Chance to play Torrey Pines....help

[Where's the Cart Girl?]

So I'll be finding myself in the San Diego area at the end of this month for a few days and it just happens that the place we're staying is right next to Torrey Pines. ( http://www.estancialajolla.com/ ) I didn't book the place, and had no intention of playing golf on this trip, but....... finding out that I'll be that close to a world class course is rather tempting.

My questions are, for anyone out there who has played the course;

1.) I'm not a great golfer, and I'd be playing by myself so I'm sure I'd get grouped with 3 people. Carryin my HC would I just be slowing down a bunch of low cappers out there or are there some average guys out there too?

2.) Do I need to take my clubs if I'm gonna play? Is it common that people play there on business trips, flight layovers, etc. being such a recognized course that they come to expect it and they'll hook you up with decent rentals? Obviously I'd rather have my clubs, but if they come to expect this and they're gonna put a set of decent Titleists in my hands I can stand to save the hastle of flying with my clubs.

3.) Is it worth the extra $100 to try to get on the South Course? And again, are they all 1-5 HC's out there that Id be bogging down? I'm sure both are immaculate, so is it a better move to save the dough and just play the NC?

Any feedabck is greatly appreciated, and sorry about the lengthy post, but these are questions I'd sooner pose to you guys than a pro shop employee. Thanks a lot.

Note: If anyone lives in the area and wants to play, I'll be able to play a late round 10/30 or early morning 10/31. PM me and maybe we can work somethin out. If I "knew" someone I'd be playin with I think the decision would be easier.

[Smiffy]

With your handicap of 12 I wouldn't worry about it.
If you are put in a group with 3 other golfers, the chances are you'll be the lowest handicapped player there....

[Jay-Bird]

Everyone of every skill level will be out there - on both courses. You'll be fine. Just try to break 100.

They have Taylor Made rentals. If you're gonna play try to get a tee time now.

Non-residents and residents of San Diego may also book a tee time 8 to 90 days in advance by calling the advance tee time reservation service number at: (877) 581-7171. (Select option #3 when prompted). This service is available Monday thru Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM, Pacific Standard Time. Advance tee time booking fees apply.

Here's a good link for SD golf:

LINK

[Clambake]

Welcome to San Diego! By all means you should play TP South. The North course is easier and in same ways has holes with more dramatic scenery, and it is an enjoyable round. But the South has the history and no shortage of interesting holes, and in my opinion is worth the extra $$$. Even at the current rate for non-residents, where else can you play a course that has hosted one of the best US Opens ever, and is a regular PGA tour stop (and favorite of the players) for such a relatively low cost?

And in no way should you be at all intimidated - both the North and South courses are filled with handicaps of all ranges, at at your index level you'll find the courses challenging but very playable. I usually play the South Course as a single so I get paired up with all kinds of golfers, and I'd say from my experience most were a 12-20 index. Only once have I played with a really low handicapper there, and it was fun to watch them play the course more strategically than the rest of us are able. The locals are quite tolerant and seem to enjoy sharing such a great course with visitors, so I'm sure you'll feel welcome no matter what your golf ability.

I don't know the answer to your clubs question, as I don't know what they have for rental clubs at Torrey. But given its attraction for golfers from all over the world who come for business, I'll bet their rental clubs are decent. I'd suggest a quick call to the pro shop to find out what they offer.

Have a great trip!

[Leftygolfer]

My buddy played there with his dad this summer. They actually (summer) let people tee off before 7 without tee times. It was dark but they got off. It was from what I was told a first come first serve for before tee time play.

[ET-Taylor]

There is always someone out there that has come to the course because they have the chance and there will be worse than 12 Hcaps there i am sure

[Where's the Cart Girl?]

Thanks guys. I'm surprised to here that low, single-digit HC's aren't the norm; definitely not what I was expecting but I'm glad to here it nonetheless. It'll be by far the best track I've ever hacked up if I can get out on it.

I called today and was told that the only chance I have is to come out early and try to get worked in, and was told that's not that uncommon. So my ass will be there before dawn on 10/31. There is evidently one Mens' Club shotgun each day happening that weekend so only one course is open per day and naturally both open ones are booked solid (unless you have a foursome), but we'll see. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Again though, if any of you San Diego dwellers have a foot in the door on either course.... feel free to throw me a lifeline. I'll buy your round if you can get me a better outlook than 'show up and hope' for after 12:00 on 10/30 or tee off anytime before 4pm on 10/31 . Sorry about the time frame, I didn't know this trip was happening, and I absolutely can't scratch a day of work to make more golf time because I'm moving to a new position that Monday. Believe me, I would in a heartbeat if I didn't wanna look like a schmuck to my new supervisor or dick the guys I'm moving away from out of an excuse to have a happy hour send-off that Thurs night.

Regardless, thanks for the help. I'll be bringin my clubs for sure and hoping for the best.

[kris]

I haven't played myself, but I know someone who does regularly. He likes both north and south, they're both fine courses but obviously people are willing to pay a lot more just for the sake of playing south. So it's really your call. I don't think you can really go wrong with either.

This guy I know also shoots over 100, so no need to feel ashamed there. There are plenty of just 'average joes' out there and you are probably better than a lot of them. Sure, there are some low single digits as with anywhere but the course is really played by a wide range of people.

I really wish I could have gotten out there but I haven't gotten the chance yet. Have fun.

[pendlebg]

Hi, I am in he same position, will be in San Diego next week so I called TP and asked the best way to get on as a single.

Response was show up about 5 - 5:30 am and get in line. First tee time is about 6:30 and first booked tee time is 7:30. Those who come early will be put out in order of arrival for the first 6 tee times from 6:30 - 7:20, so that would be 24 players per course, hence room for 48 if both courses are available for early play. Best to call the course and ask the schedule for the day you are playing, depending on tournaments, etc.. some days are better than others to get on and some days one or the other course will not be available to you. For example next week I was told Thursday and Friday morning would be the best days to come early and get on.

I do have a question I forgot to ask for those who have done this before.

1) I read the "lineup rules" for how you establish the order of who goes first in the morning and it sounds like you put your golf bag in a rack that holds your spot. For weekends there was a car lineup rule where as each car comes you put you parking lights on. My question is, if you are renting clubs and arrive with no bag and arriving by cab so have no car then how would one do that? I presume there is an easy answer, like put a golf glove or something there or just stand by the rack at your spot or tap on the window of the last car to get the name of who you will be behind. something like that.

2) Given it sounds like for the early morning spots they like to move things along quickly, do they have rental bags right at the check in post to hand you? Would hate to get out there and have them expect all early morning players to have brought clubs to get on. This will be the only round this trip I play so am not prone to want to lug my clubs down for a single round. I read earlier you get Taylor Made rentals which would suit me fine. I want to bring my shoes, some balls, glove, repair tool, and then grab some clubs and tees at the course.

Thanks for any tips anyone may have on when to arrive (e.g. how early) to ensure getting out between 6:30 and 7:30 and any lineup etiquette tips.

I will call the course again before flying out but thought someone who has the players experience could share some wisdom.

Thanks

[steve8820]

With your handicap of 12 I wouldn't worry about it.

100% agree there........There is a LOT of bad golf out there

[ND Fan]

Be proud of your handicap, 12 is no slouch. In our group you're a B player amongst a sea of D's. Have fun and don't let the unfamiliar course or playing partners lessen your enjoyment of a what will be a great memory at a spectacular course! Have fun!

[normdamarine]

Yeah, a lot of the locals have the market on the whole bag thing. They go out there the night before and lock and old bag on the rail near the starters shack and then unluck it in the morning while you have been waiting and they are in line in front of you...WTF

But anyways... The south course is great, I have played both courses many times but how many times do you get to play a course that hosted the US Open? It is a beast, you are going to struggle, your score is going to stink but who cares... Have fun... I use to get to the course about 430 in the morning and get my bag in line. They open the resturant there really early so you can get some breakfast while you wait...

I just played the North Course at the end of September, shot 6 over on the front and 4 under on the back...lol The greens were in great shape...

[flopdarock]

you have to remember that torrey is a muni... a really really great muni... but still a muni... so they have every kind of hcp player out there... i wouldnt sweat it at a 12hcp... just have fun

[PiustheDrGolf]

Don't sweat it. 12 HCP is better than AVG. golfer (according to Oct. Issue of Golf magazine Average Golfer is 15.x hcp).

Anyway, Torrey South is the course you should play. North is also good.. But let me put it this way.. you never know when you are going to Die. You may not make it to Torrey this month!!.. I know this is Crazy way to put it. But you know what I mean.

I have played 20 years pretty much all around states and many great famous courses. And Torrey's South is one of best top 5. When I lived in San Diego, I played many times but still miss the time that I checked in 5 a.m. and teed up at 8 a.m and enjoyed every shots at every hole. You won't regret it.

I am going back to San Diego on Feb. next year. I know I will be playing South 3 days in a row. :)

[Calc]

Definetly play the South course! Also bring you own clubs, you'll feel much more comfortable with them! South is a great track and par 3 #3 is a very challenging hole. I found myself short in the front bunker when In played. Try not to hit it too far on that hole. You'll enjoy it for sure!

[pendlebg]

Ok, I just got back and played the South course last week. Here are my tips

1) Locals told me it is quieter this time of year. I showed up at 4:30 (still on east coast time so not a big deal). however those that showed up as late as 6:30 were still able to get on as far as I could tell. I was not there on a weekend and both the South and North were open so that might make it easier, cannot say if going on the weekend would be easier. If you can go Monday - Thursday it will be much cheaper.

FYI - a sign posted on the course indicated the course is playing in tournament conditions. This would not be US open conditions as the rough was not as bad as it could be, but could be similar to the Buick, will have to check it out next year and compare when the tour hits there again. So great fun to play, but do not expect to drop your handicap.

2) Try and find a coffee shop or breakfast place before you get there. The breakfast spot at TP opened about 6 am.

3) The bag lineup is along the patio fencing overlooking the course right beside the starters booth, closest bag to the starter is first (although it sounds like the weekend deal is parking in the lot and the last car puts their lights on).

4) Definitely walk the course if you can. It is a much better walking course then it is a riding one. I walked and enjoyed it, the cart paths are often a long, long way from the fairway and when I was there it was cart path only.

5) The north course just had some damage with a mower leaking oil on the greens on the front 9. Apparently it is aesthetic only and will not affect play, who knows they may discount the fee for the Norht though.

6) Be prepared for fast greens, especially if you are not used to them. But the good side is the greens will hold almost anything you throw in there. I had 38 putts and actually felt I putted pretty well. There is no easy 2 putt on the course I could see.

7) Watch out for fog, it had cleared up before sunrise when I was there but could be a problem. Not sure how you predict it (maybe ask the locals( , but I could easily see a bank of fog rolling in from the ocean. Saw it several times in the days I was in Lajolla, especially in the morning. I understand there are no fogchecks available.

8) I am a 14 handicap and my goal was to break 100, which I did by hitting 97, I could see if I had several cracks at it I could break 90 as well, but not regularly. I was probably 5 - 6 putts higher than normal, which is to be expected on those greens, and I played 2 holes very poorly (and 8 on the

9) Play the whites, they are 6600 yards and obviously right at sea level (the blues are over 7000) , with the morning dew there is not much roll, so it plays much longer and most of the greens are very well protected. Even from the whites I hit a lot of 5 , 6 and 7 irons in and one of the players I played a little shorter than me with hit a lot of FW woods in (but remember the greens will hold so you should not worry about rolling through the back).

10 ) I would say that the comments about most golfers there being mid handicappers would be true. My foursome was 2 guys who where around 10 and me and another guy who were both about 14.

Gorgeous course and you will not regret getting up early to play it.

[flopdarock]

oh man... i forgot all about the marine layer... i used to live a few blocks from the ocean in PB and tourists would always bitch about the marine layer... once it burns off its classic TV cali

[Where's the Cart Girl?]

Well we're due in there around 10:45 (west coast) Friday morning. My only chance to play will be Saturday morning, but I have no problem showing up at 4 or 5 AM since I'm on NY time anyway so hopefully I can get out.

I plan on heading to the course Friday afternoon at some point, talking to some locals about the course in general and the procedure for tee times (don't wanna look like a tourist... ) then hitting the range or practice green if we can.

I'm taking my own clubs for sure, and even though my swing is in absolute shambles at the moment I'm takin a goal of breaking 95 with me and making at least one birdie.

Ill be sure to take some pictures if I get out and if I play I'll be sure to lie about what I shot for you guys.

Thanks for all the tips.