Torrey Pines - South Course
Familiar to virtually every golfer, Torrey Pines represents one of America's most storied public courses. Named after the Torrey pine, a tree native Southern California, Torrey Pines contains 36 total holes of golf spread out over two 18 hole courses. The lesser known North Course does play host to professional events, namely the first two rounds of the Farmers Insurance Open. The signature South Course, hosts the final two rounds of the Farmers each year, was the site of Tiger Woods' victory in the 2008 US Open, and will host the 2021 US Open. During my trip, I had the pleasure of playing the marquee South Course, while staying at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
Playing Torrey Pines, specifically the South Course, should be on any golfer's bucket list. Recognizable from televised majors to golf video games, the South Course is one of America's most-recognized layouts. The City of San Diego manages the course, which makes playing Torrey not only realistic, but also economical. Almost every hole provides an unobstructed view of the Pacific. Golfers must focus on the shot at hand while blocking out distractions such as low level airplanes (civilian and military, given the proximity of Miramar), and hang gliders.
The South Course is relatively straight forward to navigate. There are few, if any, true blind shots. Length, elevated greens, and green-side bunkers provide the primary defenses of the course. Measuring 7628 yards from the tips, the course plays at major championship length if desired. Even though we played the course during the winter season, with seeded greens, the course conditions were superb. In a testament to the grounds crews, the greens rolled as true as possible given their condition and virtually year round play. The remainder of the course was in excellent shape. Even as construction crews assembled grandstands for the upcoming Farmers, the Torrey Pines ground crew went about their business keeping the course playable. Holes 3 and 4 provide the most striking views of the Pacific, and an appreciation for the height of the course above sea level. The rough was no where near US Open level, so errant tee shots were not entirely penalizing. In order to navigate Torrey's South course, a player needs effective course management to avoid greenside bunkers, plan for down versus up wind distances, and knowledge the entire course sits on a cliff which will likely pull level putts towards the ocean.
Tee shots on the South Course are relatively open
Cliffs provide a picturesque backdrop throughout the course
If a golfer chooses to stay near Torrey Pines, there is no finer option than The Lodge. A 5 Diamond AAA Resort, the Lodge is simply unmatched in its location and prestige. Built in 2002, the property contains well-appointed guest rooms, world-class dining, a spa, and an outdoor pool. With dark wood trim and flooring, the Lodge invokes a classic, inviting atmosphere. Have an excellent steak at AR Valentine, enjoy a fireside lunch outdoors at the Grill, and utilize the well-stocked fitness center.
Cost: $$$$
Conditions: 5
Playability: 5
Prestige: 5
Overall: 5
The Par 3 third hole
Even in November, the course remains in excellent shape
The Torrey Pine, for which the course is named
Playing Torrey Pines, specifically the South Course, should be on any golfer's bucket list. Recognizable from televised majors to golf video games, the South Course is one of America's most-recognized layouts. The City of San Diego manages the course, which makes playing Torrey not only realistic, but also economical. Almost every hole provides an unobstructed view of the Pacific. Golfers must focus on the shot at hand while blocking out distractions such as low level airplanes (civilian and military, given the proximity of Miramar), and hang gliders.
The South Course is relatively straight forward to navigate. There are few, if any, true blind shots. Length, elevated greens, and green-side bunkers provide the primary defenses of the course. Measuring 7628 yards from the tips, the course plays at major championship length if desired. Even though we played the course during the winter season, with seeded greens, the course conditions were superb. In a testament to the grounds crews, the greens rolled as true as possible given their condition and virtually year round play. The remainder of the course was in excellent shape. Even as construction crews assembled grandstands for the upcoming Farmers, the Torrey Pines ground crew went about their business keeping the course playable. Holes 3 and 4 provide the most striking views of the Pacific, and an appreciation for the height of the course above sea level. The rough was no where near US Open level, so errant tee shots were not entirely penalizing. In order to navigate Torrey's South course, a player needs effective course management to avoid greenside bunkers, plan for down versus up wind distances, and knowledge the entire course sits on a cliff which will likely pull level putts towards the ocean.
Biotech companies and a hospital line the fairways of the back nine
If a golfer chooses to stay near Torrey Pines, there is no finer option than The Lodge. A 5 Diamond AAA Resort, the Lodge is simply unmatched in its location and prestige. Built in 2002, the property contains well-appointed guest rooms, world-class dining, a spa, and an outdoor pool. With dark wood trim and flooring, the Lodge invokes a classic, inviting atmosphere. Have an excellent steak at AR Valentine, enjoy a fireside lunch outdoors at the Grill, and utilize the well-stocked fitness center.
The Lodge offers an unmatched location and world-class facilities
Enjoy sunset at the Lodge's pool
Cost: $$$$
Conditions: 5
Playability: 5
Prestige: 5
Overall: 5
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