TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE
🇺🇸 La Jolla, CA, USA
Designed by Greg Muirhead, Rees Jones, William Francis Bell
South at Torrey Pines is a brute, a test of champions forever etched in golfing lore by dramatic finishes on the cliffside overlooking the Pacific. Carved into the bluffs of La Jolla, its modern design favors the long ball, rewarding power with receptive fairways that belie the challenge awaiting on the approach. Length, however, is not a guarantor of success. Strategic bunkering and undulating greens demand thoughtful shot-making, and a persistent coastal breeze adds another layer of complexity.
Originally designed by William F. Bell, with later refinements by his son William H. Bell and a recent refresh by Rees Jones, South has evolved into a demanding examination for the world's best. Its championship pedigree is undeniable, having hosted multiple U.S. Opens, including the unforgettable 2008 duel and the dramatic 2021 edition, alongside its annual staging of the Farmers Insurance Open.
While not consistently lauded on global lists, South is a proving ground. Its reputation for identifying the game's most resilient players remains steadfast. The post-round buzz often revolves around the 19th hole, where tales are told and re-told – especially of that 2008 Open – often fueled by the course's signature fish tacos, a beloved local tradition.
Reviews
I lived this place and want to get back again ASAP. Purists dump on the conditions but I found it to be quite enjoyable and a fair course. No lost golf balls here and a fair test of ability.
Long. Hard. Beautiful yet uninspiring outside of a few holes, those being a couple of the par 5s. It’s iconic, I’d play it again but I’m hard pressed to say they couldn’t do a lot more with this property.
Outside of the view, not too much to write home about. Price for non SD/CA residents is jot worth it to get beat up.
First off… US Open track so there’s history here. It’s a very solid track that makes you think about every single shot you take. The fairways are tight and lined with fairway bunkers throughout. If the rough is grown out then you’ll have a hard time if you’re not hitting fairways. If you’re a SD resident it’s one of the best values in golf. Billy Bell course renovated by Rees Jones.
Views
Great views. Long rough. Some memorable holes but a lot of forgettable ones. A place you should definitely play if in the area.
Played about a month and a half before the PGA was there great layout and conditions
Really glad something like this exists for the people of San Diego, great views. Underwhelming layout and use of the land and hard for the sake of being hard.
Played the week before Tiger won the US open. Crazy rough — layout isn’t that spectacular but the stretch along the coast does make it a fun course. Obviously has great history and is a must play for many. I’d venture to throw an overrated tag on this one. Not much strategic interest and without the tour hype not sure people would be ranking it so highly.
Torrey South is definitely a beautiful and challenging golf course that everyone should play atleast once. I like to think of it as the San Diego version of Bethpage - residents get to play for a fraction of what non-residents pay $300 for the round + a $50 booking fee is steep, but Torrey S should be on everyone’s radar Overall the vibes are amazing, many beautiful holes that look out onto the Pacific Ocean
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
South at Torrey Pines Golf Course has a Course Vaults score of 8.3 out of 10 based on 183 explicit golfer ratings.
South was designed by Greg Muirhead, Rees Jones, and William Francis Bell.
Yes. South at Torrey Pines Golf Course is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at South is 72.
South plays 7,707 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at South is 129.
