Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in USA Today Sports on December 16, 2014. It is now being reprinted after news of a new PGA Tour stop being added to this site. )
CABO SAN LUCAS (Mexico) — Tiger Woods finally opened his first golf course with his signature eight years after he started his business designing golf courses.
Woods, accompanied by a 14-piece mariachi band and the Pacific Ocean in the distance, sent Tuesday’s ceremonial first tee shot at El Cardonal at Diamante. This upscale resort/housing community is an ideal place for young and old, and all ages.
Woods, who lost 15 pounds in the last two weeks from a lingering illness has found a fairway bunker along with his drive. Nearly 500 people followed him as he played the front nine. He was still positive, even though he was feeling ill.
Woods stated, “We knew that this day would come.”
Others were skeptical.
Woods’ previous projects in Baja Mexico and Dubai, as well as North Carolina, were destroyed by financial problems or the economy.
Hurricane Odile added another obstacle to the process and delayed the opening by six weeks. Finally, the day finally came.
Woods stated, “You always want a first time some day.”
Woods won’t be waiting long to open his second and third locations, as well as his fourth and fifth. Woods suddenly finds himself in a difficult position in the design industry.
Bluejack National, his design near Houston, is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2015. Woods announced a partnership with Donald Trump, where Woods will design an 18 hole course at Trump World Golf Club Dubai. This will be the centerpiece of Akoya Oxygen. On Tuesday, he also announced that he would design a second 18-hole course for Diamante, tentatively named The Oasis.
Woods will not fill his days with blueprints.
Woods stated that he would only do one at a given time. Woods said that he is still at the peak of his playing years and is still focused on winning major championships and winning golf tournaments. It’s just not possible for me to spend the time with my family and create 15 courses around the globe.
“I would like to do a few here and there, and give them all my input and time.”
El Cardonal can play to a par 72 and can extend out over 7,300 yards through natural arroyos and native dunes.
Forced carries are rare. The fairways are large and the greens big. The fairways are wide and players can run the ball up to the greens. Players can also miss a green and still have many options for their next shot.
Diamante CEO Ken Jowdy said, “His idea is to make it fun and make everyone enjoy it.” It’s been great working with him. It was obvious that he was serious about the project and was open to working in the design industry.
“… I don’t believe anyone can move the needle as fast as he has. Tiger takes it to another level, whatever the reason.
By: Steve DiMeglio
Title: A look back: When Tiger Woods played his own golf course in Cabo San Lucas (now a PGA Tour stop)
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/03/29/tiger-woods-plays-own-golf-course-cabo-san-lucasworld-wide-technology-championship-pga-tour/
Published Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:00:45 +0000
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