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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The phone reservation process fills quickly, but you can still take your chances, especially if advance online bookings did not work out for you.
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.
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:
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:
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