Baja California Sur, Mexico
El Cardonal is Tiger Woods' first golf course design, opened in 2014 at Diamante in Los Cabos. Designed by TGR Design, the course draws inspiration from classic Southern California layouts where Woods grew up playing. The course emphasizes strategic play, offering multiple shot options on each hole to accommodate golfers of varying skill levels—challenging enough for experts while remaining accessible to higher handicappers.
Set within dramatic Pacific Ocean views, El Cardonal features natural arroyos, mature native vegetation, and native dunes that define its desert landscape setting. The design prioritizes angles of approach and shot selection, requiring players to think strategically about how to navigate each hole. Woods deliberately created a layout that encourages different playing strategies based on individual handicaps and preferences, making every hole playable in multiple ways.
The course combines length and openness, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience that balances difficulty with playability. Its integration into the Diamante community adds to the region's reputation as a world-class golf destination.