The Championship Course When 64 of the world's best players tee off in the Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship at La Costa Resort and Spa -- one of three World Golf Championship events that will kick off next year -- they will find a stern test of golf. As the venue for the Mercedes Championships from 1971 to 1998, La Costa earned a reputation with the top players on the PGA TOUR as a difficult but fair test of golf. In short, the exact elements needed for match play. "This is a wonderful golf course, one of the best we play all year," said PGA TOUR star Justin Leonard. "This golf course is very versatile. It is a very solid course that will lend itself to match play very well." The Mercedes Championships was played during the first week of January, a time of year when rains often plague southern California. La Costa's 7,000 yards played longer as a result. With the Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship to be played in late February, the course will be harder and faster, putting a premium on accuracy and the ability to create tee shots. Several tees have been moved back to increase playing length. Besides adding distance, the new tees also give the Rules Committee other options in setting up the course. In addition, the fairways are being redone on No. 4 and No. 17. The entire fourth fairway is being replaced and the old bunkers are being re-positioned. The 18th is a great finishing hole for matches that go the distance. At 464 yards, it is long, narrow and has a green defended by several bunkers. A new irrigation system is being installed on nine of La Costa's 18 holes and the driving range is being renovated with new landing areas, new tees and practice bunkers. When the work is complete, the practice area will be one of the best this elite group of players will encounter. To complement the competitive test, La Costa Resort and Spa will provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation after the round. It is a full-service facility complete with massage therapists, award-winning restaurants, a championship tennis center, 36 holes of golf and many other amenities to pamper a guest. At 75,000 square feet, the La Costa Spa is the largest full-service spa in the United States. It has been named "Best Spa Worldwide" by the Robb Report for six year. Overall, the resort has recently completed an $8 million renovation. "When I first heard about the event I was very excited," Leonard said. "I think a lot of the players enjoy coming to La Costa. To be able to stay on-site at a great resort, get done and if you don't want to hit balls, you go get a massage. I wish it was like that every week, although we would probably get a little soft.""