Dreaming of walking the same fairways as Tiger Woods at a U.S. Open? The great news is, you absolutely can. Perched on coastal cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines is not a private, members-only club, it's a municipal facility owned by the City of San Diego. This article provides a straightforward guide on exactly how you, a member of the public, can book a tee time, what to expect for costs, and some insider tips on how to play these two legendary courses.
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Yes, You Can Play Torrey Pines – Here’s the Deal
First things first, let's get it out of the way: any golfer can play Torrey Pines. Because it is a public facility, it is open to all golfers, not just San Diego residents. This is what makes it so special. You get to play a multi-time U.S. Open host course for a fraction of what you'd pay at a resort like Pebble Beach or other tour venues.
The facility consists of two 18-hole courses:
The South Course: The main event. This is the famously tough course that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, including Tiger Woods' legendary win on an injured leg in 2008 and Jon Rahm's victory in 2021. It’s long, challenging, and a true test of golf.
The North Course: Often considered more scenic and a little more forgiving than the South, the North Course is a championship layout in its own right. After a redesign by Tom Weiskopf, it co-hosts the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open with the South Course every year and offers absolutely breathtaking ocean views.
Both courses are accessible to the public, however, booking a tee time as a visitor (non-resident) requires some planning and a little bit of luck.
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As you can imagine, demand for tee times at Torrey Pines is extremely high. Visitors have a few different avenues to secure a coveted spot, so choose the one that best fits your schedule and level of determination. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.
Method 1: The Advance Online Reservation
This is the most common method for golfers planning their trips ahead of time. It offers the certainty of a tee time if you're quick on the draw.
Booking Window: Non-residents can book a reservation online between 8 and 90 days in advance.
The Process: You must go to the official City of San Diego golf course's website. You'll need to create an account profile. On the morning that your desired booking window opens (for a date 90 days out), you need to be logged in right when the times are released.
Pro Tip: Prime weekend tee times on the South Course disappear literally within seconds of being released. Do your homework beforehand, know exactly which day and time you're trying to book, and be ready to click exactly when the clock strikes. This method is highly competitive, especially for the South Course.
Cost: There's a non-refundable advance reservation fee per player (currently around $50) in addition to the cost of green fees. This is the upcharge visitors pay for the convenience of securing a time weeks or months in advance.
Method 2: The Walk-On Standby List
For the flexible, the adventurous, or those traveling solo, going on standby is your best shot without an advance reservation. Success isn't guaranteed, but it’s a very common and often successful way to get a round in.
How It Works: You show up at the starter's booth early in the morning - we mean before sunrise. There, you can place your name and the size of your group on the waitlist for that day.
The Process: As tee times open up from cancellations or no-shows, the starter will call names from the list. Your chances are greater if you're a single, twosome, or three-player group. It's like waiting for standby for other flights on one that is fully booked.
Best Ways For Success:
Be a single or twosome: Starters have an easier time filling up partial spots in groups than finding spots for a whole group of foursomes or more.
Go on weekdays: Your chances are considerably higher going on a standby list from Monday to Thursday.
Prepare to wait: You need to either bring a camp chair to watch the sunrise or bring reading material. You'll want to stay near the starter shack to ensure you're ready when your name is called.
Method 3: The Phone Reservation
The phone reservation process fills quickly, but you can still take your chances, especially if advance online bookings did not work out for you.
Booking Window: You must book within the 7-day booking window, but be aware that it is limited.
Method 4: Reserving with a Hotel Package
Some local hotels (like the Lodge and Club) have special packages and tee times reserved for their guests. This guarantees you a tee time, but expect that you will have to pay a premium.
How Much Does It Cost? Breakdown:
Green fees at Torrey Pines can vary depending on resident status, the course (South vs. North), and the time of day. Here is a basic breakdown, but always check the official sites for up-to-date pricing:
South Course (Weekday/Weekend/Holiday): $232 - $290
North Course (Weekday/Weekend/Holiday): $134 - $167
Cart Fees: Carts are optional, Torrey Pines is very walkable, but expect to pay around $50 for a shared cart.
Reservation Fees: As mentioned earlier, advanced reservations carry an extra fee.
Caddy Corner: Tips for Playing Torrey Pines
The South Course: A true test of golf. The South Course has a very high degree of tradition and difficulty. Their perseverance can bring challenges and rewards. Here is how you should approach it:
Playing a ball: Treat this course with respect and embrace the legendary ambiance as you play your round.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
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