[Captain Nimrod]

My wife and I are hoping to play Torrey Pines while we are in La Jolla in June. I am wondering about the North Course versus the South Course. What are the differences? Is one preferable to the other?

In case we cannot get on due to the Open, any recommendations for other good courses in the area to try? Thanks.

[Liquid]

South is the Open course, the North is average. It will probably be closed 2-3 weeks prior to the Open. My buddy played it 2 weeks ago and said it was in great shape with 4" rough. Should be 6" by June.

[SDGolfing]

Above post is correct aside from the length of the rough. It is at least 6 inches right now has been for the past 2 months. There is a recent post showing pictures it is absolutely brutal right now.

[Captain Nimrod]

Any suggestions for alternatives if we can't get on?

[SDGolfing]

Great question. Honestly guys heres my advice, don't play Torrey. Do play it but dont play it now. The only reason you should is if you a)are a sub 5 handicap or b)just have to play it in US open conditions. The course is tough enough length wise without the rough. When you add that in it makes it next to impossible if you dont hit the ball 280+ off the tee. It is going to be a LONG round also. Play it post open the way it is supposed to look and feel you really cannot beat the views etc. The North course has awsome views also and is about half as difficult. It is probably 7-10 strokes easier. Remember the rough here is not typical rough in that the ball sinks all the way to the bottom making it even more difficult.

Here are some of my suggestions it really all comes down to how much you want to pay.

Barona Creek: Great track they play the Nationwide Tournament of champions out there pretty wide open but the greens are difficult and there is trouble on most holes since it is not fingered at all. Cost is around 100 definetly worth it for a championship style golf course. Gets windy in the afternoon play in the mornings.

Maderas: Awsome corse. Around 100 also great layout and prestine condition.

Steele Canyon: I am a member here. Gary Player layout, kinda targety gotta hit the ball straight, great greens. 27 holes around 60 or so to play.

Those are three good ones for you.

[Captain Nimrod]

dj007jrh, on Apr 24 2008, 10:32 AM, said:

Great question. Honestly guys heres my advice, don't play Torrey. Do play it but dont play it now. The only reason you should is if you a)are a sub 5 handicap or b)just have to play it in US open conditions. The course is tough enough length wise without the rough. When you add that in it makes it next to impossible if you dont hit the ball 280+ off the tee. It is going to be a LONG round also. Play it post open the way it is supposed to look and feel you really cannot beat the views etc. The North course has awsome views also and is about half as difficult. It is probably 7-10 strokes easier. Remember the rough here is not typical rough in that the ball sinks all the way to the bottom making it even more difficult.

Here are some of my suggestions it really all comes down to how much you want to pay.

Barona Creek: Great track they play the Nationwide Tournament of champions out there pretty wide open but the greens are difficult and there is trouble on most holes since it is not fingered at all. Cost is around 100 definetly worth it for a championship style golf course. Gets windy in the afternoon play in the mornings.

Maderas: Awsome corse. Around 100 also great layout and prestine condition.

Steele Canyon: I am a member here. Gary Player layout, kinda targety gotta hit the ball straight, great greens. 27 holes around 60 or so to play.

Those are three good ones for you.

Excellent advice. Thanks for the reply!

[markheardjr]

Liquid, on Apr 24 2008, 07:37 AM, said:

South is the Open course, the North is average. It will probably be closed 2-3 weeks prior to the Open. My buddy played it 2 weeks ago and said it was in great shape with 4" rough. Should be 6" by June.

North is already closed. They had a few days with 9 hole rates, those might be there for another week or so. The south closes soon, search online and you'll find out when. The north course will be in NO shape to play after the open for at least 2 months. They are covering every square foot with hospitality tents and stuff. Range is going over 1 and 9. The south course is open the monday following the Open for only a few limited spots. Then it closes for a little while to tear down the scaffolding and let the course recoup.

[kamtile]

I second Barona and Maderas ,also look at Mt Woodson ,Aviara ,The Crossings at Carlsbad and Arrowood

[SDGolfing]

kamtile, on Apr 24 2008, 11:13 AM, said:

I second Barona and Maderas ,also look at Mt Woodson ,Aviara ,The Crossings at Carlsbad and Arrowood

Aviara: Incredibly over priced resort course. Even the late rate is over 120 dollars.

Mt Woodsen: Nice course leave all woods at home you can hit maybe one or two drivers. 100 percent target golf.

Arrowood: Haven't played it.

The Crossings: DO NOT PLAY THIS GOLF COURSE. It is 100 percent crap. The entire course is laid out like someone on drugs put it together and it hasnt seen water since 1985. The whole place is hardpan. Please save your money.

Do not play the pete dye course Carlton Oaks either horrible shape and a complete wind tunnel with funky lay out.

Barona and Maderas are san diego's gems in my opinion and I have played them all. I prefer Maderas to Torrey Pines, Aviara and La Costa.

[hksaikung]

On the process of access to Torrey Pines South , article from the site of the us open


USGA article on Torrey South