Despite staying off the greens for most of 2023, Tiger Woods has added one more laurel to his name. However, this time rather than his caliber for swinging his clubs, Woods finds himself in front of a milestone with his architectural brilliance.
Previously, hosted in Mayakoba, the World Wide Technology Championship moved to the El Cardonal after Mayakoba hosted a LIV event. It’s only fitting that the PGA Tour returned to Mexico at the course designed by the PGA Tour flag bearer. Ahead of the tournament begins, here is everything you need to know about the El Cardonal at Diamante Cabo.
This is the first time that the PGA Tour is being held at any course designed by Tiger Woods. Here are four interesting facts you need to know before the $8,200,000 event begins on November 2.
1. This is the first course designed by Tiger Woods
This was the first course designed by Tiger Woods after high-profile projects in Dubai, Mexico, and North Carolina didn’t work out. Interestingly, it is part of the Diamante Resort on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, where Davis Love III-designed Dunes Course is located along with another course designed by Woods, 3 Oasis Short Course.
2. El Cardonal will pose a stiff challenge
The hilly terrain with multiple ascents and descents, will prove to be an exacting task for both players and caddies. But the sprawling vista of the Pacific Ocean will reward the spectators who make the travel.
PGA Tour pros have to be calculative as the wind from the Pacific will become a hurdle for the golfers. Depending on the wind, the players might expect to face a different challenge in each of the four days.
3. It’s a larger course than Marco Simone
Compared to Marco Simone that hosted this year’s Ryder Cup, this is 23% larger. The fairways and the greens average around 8,300 square feet. The first five holes run through sandy dunes.
4. Key holes on the course
The par-5 14th will pose a stiff challenge to PGA Tour pros as the hole climbs over eighty feet from the greens. On the other hand, the 474-yard eighth hole is the longest par-2 hole. The eighth hole also has a steep climb of fifty feet from the greens.
While this is surely an excellent achievement for the 15x Major winner, fans are still eager to see the 47-year-old in his usual avatar. Tiger After Woods last played at this year’s Masters and fans have been awaiting a return since.
When will Tiger Woods grace the greens?
Currently, recovering from surgery, Woods was last spotted practicing his swings before the TGR Junior Invitational. Earlier this month, Woods announced the field for the Hero World Challenge mysteriously leaving one spot open raising fans’ speculations that he might join the strong field.
