The U.S. Open, golf’s grandest stage, will return to
Southern California next June for the first time since 1948. Torrey Pines in La
Jolla will host the U.S. Open in 2008.
One reason we have had a 60-year absence is a lack of
acceptable facilities. The USGA is looking for great courses that have ample
room for parking, corporate tents and plenty of lodging nearby. Torrey Pines
fits the bill and has had many test runs by hosting the Buick San Diego Open
each year.
The 18th hole at Torrey Pines South has seen its share of
drama over the years. Just to the right of the fairway is the Torrey Pines
Hilton, about 100 yards or so from the clubhouse. The hotel is located next to
the Scripps Clinic in the upper part of La Jolla, close to UC San Diego.
There are 36 holes at Torrey Pines between the North and
South courses. The South Course will host the U.S Open. It has always been a
long tough golf course.
Famed golf architect Rees Jones was brought in several
years ago to make the necessary improvements to attract a U.S. Open. It worked
-- Torrey Pines can provide room for parking and corporate tents with the North
Course, which, by the way, is my favorite of the two.
Rees Jones has created a long, tough track with his remodel
of the South Course, and it can be stretched to 7,600 yards. What I found of
interest was that the course only plays a little longer now because the
fairways roll. Gone is the heavy Kikuyu, and in its place are bent