Anyone who has played the Dunes Course at Diamante knows that it’s more than amazing golf coupled with stunning views. As part of the experience, players enjoy a variety of Diamante’s signature comfort stations. 

Before tee time, the Driving Range has a one-of-a-kind Slider Bar. Start the day with breakfast sliders in the morning, which include chorizo, bacon, and sausage. Or ask for a fresh fruit smoothie. In the afternoon, players enjoy burgers and tuna sliders. Players also indulge in a variety of refreshments and beverages.

Once players reach the third hole, they come across the first comfort station. This delicious stop specializes in Bloody Mary and tortilla soup – perfect for giving players extra energy for the next few holes! And if you’re not quite hungry at the third hole, no problem, this comfort station is repeated again on the 6th hole.

The Dunes Course has a second comfort station after holes 11 and 14. At this station, players enjoy Diamante’s authentic tamales and margaritas. Viva Mexico!

Each of the comfort stations features a variety of items including tuna and marlin salads, beef jerky, candies, and more! Drinks include Gatorade, soda, beer, and other mixed alcoholic drinks.

Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what golfer Donna Quin had to say: “We played the Tiger Woods course, and it was beautiful, overlooking the pacific ocean. The best part of the course for me was the comfort stations. Before you tee off, made-to-order lunch is served at the clubhouse, I highly recommend the sliders. The comfort stations on the course all had themes. Both food and beverages were served. I like the margarita comfort station the best, and even if you’re not a big golfer like me, you can really enjoy an afternoon just drinking margaritas and looking at the beautiful scenery and animals”

Come for the golf, stay for the food! You’ll love the unforgettable experience that is playing Diamante’s Dunes Course!

If you’re not quite a PGA player and playing 18 holes feels a little overwhelming, the Oasis Short Course is the perfect course for you! This Tiger Woods designed course was created with all levels and ages of golfers in mind.

This 12-hole, the par-three course, is ideal for couples, families, and beginners. It’s also a fun practice course for experienced golfers (don’t underestimate this course!). Tiger Woods designed this course with TGR’s design philosophy to build courses that are fun and playable for all, yet challenging for better players.

“I learned how to play on a short par 3 course in Long Beach, California,” Woods said. “When I was a kid, a 100-yard hole for me at Heartwell Golf Course was a driver and a 7-iron, so I can relate to the challenges faced by younger players,” he stated. “Building this course really brought me back to my roots.” Woods said his goal was to design “a fun, playable course that brings people together and brings golfers back to the game.”

Tiger Woods also designed this course with time in mind, “People today don’t have the time (for leisure pursuits) that they used to have,” Woods said. “We need the ability to play fast and have it be enjoyable.”

In true Diamante fashion, The Oasis Short Course features stunning views with over 400 palm trees and is designed around an 8-acre lake. The course layout is extremely flexible and can be played as a 12 hole par three course or a three-hole loop with a par 3, 4, and 5, among other potential configurations. Diamante owner Ken Jowdy, says the park-like atmosphere of The Oasis Short Course was conceived as a “green space” for a variety of recreational pursuits, from golf and croquet to beanbag and Frisbee tossing.

Don’t just take our word for it, our players have found the course as equally enjoyable as challenging: 

“The day I played the short course, most of the 12 holes were set up to play less than 100 yards, some as short as 40 yards. I thought I had a good quick game, but the paspalum grass is so sticky that you can’t bounce shots in like I normally do. It exposed my short-game weaknesses, no doubt.

The entire facility wraps around a pond that’s never in play until the last hole. The small greens are tough to hit and hold. There’s a fair amount of ridges and slopes in a few.

Drinks and snacks are available in a palapa where you check-in. It was good to see a handful of couples playing together.” – Jason Deegan, GA

Are you ready to book your tee time? Contact us to book today.

Nestled on 1.5 miles of stunning coastline and magnificent dunes, Diamante is a luxury golf resort in a class of its own. Diamante has an incredibly unique and diverse set of amenities which currently include two world-class golf courses designed by Davis Love III and Tiger Woods, a TGR Design par three Oasis Short Course, 10-acre Crystal Lagoon salt-water pool, state-of-the-art spa, fitness and sports center, several bars and restaurants, six miles of walking and hiking trails, and much more.

 Add to all of this an extended family of staff who are here to grant your every wish, an experience you will find nowhere else in the world.

With so much to do and see, today we answer your most frequently asked questions about Diamante Cabo San Lucas.

What is Diamante Cabo San Lucas?

Diamante Cabo San Lucas is a private master-planned resort community on approximately 1,500 acres of pristine land along the Pacific coastline, located just six miles from Cabo San Lucas’ city center. 

Diamante Cabo San Lucas opened in late 2009 with the premiere of the Dunes Course, a private world-class links-inspired course designed by Davis Love III. Featured in GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 list, the Diamante golf experience features gourmet comfort stations and a clubhouse and practice facility complete with a performance center and private hitting bays. 

The Tiger Woods-designed El Cardonal Course at Diamante provides another exceptional golf experience with the same service and attention to detail as the Dunes Course.

Real Estate development includes Sunset Hill home sites, residential Golf Villas, Beach Estate oceanfront home sites, a Dunes Residence Club, a Golf Villa Residence Club and the Resort at Diamante. In short, Diamante is an exclusive oasis where stunning scenery and world-class golf meet luxury accommodations and exceptional service.

Where is Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo San Lucas is at the tip of Baja California Sur, approximately 1,000 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border. Major cities, such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix and Houston, are all within two-and-a-half hours’ flying time; other cities — like Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta and New York — offer short flights, as well.

Where is Diamante Cabo San Lucas?

Diamante is about six miles (less than 15 minutes by car) from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Diamante represents the next stretch of oceanfront property along the Pacific Ocean, heading north from “Land’s End” toward Todos Santos.

How far is Diamante from the airport or downtown?

Diamante is approximately 45 minutes from the San Jose International Airport and less than 15 minutes from downtown and the Marina. Diamante is serviced by taxicabs, as well as our exclusive shuttle service.

In addition, the local Cabo San Lucas airport is available to private aircraft and is less than 10 minutes from Diamante.

What is there to do in Cabo?

Cabo San Lucas is one of the safest, most desired vacation spots in the world. Set on the tip of Baja California, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, Cabo features wonderful beaches and majestic grand resorts. 

From gorgeous sunset cruises to world-class golf and deep-sea fishing, to fashionable shopping and fine dining, a world of activities awaits. Surf, scuba, snorkelling and off-roading offer thrills and excitement. There is always fun and adventure to be found in Cabo San Lucas.

What amenities does Diamante have?

Diamante Cabo San Lucas is home to three golf courses: The award-winning Dunes Course, El Cardonal designed by Tiger Woods, and The Oasis Short Course, also designed by Tiger Woods.

Diamante’s Golf Academy is also available for either private or group lessons. It’s the perfect activity for corporate team-building events as well!

The Clubhouse at Diamante is where you’ll find gourmet food and casual fare, a sports bar, pool and Jacuzzi and a 24-hour epicurean deli. Grab a quick bite to go or sip artisanal tequila by the fire on one of our terraces while watching golfers play against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. So much more than just a clubhouse, you could easily spend the day here.

Diamante also features a business center, state-of-the-art health and fitness center with a lap pool and Jacuzzi, and a private beach. In addition, we offer 24-hour member services that can arrange for any activity under the sun.

The only 10-acre swimmable saltwater lagoon is exclusive to Diamante. With views of Diamante’s signature sand dunes and the majestic Pacific Ocean, this 10-acre saltwater Crystal Lagoons® at Diamante offers relaxation and family-friendly activities at the heart of our resort. Sail, swim, stand-up paddleboard and kayak or lounge nearby in your own private cabana. Surrounding the lagoon, you’ll find expansive beach areas, Amigos Restaurant with a swim-up bar and jacuzzi, and other family-centric amenities–so pack your goggles and sunscreen and get ready for some serious fun.

Is it safe to swim or partake in water sports at the property?

Diamante’s saltwater lagoon allows for swimming and non-motorized watersports. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean is prohibited throughout most of Cabo, because of strong riptide conditions.

How secure is the property?

Nestled in one of the safest locations in North America and surrounded by security, Diamante is a true getaway from the worries of the world. A former special agent, our director of security, has outfitted Diamante with the most knowledgeable and competent guards for round-the-clock support and peace of mind. Like all the services at Diamante, our safety staff goes the extra mile so that — once you’re here — all you’ll have to worry about is remembering to put on your sunscreen.

How many golf courses does Diamante have? Are they private or public?

Diamante features 2 18-hole courses and 1 short course. Diamante is a private facility for the exclusive use of residential owners and members.

The Dunes Course features eighteen holes amongst some of the most dramatic sand dunes in the world. It’s more than just a pretty course. As part of the Dunes experience, players enjoy the unforgettable practice facility, a Slider Bar with mini sandwiches and refreshments before tee time and additional small plates and libations at Diamante’s signature course-side comfort stations. The golf is great, but the experience truly is something special.

Diamante opened up Tiger Woods’ first golf course design—El Cardonal—adding to both Diamante’s and Los Cabos’ reputation as a world-class golf destination. Influenced by the old-style courses of Southern California that he grew up playing, Tiger created a course that brings back the need for strategy—providing players with several shot options to navigate during each hole. The course is long enough to challenge expert players but open enough to provide options for those with higher handicaps. It truly is a fun test for golfers of all skill levels. 

Diamante opened its latest golf creation in December 2016—The Oasis Short Course. This Tiger Woods designed 12-hole par three course features a palapa bar, practice green, event lawn, and a mile-long perimeter concrete jogging and hiking trail.

What type of real estate is available at Diamante?

Diamante Cabo San Lucas features an array of luxury real estate opportunities.

Ocean Club Residences. The Ocean Club Residences (” OCR”) community is Diamante’s newest development and the first multi-unit beachfront development on the property. The OCR will feature 119 shared ownership units and 59 whole-ownership units for a total of 178  two, three and four-bedroom residences. The OCR will feature a host of amenities, including expansive pools with swim-up bars, restaurants, a fitness center, spa, kid’s club, retail shopping, and lobby/lounge areas. The cornerstone of the OCR project will be Diamante’s signature first-class service.

 

Golf Villas. The Golf Villas reflect the great Mexican haciendas, designed around a dramatic courtyard. A great room sits between the terrace and courtyard, with the ability to open to the outdoor environment and become one contiguous space for maximum flexibility. Each villa features four bedrooms and 4½ bathrooms and amenities such as an infinity pool with a swim-up palapa bar, indoor/outdoor showers, private pool terrace with fire pit, outdoor grill, terrace fireplace, outdoor courtyard, two-car garage and golf cart garage, gourmet kitchen and media room.

Sunset Hill Estates. Perched atop one of Diamante’s highest elevations, Sunset Hill overlooks the entire property and lives up to its name with excellent views of Baja’s breathtaking Pacific sunsets. Sunset Hill offers 78 homesites carefully designed to take full advantage of the rich dramatic setting of the natural desert terrain, the glorious dunes and the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Beach Estates. These homesites are on the southwest corner of the development, just a short stroll from the Pacific Ocean and its miles of untouched coastline. The Beach Estates offer 40 home sites, all of which are close to an acre in size. The rows of Beach Estate lots are tiered, allowing each property to capture unobstructed views of the beach, golf, and surf.

Las Casitas. The Diamante Casita community is a recent addition to Diamante’s one-of-a-kind real estate portfolio. These 3 bedrooms 3 1/2 bathroom single-family homes feature a two-car garage, rooftop deck, hot tub, outdoor grill and fire pit. In addition, each home comes fully furnished and turn key featuring gourmet kitchen appliances. As a Casita owner, you will select your interior furnishings and finishes during the construction of your new Diamante home.

Dunes Club Penthouse Suites. Sitting atop the Dunes Clubhouse is a collection of two-bedroom, three-bathroom condominiums available for full ownership. For those who desire a luxuriously active experience, the Penthouse Suites offer unobstructed views and a host of amenities found onsite at the Clubhouse below.

How do I contact a Diamante representative?

You can contact us from the U.S.: 209-233-8637 and locally in Cabo: 624-14-320-46. You can also reach us via email: Lvargas@diamantelife.com 

Cabo San Lucas has long been a favorite vacation destination, so it comes as no surprise that many are making Cabo their part-time or full-time residence. Diamante is a paradise of beauty, privacy, and luxury, thus making it a perfect place for a vacation home.

Strategically planned around Diamante’s Dunes Course, the Golf Villas capture extraordinary views of this stunning natural course. Diamante’s Golf Villas has been one of our most sought-after residences. Sales in 2021 have been robust as all but six (6) of the nearly 70 Golf Villas remain.

The Golf Villas reflect the great Mexican haciendas, designed around a dramatic courtyard. The iconic design built around an open-air courtyard features everything you could desire in a home. A great room sits between the terrace and courtyard, with the ability to open to the outdoor environment and become one contiguous space for maximum flexibility. 

Because each villa features four bedrooms and 4½ bathrooms, it’s perfect for families travelling together or couples who desire that extra bit of privacy. Golf Villas also include a two-car garage and golf cart garage, gourmet kitchen and media room.

Diamante’s Golf Villas were made with entertainment in mind. Owners enjoy amenities such as an infinity pool with a swim-up palapa bar, indoor/outdoor showers, private pool terrace with fire pit, outdoor grill, terrace fireplace, outdoor courtyard. And nestled along with the Dunes Course, imagine picturesque views of luscious greens against clear, blue skies. 

The Golf Villa Residences are available for purchase as a vacation club. Adjacent to the practice facility of the Diamante Dunes Course, the Villas include the same features as the full-ownership units, as well as access to the Dunes Clubhouse, Dunes Practice Facility, Dunes Golf Course, The Resort, The Resort Course, El Cardonal, the Health and Fitness Club and our world-class spa.

Diamante’s Golf Villas were designed with quality craftsmanship and luxury amenities that promise years of unforgettable vacations to Cabo San Lucas. And while your Golf Villa has everything you need, you’re still just minutes away from the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

If you’d like to learn more about our exclusive, one-of-a-kind Golf Villas, please contact us toll-free from the U.S.: 866-901-9058 and locally in Cabo: 624-172-5811. You can also reach us via email: inquiries@diamantelife.com.

 

The Oasis Short Course at Diamante is one of Cabo’s most loved courses. Designed by Tiger Woods, an 8-acre lake and features stunning sea and sand views surrounded this 12-hole par-three course.

Here are the top 3 reasons you’ll love the Oasis Short Course at Diamante:

1. The Oasis Short Course is versatile.

Let’s face it, not everyone can hit a golf ball a mile. As golf professionals get better and better and have the latest technology, they are able to hit the ball further and further. While this is great for professional golf tournaments, it can make golf for the average golfer almost too difficult. 

The Oasis Short Course at Diamante is perfect for golfers of any skill level, including beginners, kids, and families. It’s also a fun course for couples. And you don’t have to be a PGA Tour player to play well!

Tiger Woods designed the course with creativity in mind. “Having a short course like this brings about more creativity. The way I designed it, you can play bump and run. You can put on the 11 and 12 holes. You can throw the ball in the air all the time if you want to…It’s not just a flat golf course, there are different options.”

2. The perfect golf course to play on your vacation!

As much as we would love to do nothing but play golf on vacation, our family members might have other plans. Because the Oasis Short Course is 12 holes, you can play first thing in the morning and join the rest of your party for brunch. 

Playing this short course leaves plenty of time to soak up everything else Diamante has to offer, including our signature 10-acre crystal blue lagoon. 

Of course if you’d rather spend the whole day playing golf, be sure to book a tee time for El Cardonal or The Dunes course!

3.  A fun, yet challenging practice course…

Before you play a regulation course, warm up with the Oasis Short Course. Playing a shorter course will not help you acclimate to the Cabo heat, but is also perfect for those who want to familiarize themselves with the terrain of sand meets sea atmosphere. 

Don’t underestimate the power of this fun short course. It may also expose some of your golf game weaknesses as it did for guest Jason Deegan:

“The day I played the short course most of the 12 holes were set up to play less than 100 yards, some as short as 40 yards. I thought I had a good short game, but the paspalum grass is so sticky that you can’t bounce shots in like I normally do. It exposed my short-game weaknesses, no doubt.”

Diamante Cabo San Lucas Video

Tiger’s philosophy in designing the course is simple: “We can play faster and have more fun in an entertaining environment–like a short course–where everyone can participate, practice and learn the game, and kids can play without being overwhelmed by a big golf course.”

What are you waiting for? Book your next tee time on the Oasis Short Course at Diamante. We’re sure you’ll come up with more than 3 reasons why you love playing it!

 

 

Things are heating up at Diamante Los Cabos and while we know Cabo summers for their heat, there are plenty of ways to keep your golf game cool this summer! Don’t let the summer heat keep you from playing the best golf courses Cabo has to offer.

Our best tips for keeping cool on the golf course this summer:

Tee off first thing in the morning.

Book the first tee time of the day to avoid golfing during the hottest hours of the day. Not only will you beat the heat, but you’ll also be able to play the course faster since you’ll be one of the first golfers on the course. And since Diamante is on the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be able to enjoy a cool, ocean breeze from any of our 3 golf courses.

Play the Oasis Short Course at Diamante.

With 12, par 3 holes, the Oasis Short Course is perfect for players of all ages and levels. But don’t let that fool you, the course is also challenging for more advanced golfers. Designed by Tiger Woods, we wrap the Oasis Short Course around an 8-acre lake and features over 400 palm shades, making this course perfect for a round of summer golf!

Keep yourself fed and hydrated!

Diamante features some of the world’s best dining options and you won’t have to wait until you’ve played the last hole to enjoy them. Diamante’s comfort stations have something for everyone. Start by enjoying a Bloody Mary or Mexican Cerveza. Then make another pit stop for some margaritas or some corn tamales for lunch!

Cool off in the blue lagoon.

Besides the spectacular golf, Diamante is known for its clear blue, 10-acre saltwater lagoon. After a round of golf on either the Oasis Short Course, El Cardonal, or the Dunes Course, nothing feels as good as a saltwater swim. If swimming isn’t for you, the lagoon offers plenty of other activities from standup paddle boarding, to kayaking, and there’s even a giant inflatable water park!

Be sure to soak up the sunshine and the amazing golf this summer at Diamante Los Cabos. To book your next stay, visit golfdiamante.com. It’s time for you to experience this one-of-a-kind, world-class golf resort!

From his amazing golf talent to relationship scandals to his latest car accident, Tiger has a history of making headlines. Tiger Woods is one of the most famous athletes of all time, currently tied for first in PGA Tour wins, and has a passion for excellence both on and off the golf course.

“The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today. And that’s how I look at my life. I will be a better golfer, I will be a better person, I will be a better father, I will be a better husband, I will be a better friend. That’s the beauty of tomorrow.”

― Tiger Woods

Here are 4 facts you might not know about the golf legend:

 

 

1. His real name is Eldrick Tont Woods.

So where did the nickname “Tiger” come from? According to sportscasting.com, Tiger’s nickname was given to him in honour of Colonel Vuong Dang Phong, a close friend of his father’s in the army. Tiger’s dad, Earl, also called him “Sam”, not after anyone in particular but because Tiger looked like Sam.

2. Tiger Woods and TGR Design have designed golf courses around the world.

Tiger Woods has designed several golf courses around the world, including Bluejack National in Montgomery, Texas, Jack’s Bay in Rock Sound, Bahamas, Payne’s Valley in Ridgedale, Missouri, The Hay in Pebble Beach, California, and Trump World Golf Club in Dubai. Tiger Woods also designed El Cardonal and the Oasis Short Course at Diamante Cabo San Lucas.

When designing El Cardonal, Tiger explains, “I set up the golf strategy to make golfers think and make choices. 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.”

The Oasis Short Course at Diamante is a 12-hole par-three course that features a palapa bar, practice green, event lawn, and a mile-long perimeter concrete jogging and hiking trail.

 

3. Tiger Woods formed his charity, the TGR Foundation, the same year he turned pro.

The TGR Foundation has helped empower students by connecting their passions with education. Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation offers STEM coursework, college-access programs, digital platforms and educator professional development. Their free programs and resources help students in grades 6-12 and they’ve created resources for educators to better serve their students.

To date, they have impacted over 2 million students both in-person and virtually. You can learn more about the TGR Foundation online by visiting their website, https://tgrfoundation.org/

 

4. Donald Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.

According to the White House, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honour, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.”

Tiger Woods was the 4th golfer to be awarded the medal after Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford. He was also the first active golfer to receive the medal.

After receiving the award, Tiger tweeted “It’s an incredible privilege to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Considering the recipients, history, and what this means to me and my family, it’s also very humbling. Thank you all for your support and I hope this inspires others to never give up on their dreams.”

In February 2021, Tiger Woods suffered serious injuries from a rollover car accident. While he survived the crash, it is unknown if he will compete again. He continues to make an impact through his generosity and love of the game.

I’m trying as hard as I can, and sometimes things don’t go your way, and that’s the way things go.–Tiger Woods

 

BY TRAVELIN’ JOE PASSOV

This past Sunday, July 26, was scheduled to be induction day at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. for the class of 2020. The Coronavirus chaos squashed those plans. Instead, Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Diamante’s own Larry Walker will celebrate the honor on this same weekend in 2021.

“I fully understand and agree with the Board’s decision,” said Walker in late April. “It is most important to do the right thing for everybody involved, and that means not putting any participants in jeopardy, whether Hall of Famers or visitors. I realize how serious this situation has become and how many lives have been lost.”

It also means that Walker is spared the agony of having to make a major, televised speech for another 12 months. Sure, he’s ecstatic about the honor. On the other hand, he’s less comfortable about the spotlight that comes with it. Larry Walker is as humble as they come. His baseball career earned him his deserved place in the Hall of Fame. Still, it’s not easy honoring a legend who never had any interest in ceremony, recognition or self-promotion.  Perhaps that makes it even more special.

A Diamante visitor for two-and-a-half years and a property owner for a little more than a year, native Canadian Larry Walker might be reluctant to toot his own horn, so we’ll do it for him. He played 17 years in the major leagues, from 1989 to 2005, with the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals. As a Colorado Rockie in 1997, he became the only player in major league history to register both a .700 slugging percentage (SLG) and 30 stolen bases in the same season. That season he won the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award (MVP). From 1997-1999, he became the first player in more than 60 years to hit better than .360 in three consecutive years. He captured three National League batting championships overall. He was elected to Canada’s Sports of Hall of Fame in 2007. Seven Gold Gloves. Five All-Star appearances. Three Silver Sluggers.

Pretty impressive stuff, right? Tell that to the guy who answered the Hall of Fame’s congratulatory call and accompanying video camera crew while dressed in a NASCAR-style, SpongeBob SquarePants shirt. Sports Illustrated called him a “fashion tastemaker,” because the shirt sold out on Amazon and at Walmart within 24 hours.

Self-effacing? When I asked him about his most memorable moment on the field, he didn’t respond with “clinching the National League pennant,” or “hitting a home run in the World Series.” Instead, he recalled a gaffe. In 1994, while playing for the Expos on an ESPN Sunday night telecast in Dodgers Stadium, he caught a fly ball in foul territory from L.A.’s Mike Piazza off a Pedro Martinez pitch. He then handed the ball over to six-year-old fan Sebastian Napier. Unfortunately, that was only the second out in the inning. Larry quickly saw the Dodgers’ Jose Offerman tagging up from first, running at full throttle. Walker sheepishly retrieved the ball from the young fan, and held Offerman to third base.  Larry’s make-good to young Sebastian the next inning earned both a standing ovation.

“I fired a strike to home plate, too,” says Walker. “You know, I had a few great defensive plays and some walk-off home runs. But that play gets talked about more than anything else in my career. Everyone seems to remember it.”

Diamante’s Ken Jowdy chimes in, laughing and commenting, “I remember my happiest moment when you were on the field, Larry. The 2004 World Series.”

That was the year the Red Sox broke an 86-year World Series drought. For Jowdy, a rabid Red Sox fan, it was heaven. “I don’t want to hear about it,” responds Walker, who for his part, batted .357 in that World Series, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and who hit the only two home runs the Cardinals managed the entire series.

On the afternoon of January 21, 2020, Larry was out doing yard work at his Florida home. “That day was fairly normal for me,” he says. “I had my best friend in from L.A. and one of my brothers came down from Virginia. I brought them in as a ‘just in case’ the phone happened to ring. It was leading up to the witching hour—5 pm to 5:20 is when they said they’d call, if they called, as that was one hour before it would be (announced) on TV.

“I made myself a drink, turned the ringer on and set the phone down, so everybody could see if the call came in. It was a little chilly for a Florida evening and it was getting close to end of the time they said they’d be calling. I made an announcement to the friends and family there, ‘In 90 seconds, we’re going inside.’ Thirty-three seconds later, the phone rang. Everyone around me went crazy. I went numb. The emotions took over. It brought tears to my eyes.”

On the 10^th and final year of eligibility, by a margin of six votes, Larry Walker was now a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. For a Vancouver, B.C. kid whose first love and sporting success was hockey, who had zero ambitions or expectations of realizing this pinnacle of success, it was truly sweet. He had deliberately kept expectations low.

“The thought of being a Hall-of-Famer never once crossed my mind while I was playing,” says Walker. “When my playing days were over, my goal was to stay on the ballot for all ten years. For me, that was a success. I never put myself in a position for disappointment.”

This modest superstar fits right in at Diamante, where’s he treated simply as another member out hunting for birdies. Actually, Larry has a hobby that finds him out hunting for golf balls, a ball hawk, if you will.

“As a kid in Canada,” Larry remembers, “I would wade into the water ponds looking for balls. I would fill egg cartons with them and price them not according to the brand, but as to how shiny they were.”

During the pandemic, Larry has picked up right where he left off. He has spent the duration at Diamante. He’s lowered his handicap index from 9.7 to 4.1, partly because he says he says he’s played more golf in the past four months than in the previous 15 years. Still, he’s far more proud of his found golf ball total.

“I’m up to 3,500,” he says. “My record for one day is 381 and I had another day when I found 351. It started one day during the shutdown. Number 11 on the Dunes is in my backyard and some of the staff was cutting back some brush, but they left the golf balls there. I went and picked them up. It was like an Easter Egg hunt.”

Larry played an all-star lineup of courses in Ireland on a buddies trip in 2019, with Old Head, a cliff-top course above the Atlantic Ocean a clear favorite. Nevertheless, he also enjoys both the Dunes and El Cardonal courses at Diamante.

“El Cardonal is far tougher for me,” says Walker. “The Dunes offers more forgiveness for my erratic shots.” The par-4 fourth and the par-5 18^th on the Dunes are two of Larry’s top choices for golf holes at Diamante, as he makes par or birdie nearly every time. The hole that eats his lunch? The par-3 16^th on El Cardonal. “I know, it’s only 150 yards, but I just don’t seem to club right. There’s wind up there that I never believe or see.”

No matter what he scores, Larry tips his cap to the entire Diamante experience. “Right now, we’re playing the Dunes and it’s quite similar to the courses I enjoyed in Ireland,” he says. “The staff is down-to-earth and polite, there are comfort stations every four holes and the sushi at the Sports Bar is phenomenal—always fresh and good.

“Everyone here has done an amazing job (during the pandemic) of keeping everything running and following the rules. We felt very safe in here since we arrived in March. Another nice thing: Ken lets homeowners look for golf balls.”

Here in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico the weather is close to perfect, especially for golfers. The winter is the busy season here for the area’s many golf courses making Los Cabos a true golfing mecca. But what if you don’t live in Cabo and can’t play golf year round? Not all of us are fortunate enough to have a golf course or a FullSwing golf simulator in our back yard like Tiger Woods, so how does the average duffer keep their skills sharp during the winter months or during a lockdown? Here are a few tips to help perfect your golf swing so you will be ready for your next round.

Use Your Space Wisely

If you’re lucky enough to have access to your own outside space during the lockdown, take the opportunity to use this to practice your swing. Bear in mind that you don’t actually have to hit a ball whilst you’re simply practicing, so even if you don’t have a large garden but instead have a small terrace or even a balcony, you’ll still be able to head out with your club and work on getting your swing correct.

Likewise, even if you don’t have access to any personal outside space at all, the lack of actually creating any impact with a golf ball will still allow you to practice your swing indoors. Just make sure that you’re in a spacious room away from anything that you could accidentally hit with your club – this includes other people!

Improvise

In fact, you don’t even need to break out your golf clubs in order to practice your swing. Instead, simply filling an empty plastic soda bottle with some water until you’ve reached the same sort of weight as your club will give you a perfect alternative to using your clubs, and will certainly reduce the risk of any accidental damage or injury if you’re practicing indoors.

This is also a fantastic way to teach your kids how to perform a golf swing if they’re getting bored during the lockdown, and means that you can pass on your skills without them having to use your clubs as they practice.

Record Yourself

Another good way to look at how your golf swing is performing is to grab your cell phone or a video camera and record yourself as you practice. This will allow you to easily highlight any imperfections in your posture or movements, and gives you the opportunity to focus on individual mistakes rather than having to focus on your swing as a whole.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask any family members or friends that you’re self isolating with to take a look at your swing as you carry it out. This can also be hugely beneficial in pinpointing any movements that may need adjusting.

Follow the Sequence

Getting out of practice can lead to old habits creeping back in, so whilst you’re taking the time to carry on working on your golf swing during the lockdown, make sure that you’re still following the sequence of movements that make up the perfect swing. We’ve broken these down below into individual chunks, so you can be certain that you’re not missing out any crucial steps.

Posture

Although it’s the one thing that is most commonly forgotten by novice and pro golfers alike, the posture that you adopt when you first step up to the ball is arguably the most important thing to make sure you’re getting correct.

Incorrect posture will set you up for failure before you’ve even begun to raise your club towards the sky, so getting it right is crucial. Make sure that you’re feet are positioned in a way that allows for the size of the club head, and that your weight is evenly distributed between the balls of both of your feet.

Keep your knees bent comfortably, and make sure your torso is pointed directly at the ball (or where you would imagine the ball to be in this case) as you address it.

The Takeaway

Remember that as you begin to raise your golf club skyward, you don’t actually have to do very much at all. Fight the temptation to grab on as tightly as possible or move upwards in a quick, jerking action, and instead simply practice slowly moving your shoulders away from where your target would be, keeping your lower body as still as possible and holding onto your club with a comfortable grip.

The Backswing

At this point you’ll want to make sure that your balance is correct. Your shoulders will be turning as a result of your takeaway, so now is the time to ensure that your feet are still firmly planted on the ground and that your legs are stable. Your weight should also be evenly distributed across the top of your legs at this point, and your right hip should be raised higher than the left.

The Transition

Getting your transition correct will have a huge impact on how the club head meets the ball, so take some time to make sure that you’re carrying it out correctly. To do this, your focus needs to be on your lower body and on your hips, with your currently raised right hip now needs to start rotating back into place and towards your target.

The Downswing

Getting your downswing perfect will ensure that the ball gets exactly where you want it to go upon impact, which in turn will lead you to being able to finish the course in as few hits as possible.

At this point, your grip on the club needs to be relaxed in order to allow it to swiftly flow through the air and have a greater amount of force on the ball, and your body position will also need to be adjusted.

To simplify this, you just need to make sure that your left hip begins to raise as you bring your hands back down and that the majority of your weight has shifted to your left leg. This will allow you to get a good shot at the ball without any stunted force behind the club.

Conclusion

Self isolation and social distancing have definitely taken their toll on our day to day lives, and not being able to get out into the wide open to play our favorite sport has been a struggle to say the least. But, try to take any frustration that the lockdown may be causing and focus it into something constructive. Working on your golf swing is certainly a good place to start!

As you can see, there are still a variety of ways that you can work on your golf swing even if you’re currently unable to get over to the golf course, and when you’re finally able to meet up with fellow competitors again, you’ll be able to amaze them with your finely tuned skills.

When you come to Los Cabos be sure to check out Diamante’s stunning practice facilities and instructors at the Diamante Golf Academy. Two FullSwing Golf simulators, driving ranges, short game areas and a putting course with complimentary weekly clinics for men and women of all skill levels. Come and taste the Diamantelife.

 

 

Contact Lvargas@diamantelife.com for more information.

 

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