Tour the new North at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego
LA JOLLA, Calif. -- Torrey Pines North, the lesser-known (but more often played) course at Torrey Pines, reopened at the end of 2016 following an extensive renovation by golf course architect Tom Weiskopf. The North, which hosts an unfathomable number of public rounds each year -- 80,000-plus -- needed a facelift. Weiskopf's mission was to build something that would be playable to the masses, manage the excessive traffic and yet also serve as a PGA capable host, as the North co-hosts the opening rounds of the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open.
From a scenery perspective, as you'll see in these images, the North doesn't take much if any backseat to Torrey Pines South. The nines have been reversed since the redesign, so now the real great stretch of holes comes on Nos. 14-16, all of which play along the edge of the bluffs along the Pacific Ocean. But much like the South Course, virtually every point of this municipal parkland provides spectacular scenery. The round is certainly easier than the South Course, with a few more short par 4s and larger, more receptive greens.
San Diego city residents receive substantial discounts to play Torrey Pines North and South, but for visitors, the North is a little less expensive ranging from $68 weekday twilight to $131 in prime time, plus a $45 booking fee. It's still pricy, but checks in at a shade under most of the top shelf golf courses in Carlsbad like Aviara Golf Club or The Grand Golf Club. (Read Brandon Tucker's full review of the North Course).