Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course)
A cliff-top municipal course above the Pacific where Tiger Woods won the 2008 U.S. Open — a genuine major-championship test that any traveler can book and play.
Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) in photos
Can I play Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course)?
Yes — Torrey Pines is a city-owned municipal facility, so the South Course is genuinely open to the public, the same course where Tiger Woods won the 2008 U.S. Open. Anyone can book a tee time, though non-residents pay a premium and the best times go quickly. It is one of the very few U.S. Open venues an ordinary traveler can walk off the street and play.
How to book: Non-residents can reserve online at torreypines.com up to 90 days in advance; a non-refundable per-player advance-reservation fee applies at booking. City of San Diego residents pay far less and book on a separate window. A limited number of first-come, first-served walk-up times are released early each morning for those who miss the online window.
About Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course)
Perched on the sandstone bluffs of La Jolla north of San Diego, Torrey Pines South is that rare thing: a public, city-owned course that regularly stages the game at its highest level. William F. Bell laid it out in 1957, and Rees Jones toughened it in 2001 into the long, demanding par-72 that hosts the annual Farmers Insurance Open and the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens. From the back tees it stretches past 7,700 yards with kikuyu rough, deep bunkers and the ocean framing the closing holes. Because it is municipal, ordinary golfers can walk the same fairways as major champions — for the price of a green fee rather than a membership.
Signature hole
The par-4 12th and the cliff-edge closing par-5 18th, which plays back toward the Pacific with a pond guarding the green and has decided multiple U.S. Opens and Farmers Insurance Opens.
What makes it special
A U.S. Open you can play
One of the only U.S. Open venues in the world open to public tee times, no membership or connections required.
Pacific cliff-top setting
The course runs along coastal bluffs with the ocean in view, hang-gliders overhead and whales offshore in winter.
A serious championship test
Long, firm and heavily bunkered, it plays as one of the toughest municipal courses in America.
Tournament pedigree
- Farmers Insurance Open (annual PGA Tour event; formerly the San Diego Open / Buick Invitational)
- U.S. Open (2008, 2021)
- Genesis Invitational (2025)
Need to know
Best time to play
Playable year-round thanks to San Diego's mild climate; spring and fall bring the most reliable weather. Avoid late January, when the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open closes the South Course to public play.
Dress code
Standard golf attire — collared shirts and no denim; soft spikes only.
Good to know
Carts are available and recommended given the length, though the walk along the bluffs is superb; caddies can be arranged. It plays long and firm off the tips, so most visitors should choose a forward set of tees. Allow well over four hours in peak season.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
San Diego International (SAN) ~25 min; La Jolla and downtown San Diego are close by.
On arrival
From SAN it is roughly 25 minutes north up Interstate 5 to the La Jolla / Genesee Avenue exit, then along North Torrey Pines Road to the clubhouse atop the coastal bluffs. Rideshare and taxis are straightforward; there is on-site parking for those driving.
Stay near the course
The Lodge at Torrey Pines sits right beside the first tee for a stay-and-play splurge; nearby La Jolla and Del Mar offer a range of hotels, while downtown San Diego is a short drive south for more variety.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices The Lodge at Torrey Pines
San Diego
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Fairmont Grand Del Mar
San Diego
A taste of the luxury stays near Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to La Jolla, San Diego — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around La Jolla, San Diego.
Explore La Jolla, San DiegoFrequently asked questions
Can the public really play Torrey Pines South?
Yes. It is a City of San Diego municipal course, so anyone can book a tee time. Non-residents pay more than residents but need no membership or introduction.
How much does it cost to play?
Non-resident green fees in 2026 run about $246 on weekdays and $306 on weekends for the South Course, plus a booking fee and cart. San Diego residents pay substantially less.
Do I need a handicap to play?
No handicap certificate is required for public play, but the South is a long, exacting course — bring your best game and play the appropriate tees.
When is the best time to book?
Reserve up to 90 days out for the best chance at prime times; spring and fall offer the finest weather. Steer clear of the late-January Farmers Insurance Open week.
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Torrey Pines Golf Course — Official Site
- Torrey Pines Golf Course — Wikipedia
- Non-Resident Green Fees — torreypines.com
Guide updated 2026-07-27.