Ken Jowdy on hiring Tiger Woods to design Diamante courses, building Cabo’s Shadow Creek and playing thousands of rounds with Roger Clemens

In 2003, Ken Jowdy stumbled upon an incredible opportunity in Los Cabos, Mexico. His broker called him, urging him to see a property that the 89-year-old owner had consistently turned down offers for. Intrigued, Jowdy immediately turned his car around and met his broker at what appeared to be a ranch. Within just 30 minutes, a deal was made.

Fast forward to today, and Diamante, the property Jowdy purchased, is now home to not only stunning golf courses, but also esteemed members and homeowners such as Roger Clemens and Larry Walker. Walker affectionately describes Diamante as an “awesome” place, praising its food, weather, and people.

But how did Diamante become the host of the World Wide Technology Championship? According to Jowdy, when it was decided that the tournament wouldn’t be held at Mayakoba, the organizers reached out to Mark Love, brother of pro golfer Davis Love III. Love suggested Diamante as an alternative location, and soon after, the PGA Tour visited the property. With the minor addition of a tee box on the first hole, El Cardonal at Diamante became the obvious choice for the tournament.

When it came to selecting the designers for the Diamante courses, Jowdy had an existing relationship with Davis Love III, making him the perfect choice for the first course. And a few years later, TGR Design, led by Tiger Woods, was brought on board to design the second course. Jowdy simply believed in working with the best in the business, recognizing that true excellence requires more than just talent.

As for the future, Diamante is currently constructing its third course, with Tiger Woods involved once again. The long-term deal they signed with Woods in 2012 ensured his continued involvement in the development. Additionally, a restaurant called Woods Cabo, owned by Woods, is set to open soon, adding to the allure of the property.

But why does Cabo need another high-end golf course? Jowdy believes it’s all about meeting demand. The existing Dunes Course at Diamante is constantly packed with players, highlighting the need for additional courses to satisfy golf enthusiasts.

While Golfweek ranks the Dunes Course highly, Jowdy explains that each course offers its own unique experience. El Cardonal, designed by Tiger Woods, may be more subtle in its beauty, but it remains a favorite among players. The forthcoming Legacy Club, on the other hand, will bring a different feel, featuring water features like waterfalls and streams that create a distinct ambiance.

Legacy Club will be exclusive, with a limited membership of 250 and a focus on family accessibility. Jowdy recognizes the importance of offering high standards of exclusivity, access, and service to attract potential homeowners and sell real estate at the desired price. Ultimately, he aims to create a place where individuals who have worked hard throughout their lives can enjoy an active and fulfilling retirement, with golf being just one of their many pursuits.

And it seems Larry Walker isn’t the only baseball star to fall in love with Diamante. With its stunning courses, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking surroundings, it’s no wonder that this hidden gem in Los Cabos has captured the hearts of both golf and baseball enthusiasts alike.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.