Home of the 2021 US Open
11480 N Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-581-7171
Cost: $29-$240 Click for current rate
Torrey Pines Golf Overall Empty Nester’s Guide (ENG) Rating 4.3/5.0
North Course — ENG Rating 4.0/5.0
Designed by William Bell, Sr. in 1957 and recently renovated in 2016.
Signature hole #6. Par 3 – 206/160/150/141 yards – Handicap 13/15
South Course — ENG Rating 4.4/5.0
Designed by William Bell, Sr. in 1957. Torrey Pines South Golf Course is the home of the Farmers Insurance Open PGA Gold Tournament played in January or February. Rees Jones redesigned Torrey Pines South in 2001 hosted 2008 U.S. Open Championship.
Signature hole #3. Par 3 – 200/159/142/105 years – Handicap 13/15
TIP: Unless you are a San Diego resident, the chance of calling the pro shop for a reservation can be next to impossible. However, if you stay at either one of the two hotels, tee time is guaranteed with the purchase of a golf package. Please note that the South course is not necessarily guaranteed even with the package. It depends on availability.
I decided to book a package through The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The concierge assisted me with booking a tee time which went seamlessly, but she told me the South course completely booked. I saw my dream of playing the South course vanished before my eyes. However, while playing the North course with a local, I was advised to put my name on the wait list if I wished to play the South. So I went up to the starter booth and got my name on the list. After waiting patiently for over two hours, I was finally standing on the first hole. And it was worth the wait!
Both courses were in great shape and offered several ocean-hugging holes with breathtaking views, but I can see why the South course was chosen for the US Open venue. The course was challenging yet playable. The layout of the course kept me intrigued. The North course however had several holes (4,9,10, and 18) near the clubhouse and along the main road that felt like a typical municipal course — straight and boring. Don’t get me wrong. If I was a local playing these two courses at a discounted rate, I would proudly make this place my home course.
Play and Stay Golf Package
Local Restaurant
After golf I was famished and was in the mood for some seafood. Using my trusted Yelp guide, I searched the local seafood restaurants. One restaurant caught my attention: Truluck’s Seafood. I went there early (5pm) and was able to order from their happy hour menu. Definitely try their oysters and tuna tartare. It was fresh and amazing. ENG Rating 5.0/5.0.