Torrey Pines has long been recognized as one
of the nation's premier municipal golf facilities.Often
referred to as a "golfer's paradise",
the Championship North and South courses provide
views of the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Torrey Pines is regarded as one of the world's
top golf courses.
Torrey Pines Golf Course and Balboa Park Municipal
Golf Course are the two gorgeous, municipal
18-hole championship courses are on the coast
between La Jolla and Del Mar, only 20 minutes
from downtown San Diego. Home of the Buick Invitational
Tournament, and the setting for the 2008 U.S.
Open, Torrey Pines is second only to Pebble
Beach as California's top golf destination.
Situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean, the
north course is picturesque and has the signature
hole (no. 6), but the south course is more challenging,
has more sea-facing play, and benefits from
a $3.5-million overhaul in 2002 (the north course
will get a similar face-lift some time before
2008).
In summer, course conditions can be less than
ideal due to the sheer number of people lined
up to play, and "tee scalpers" aren't
uncommon. Tee times are taken by computer, starting
at 7pm, up to 7 days in advance and by automated
telephone only -- it takes only 20 to 30 minutes
for all tee times for a given day to sell out.
Confirmation numbers are issued, and you must
have the number and photo identification with
you when you check in with the starter 15 minutes
ahead of time. If you're late, your time may
be forfeited. Golf packages double the cost,
but give you much better odds of actually getting
onto the course. Golf professionals are available
for lessons, and the pro shop rents clubs. Greens
fees on the south course are $105 weekdays,
$125 weekends; the north course is $65 weekdays
and $75 weekends. Cart rentals are $30, and
twilight rates are available.
Tip: Single
golfers stand a good chance of getting on the
course if they just turn up and get on the waiting
list for a threesome. The locals also sometimes
circumvent the reservation system by spending
Friday or Saturday night in a camper in the
parking lot. The starter lets these diehards
on before the reservations made by the computer
go into effect at 7:30am.
San
Diego Golf Club nearby Hotel offers complimentary
24-hour airport transportation and also many
amenities, including free continental breakfast,
free local calls, outdoor pool, and free weekday
newspaper.
