Thinking about playing a round at Torrey Pines? You’re dreaming of walking the same fairways as Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm, and I don't blame you. But before you can tee it up on this legendary slice of California coastline, the first question everyone asks is: what’s it going to cost? This guide breaks down the complete Torrey Pines green fee structure, tells you exactly how to book a tee time, and covers all the other potential costs so you can plan your bucket-list round without any surprises.
First things first, it's important to understand that Torrey Pines is a municipal course owned by the City of San Diego. This is great news for local golfers because it means there's a two-tiered pricing system: one for San Diego City residents and another for non-residents. And the price difference is substantial.
To get the deeply discounted resident rate, you have to prove you live within the city limits of San Diego. This requires obtaining a City of San Diego Resident Golf ID Card. You can get this card at the Torrey Pines pro shop or other city-run golf courses by providing two forms of proof of residency, like a valid driver’s license, utility bill, or lease agreement with your name and a city address.
If you live in surrounding areas like Chula Vista, Encinitas, or Poway, you're unfortunately considered a non-resident in the eyes of the booking system. This card is the golden ticket, and without it, you'll be paying the visitor rate.
Now for the numbers. These fees are based on the latest figures for a standard 18-hole round (typically effective July 1 - June 30 of the following year). Always double-check the official Torrey Pines website for the most current rates, as they can change annually.
Note: "Weekends" includes holidays as designated by the course.
If you have that resident card, you’re in for a treat. You get to play two of the most famous public courses in the country for less than what you might pay at a standard course in your hometown.
If you're visiting San Diego, this is the bracket you’ll fall into. Yes, the prices are a big jump, but you’re paying for an iconic experience on a U.S. Open and Farmers Insurance Open venue.
Torrey Pines also offers reduced rates for twilight, senior, and junior golfers, primarily for residents. These provide even more affordable ways for locals to enjoy the courses.
Securing a tee time, especially for the famed South Course, requires planning. The high demand means you can't just show up and expect to play. Here are your options.
This is the most dependable method for non-residents to guarantee a spot. You can book a time 8 to 90 days in advance through the city's official booking portal.
Feeling lucky? Torrey Pines still honors a classic golf tradition: the walk-on list. This same-day method is a great choice for locals or travelers with flexible schedules, but it comes with no guarantees.
Another option for last-minute play is to call the pro shop directly on the day you want to play. Cancellations happen, and they might have a spot open. It’s a long shot, but worth a try if you strike out on the other methods.
Your total expense for a day at Torrey Pines doesn't stop at the green fees. Here are a few other costs to factor into your budget.
You can choose to walk (and Torrey Pines is a fantastic walk!), but carts are available. Walking allows you to take in the coastal views just like the pros do, but be warned, the courses - especially the South - are long and hilly.
To truly get the PGA Tour experience, consider hiring a caddie. It's an added Tt cost, but the value is immense. A good caddie won’t just carry your bag, they’ll give you target lines, help read the notoriously tricky poa annua greens, and share stories about the course. On a complex course like the South, their advice can easily save you a handful of strokes.
Before your round, you’ll probably want to warm up. Torrey Pines has a large driving range and practice putting greens.
I get this question all the time: "If I can only play one, should I choose the North or the South?"
The South Course is the one you know from TV. It's the U.S. Open monster. It is long, difficult, and demanding from the first tee to the 18th green. Playing the South is about testing your game against one of the toughest challenges in public golf. You play it for the bragging rights and the history. For the low-handicap player, it's an incredible test. For the higher-handicap player, bring extra golf balls and play from the forward tees to maximize your enjoyment.
The North Course, redesigned by Tom Weiskopf, is my recommendation for most golfers looking for the best overall experience. It's more forgiving off the tee and generally more scorable. What's more, many argue the North Course has the better ocean views, with some breathtaking holes that play right along the canyon cliffs. It provides a more relaxed, scenic, and, frankly, fun round of golf while still offering a great challenge.
Whichever course you choose, you're in for an unforgettable day of golf.
Playing Torrey Pines is an iconic golfing experience, whether you're a San Diego resident taking advantage of an amazing local perk or a visitor checking a course off your bucket list. The key is to understand the tiered pricing, plan your booking strategy ahead of time, and budget for the other costs to have a smooth and memorable day.
Once you’ve sorted out the logistics, the next part of the plan is figuring out how to navigate such a challenging layout. Playing smarter an dramatically improve your experience on tough courses, and we can help with that. For those tricky moments - like when you’re standing over a tough chip from a tight lie or deciphering the best aiming point on a par 5 - I suggest using a tool like Caddie AI. You can get instant, expert-level strategy for any shot, on any hole, helping you make smarter decisions and play with more confidence when it matters most.
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