LOS CABOS, Mexico — Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer, has achieved another first in his illustrious career. This week marks the inaugural PGA Tour event being held on one of Woods’ designs, El Cardonal at Diamante. Collaborating with senior design associate Beau Welling, Woods has created a stunning course that offers a unique playing experience.
A Challenging Course with Breathtaking Views
El Cardonal at Diamante is a par-72 course, stretching across 7,363 yards. Nestled along the picturesque Pacific Ocean with its natural arroyos and native dunes, the course offers golfers breathtaking views at every turn. It is no surprise that Golfweek’s Best Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic Islands, and Central America list ranks El Cardonal at an impressive T-33.
However, the course’s beauty is not the only challenge that awaits the players. The main defense of El Cardonal is the wind, which requires golfers to adapt their shot-making and make strategic decisions. Tiger Woods has emphasized the importance of critical thinking and versatility in approaching each hole.
Strategic Design and Diverse Shot Values
One of the standout features of El Cardonal is its variety of hole angles and challenging green complexes. For instance, the par-5 14th hole offers golfers the rare opportunity to take an alternate fairway. This unique design element tests the players’ creativity and shot-making skills.
Tiger Woods, renowned for his strategic approach to the game, has crafted a course that encourages players to think critically about their approach. Every shot requires careful consideration, and the angles of approach play a vital role in determining the type of shots golfers should consider.
When discussing his design philosophy, Woods stated, “I set up the golf strategy to make golfers think and make choices. There are going to be different ways to play every hole. Angles of approach are going to be very important and will dictate the type of shots you should consider. I love this kind of golf.”
Praise from the Pros
The pros have been effusive in their praise for Tiger Woods’ first completed design and El Cardonal at Diamante as the host course for the PGA Tour event. Michael S. Kim, a professional golfer, shared his thoughts on Twitter, acknowledging the unique qualities of the course:
“I’m not a massive course design junkie like Zac Blair and others, so this is a pretty basic breakdown lol. I always find it funny that famous players that became course designers end up designing courses that fit their…”
As the pros tee off at El Cardonal, they will have the opportunity to experience the challenges and beauty of Tiger Woods’ vision firsthand. The course’s magnificent panorama of dunes, fairways, and ocean views, combined with its strategic design, promises an unforgettable golfing experience.
So, buckle up and get ready to witness history as Tiger Woods’ masterpiece unveils a new chapter in the world of professional golf.
By: Adam Schupak
Title: Tiger Woods’ First Course to Host a PGA Tour Event: El Cardonal at Diamante
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/lists/tiger-woods-design-el-cardonal-at-diamante-world-wide-technology-championship/
Published Date: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 11:00:33 +0000
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