How To Play Torrey Pines

We explain how to play the 2021 US Open host venue, the South Course at Torrey Pines

How To Play Torrey Pines
(Image credit: Getty Images)

We explain how to play the 2021 US Open host venue, the South Course at Torrey Pines

How To Play Torrey Pines

The state of California sits right next to the Pacific Ocean so the presence of some truly awe-inspiring golf courses comes as no surprise.

Two of which from an aesthetic point of view, with amazing views of the ocean, are the North and South Courses at Torrey Pines, a 36-hole municipal facility owned by the city of San Diego, California.

The South Course has hosted the US Open before, back in 2008, and will do so again in 2021.

Sometimes the USGA takes its US Open tournament to places that are pretty much impossible to get on because they are intensely private. Last year's event at Winged Foot is a case in point.

How To Play Torrey Pines

But in 2021 the event is heading to the South Course at Torrey Pines.

William F. Bell originally designed the course in 1957, and has since been rejuvenated by Rees Jones in the early 2000’s.

He is the son of iconic California architect William P. Bell, who created Riviera, Bel-Air and Los Angeles Country Club alongside George C. Thomas.

Since the late 1960’s, Torrey Pines has hosted the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour at the start of every year, with the latest winner of the event American Patrick Reed.

Related: The Best Golf Courses In California

How To Play Torrey Pines

So how exactly do you get on the golf courses at Torrey Pines?

Well luckily Torrey Pines is a lot like Bethpage Black in New York, in that it is entirely possible to play both golf courses there.

The North course is thought to be easier than the South but despite that it still plays over 7,200 yards.

How To Play Torrey Pines

The South is the longer of the two courses measuring at just under 7,700 yards off the back tees.

Tee times can be made up to 90 days in advance, and if you're hoping to play on the weekend, we'd recommend calling ahead as much as you can.

To play the courses tee times can be booked on the phone or online.

In terms of booking, we found this website gives lots of information on how to book tee times online and it also gives some clear idea on prices too whether that be for San Diego residents or non-residents.

Given it is more prestigious, the South Course's rates are higher than the North.

  • South Course Resident Rates

(Image credit: Torrey Pines)
  • South Course Non-Resident Rates

(Image credit: Torrey Pines)
  • North Course Resident Rates

(Image credit: Torrey Pines)
  • North Course Non-Resident Rates

(Image credit: Torrey Pines)

Lastly, there are some walk-up times reserved each morning (the first 30-60 minutes) on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more US Open content, check out the Golf Monthly website.

Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor.

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This takes the form of buying guides, reviews, supporting gear content as well as creating deal content.

This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.

Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap. 

Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Cobra LTDxLS (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3/Cuater The Ringer (For off the course he goes for Nike Jordan 1 Low G shoes as well)