Torrey Pines South & North Courses: Icons of San Diego
Where PGA Tour history meets Pacific coastline drama.
La Jolla, CA
Much of Torrey Pines' enduring appeal lies in its rich history, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, and the unique atmosphere created by military helicopters and paragliders often soaring overhead. After a round at both the North and South courses, one thing will become crystal clear: your residency status will determine which course offers the better value. To put it simply, if you aren't a resident, the South course is over-priced, and the North Course will give you a much better value you for your money.
These municipal courses get a lot of foot traffic, and conditions were surprisingly poor when I played, though I expect they vary widely by season.
Torrey is undoubtedly a bucket-list course, especially given its many Tiger-related storylines, but the best way to enjoy this experience is to ensure your expectations aren't set too high.
The South Course garners most of the attention as a PGA Tour venue, but for non-residents, the premium pricing makes it a tough value proposition. Still, there are moments on this course that justify its reputation.
Be ready for a challenge. At 7,802 yards from the tips, this course is one of the longest of the PGA Tour events.
The North Course delivers nearly the same experience as its famous sibling at a fraction of the cost for non-residents. This is where the real value lies for most golfers.
Originally designed by William F. Bell in 1957, the North Course underwent a major renovation by Tom Weiskopf in 2016, which included reversing the nines to provide players with breathtaking ocean views during the closing holes. Measuring 7,258 yards from the championship black tees, the par-72 course offers a fair challenge. The North is noticeably more forgiving than the South — wider fairways, fewer forced carries, and a layout that won't chew up a high handicapper. But the back nine becomes more memorable. Holes 14–16 run along the bluffs with full ocean exposure, and Hole 15 (a steep par 3 backed by the Pacific) rivals anything on the South Course for pure drama.
South Course Hole 3: Par 3
This is the first moment on the South Course that stops you in your tracks. It's a steep downhill par 3, and the Pacific Ocean is framed beautifully behind the green. Wind and elevation might offset each other here, which makes club selection tricky.
South Course Hole 18: Par 5
The 18th is famous for good reason — it's where Tiger sank his putt to force the 2008 U.S. Open playoff with Rocco Mediate, one of the most dramatic moments in major championship history. The pond fronting the green (known as 'Devlin's Billabong') looks smaller in person than it did on TV, but it still makes a go-for-it second shot genuinely dangerous. Even if you're playing it as a three-shot hole, you'll feel the history as you walk up that fairway.
North Course Hole 15: Par 3
Similar to the South Course's 3rd hole, this downhill par 3 is backed by the Pacific Ocean—but it's even steeper and more dramatic. The elevated tee provides an almost aerial view of the green below, with the ocean creating a stunning backdrop that rivals any course in the world. Your job isn't done when you get it on the green – the green slopes steeply from back to front.
Tips For Your Round