If you want to Play Torrey Pines you’ll need to arrive early and line up!
I wanted to write this article for those of you out there that plan on playing Torrey Pines at some point. There are some tricks to the trade and I would love to pass them along to you. OK, I’ll start with the good news. Anyone can walk up and play either the South or North Course the same day without a reservation. The bad news is, in order to do so you’re going to need to wake up early, to me that’s a pretty good trade off. During the week (Monday-Friday), a line forms on the back deck next to the glass booth where you pay for your round. You’ll see the main entrance to the pro shop and know that you’re in the right spot. Depending on the day of the week and the weather that will dictate how early you need to show up. In order to hold your place in line you can either leave your golf bag or a single club, maybe an old beater you have laying around that way you’re not worried about someone stealing your golf clubs. The first club placed against that payment shack is number 1 in line and will be the first group out that morning. The good news is that if you’re part of a group only one person needs to get up early. The payment booth opens at 6AM, I was the first in line Monday and was out on the course by 6:20. On the weekend the same system is in place but instead of placing the clubs at the window as you pull into the parking lot someone will flash their headlights and let you know what number you are in line. On the weekend to ensure you play you need to show up by 3AM. During the week show up by 4AM to ensure you get a tee time. This is by far and away the easiest and cheapest way to play either course at Torrey Pines. Most of the people in line are there to play the South Course so if you show up a little late you can always settle for the North Course, which isn’t all that bad.
Tips on playing Torrey Pines Golf Course
1. Show up early, the earlier you show up the sooner you will get out on the course, there is nothing like being the first group out on the South Course!
2. Have an old beater golf club and put it on the railing if you’re showing up during the week, then go back to your car and relax or nap.
3. The Pro Shop and putting greens are right next to the Lodge, they don’t seem to mind if you slip in and drink their free coffee in the lobby. It’s a great place to wait and stay warm during a cold morning.
4. Say hello to Jason (Starter Shack or Payment Booth), he’s an institution he’s been there over 25 years and looks like your typical San Diego dude.
5. Play the right tees, if you play the South Course don’t try to be a hero and play from the blues. Follow the tee box guidelines based on your handicap and you’ll be happy you did. I played Gold and had a great time!
6. Stay out of the rough and if you can’t avoid it, use a wedge to get out and back into the fairway.
7. Be prepared to walk. Most of the golfers at Torrey will be walking the course. You can rent a cart but it’s an extra 40 bucks and you can’t really enjoy the course as much from a cart as you can while walking. Push carts are available from the pro shop for $10.
8. Use the practice putting greens. The greens will be extremely tough and if you don’t roll a few putts beforehand you can forget about posting a good score.