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

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.

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.

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.

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.