Booking a tee time at Torrey Pines, home to two of the most famous municipal courses on the planet, can feel like you've already played a tough 18 holes. This guide breaks down the process step-by-step, removing the confusion so you can focus on getting ready for one of golf's truly special experiences. We'll cover everything from the different booking systems for residents and visitors to insider tips that will greatly improve your chances of teeing it up.
The first and most important thing to understand is that the booking process is split into two distinct paths: one for San Diego City & County residents, and one for everyone else (non-residents). The system heavily favors residents, offering them lower green fees and a better booking window, but don't worry - getting a non-resident time is absolutely achievable with the right strategy.
Who qualifies as a resident? You're considered a resident if you live within the city limits of San Diego. A San Diego County resident (living in the county but outside city limits) gets a smaller discount but still books through the resident system. To access these benefits, you must have a valid City Resident Golf I.D. Card. You apply for this card in person at the Torrey Pines pro shop and need to provide proof of residency, like a utility bill and driver's license. It’s a mandatory first step, you can't just show up and claim residency without the card.
If you have your Resident I.D. card, you have a couple of solid options for booking, though it still requires some planning and a little luck.
The main method for residents is the online booking portal. Tee times become available each night at 7:00 PM PST for seven days in advance. So, if you want to play next Saturday, you need to be online and ready to book at 7:00 PM on the Saturday prior.
This is a race, plain and simple. If you miss out, don't give up. Keep checking the portal, as cancellations do pop up.
Residents can also call a dedicated phone line to try and book tee times from one to three days in advance. Many residents find this has a slightly higher success rate than the online rush, but it’s still very competitive. It's a game of persistence, requiring repeated dialing to get through.
For visitors, the process is different and more expensive, but it offers the benefit of booking much further in advance. This is the path for anyone planning a golf trip to San Diego.
As a non-resident, your best bet is to book an advanced reservation. You can book a time from 8 to 90 days ahead of your desired play date. This all but guarantees your spot, but it comes at a premium.
The Advanced Reservation Fee: This is the most misunderstood part of the process. To secure a time in this window, you must pay a non-refundable reservation fee per player. This fee is not a deposit and does not apply toward your green fee. Think of it as a convenience fee for locking in a coveted slot at a world-famous venue. The fee varies, so check the official Torrey Pines site for the current rate.
While you can also call to make an advanced reservation, the online portal is generally more efficient as you can see all available times at a glance.
If you strike out on an advanced reservation or are feeling spontaneous, walking on is a legitimate option, especially if you’re a single golfer. It's a gamble, but one that often pays off with a bit of patience.
The process is straightforward:
Pro Tip: Your chances of getting out as a walk-on single are very high. If you’re a twosome, you might get paired together, but be prepared to split up if two separate slots open first. For groups of three or four, walking on is extremely unlikely.
For those who prefer a sure thing and want to avoid the booking rigamarole, several nearby hotels offer stay-and-play packages. The most notable are The Lodge at Torrey Pines and the Hilton Torrey Pines, both of which sit right on the course. These packages are the most expensive option, but they come with guaranteed tee times that are reserved by the hotel for its guests. It's the ultimate stress-free way to secure your round.
"I'm finally here, but should I play North or South?" It's a common question, and there's no single "right" answer. As a coach, my advice is to match the course to your game and your goals for the day.
Ultimately, playing either course is a treat. The South gives you PGA Tour bragging rights, while the North often provides a more enjoyable and scenic round for a wider range of players.
Booking a round at Torrey Pines takes a bit of planning, but armed with the right information, you can navigate the system like a local. Whether you lock in an advanced time or take your chances as a walk-on, the experience of playing on this beautiful piece of coastline is well worth the effort.
Just as this guide aims to simplify the off-course process, we also believe in making things simpler when you’re actually out on the fairways. When you're standing on the 4th hole of the South Course trying to figure out how to navigate the canyon, or you’re between clubs on a windy approach shot, having a little help can make all the difference. With Caddie AI, you get instant, smart advice on course strategy and club selection right in your pocket. You can even take a photo of a tricky lie in the rough and get simple instructions on the best way to play it, helping you make confident decisions and avoid the big numbers that an epic course like Torrey Pines can dish out.
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