Tiger Woods has an illustrious career, so it’s safe to say the legend knows the sport inside and out. With 15 major wins and countless iconic performances, his career is as decorated as it gets. But beyond his incredible skill, there’s something else that stands out: his sharp eye for course strategy.

Speaking of which, the 2024 World Wide Technology Championship is being held at the El Cardonal designed by Tiger Woods in Diamante Cabo San Lucas. And for those who don’t know, this is the first golf course designed by Woods and has put Diamante and Los Cabos on the map as top-tier golf destinations.

But does having a course designed by Woods give players an advantage since he is a big-shot golfer? Not exactly. It’s the opposite. This course is full of challenges and keeps the excitement high. Woods designed it to keep golfers on their toes, with plenty of strategy options for each shot and hole. It’s long and demanding enough for the pros but still open enough for those with higher handicaps to find their way through. In short, it’s a fun, strategic test for any golfer.

“I set up the golf strategy to make golfers think and make choices.” Woods explained. “Regardless of your handicap, 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.”

While the design doesn’t necessarily give any player an outright advantage, those who know their stuff when it comes to strategy and course management might find some clever ways to play the layout to their benefit. So, the real challenge isn’t just about hitting the ball; it’s about how each golfer thinks on their feet and adapts to what the course throws at them.

But there’s more to this course than just its strategic challenges, as Woods has infused it with a personal touch. The course is influenced by the old-school courses in Southern California, where he grew up playing, adding a sense of nostalgia for him. That said, the reception to his design has been a mixed bag, with players expressing varied opinions about its challenge and overall layout.

Tiger Woods El Cardonal course has had a mixed reception

While Tiger Woods aimed to create an exciting experience for both players and viewers, his exclusive design has faced mixed reviews from the players. A decade into the course’s existence, golfers didn’t hold back with their critiques. Andrew Putnam was quick to voice that he found the course a bit too easy, while Kelly Kraft suggested that the PGA Tour might not have made the best choice in switching to El Cardonal, according to Golf Monthly.

Thomas Detry had his little adventure at the 16th hole when his ball rolled off the front edge of the green and into a steep native area below. That moment had some fans questioning the course design, while others pointed fingers at how the tournament was set up. But not everyone was critical. Michael Kim took a more balanced approach, noting that while the fairways might be among the widest on tour, he liked the variety in the greens. He even mentioned that Woods designed a course that fits his style.

All that said, the tournament is being held at El Cardonal, and it’s likely to stick around for a while, with a five-year agreement in place. While it’s clear that there are plenty of opinions about Woods’s course, it has sparked some interesting conversations in the golf world. So, what is your take on the design? Let us know in the comments!