securing a tee time at Omni La Costa to experience the newly-renovated course for yourself? Check out our Omni La Costa Stay & Play packages or give us a call at 858-456-8366 for more information.
