Is Playing Torrey Pines Worth the Price Tag?

Torrey Pines South, Hole 4

When visiting San Diego, golfers often wonder, "Is Torrey Pines worth the investment?" This guide provides a detailed look at both courses, their value, and some tips to make the most of your experience.

First, Let’s Break Down the Courses

Torrey Pines boasts two iconic courses: the North Course and South Course. During the annual Farmers Insurance Open, both courses host play for the first two rounds, with the South exclusively taking center stage on the weekend. Additionally, the South Course is the designated site for the prestigious U.S. Open. Known for its dramatic layout and picturesque setting, the South is widely considered the superior course. In my experience, while the North Course’s front nine may lack excitement, the back nine offers breathtaking views. On the South, the entire 18 holes combine beauty with challenging design.

The Cost Breakdown

Pricing depends on several factors: course selection, day of the week, booking timing, and residency status in San Diego. Here’s what to know:

For San Diego Residents

If you’re a city resident, purchasing the Torrey Pines Resident Card is a no-brainer. This $25 annual pass unlocks significant savings, allowing you to play the South Course for as low as $42 and the North starting at $37. It’s an incredible value for locals and encourages regular play, even if just for a quick nine holes.

For Non-Residents

The costs for non-residents are considerably higher but reflect the unique experience each course offers. Here’s a snapshot:

• North Course (Non-Residents)

  • Weekdays: $88 (Twilight) to $148 (Peak)

  • Weekends: $111 (Twilight) to $185 (Peak)

• South Course (Non-Residents)

  • Weekdays: $141 (Twilight) to $234 (Peak)

  • Weekends: $176 (Twilight) to $292 (Peak)

Add $30–$45 for a golf cart if needed, and factor in an additional $50 fee for booking more than a week in advance. For weekend rounds, the total can add up to about $366 for the South and $255 for the North.

Is It Worth It?

The North Course

While enjoyable, the North Course’s price tag can be hard to justify for non-residents. There’s a reason why the Farmers Insurance Open only uses the North Course for the initial rounds, with the South taking the spotlight on the weekend and at major events like the U.S. Open. The North’s front nine offers a relatively straightforward layout that can feel crowded, lacking the iconic coastal views that make the South so memorable. I’ve had a few close calls with errant balls on the front fairways, and the area can be overly congested. However, the back nine offers spectacular scenery, making it worth considering—especially if you can secure a twilight tee time at a discounted rate.

The South Course

The South Course is truly worth the splurge. For golf fans, the historic significance alone—from Tiger Woods' famous birdie putt at the 2008 U.S. Open to Matsuyama’s hole-in-one at the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open—adds to the thrill of playing here. The course is designed to be both scenic and challenging, with coastal views from holes like the breathtaking par-3 3rd and the scenic 4th along the Pacific. Each hole presents a unique test, with strategic bunkers, challenging greens, and a coastal breeze adding to the difficulty. The iconic par-5 18th will leave you weighing the risk and reward of going for the green, with a lake lurking nearby to catch errant shots.

For non-residents, consider a twilight tee time in the summer. You’ll save on green fees and experience Torrey’s stunning sunsets, a memorable way to finish the round.

Local Tips

1. For Residents: The Resident Card is invaluable. Use it to play as often as possible!

2. Twilight Rounds: Save money and enjoy prime coastal views with twilight tee times, especially for non-residents.

3. Planning Ahead: For morning tee times, advanced booking is essential—just remember to factor in the additional $50 fee.

In summary, the South Course is a must-play for any golf enthusiast, while the North is best enjoyed with a twilight round or resident discount. If you’re local, grab that resident card and take full advantage of Torrey Pines as often as you’d like.