How to Play Torrey Pines
A US Open venue you can play for a public green fee, on the clifftops above the Pacific. The 2026 fees, the booking window and the step by step way to get a tee time.
Photo: Randolfo Santos via Google.
The short answer
Torrey Pines is a municipal course, which means any visitor can play the same South Course that hosted the 2008 and 2021 US Opens, for a public green fee. As a guide, a 2026 non-resident round on the South costs about 248 USD on weekdays and 322 USD at weekends, plus cart and booking fees, with San Diego residents paying a fraction of that. The catch is not money but access: visitor tee times are tight and the booking window is short, so the trick is knowing exactly how the system works.
Below is everything you need: the at a glance facts, the full 2026 fee picture, the step by step booking process for non-residents, and how to give yourself the best chance of getting on. Always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Torrey Pines South at a glance
- Opened
- 1957
- Designer
- W.P. and W.F. Bell
- Redesign
- Rees Jones, 2001
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- Up to 7,765 yds
- Type
- Public clifftop
Designer, opening year, redesign and yardage verified June 2026 from Torrey Pines Golf Course and leading databases. Torrey Pines opened in 1957 to a William P. and William F. Bell design, with the South Course redesigned by Rees Jones in 2001 and later updated, playing as a par 72 of up to about 7,765 yards. It hosted the 2008 and 2021 US Opens and stages the Farmers Insurance Open each year.
Green fees in 2026
| Rate | Mon to Thu | Fri to Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident, 18 holes | About 248 USD | About 322 USD |
| Non-resident, twilight | About 156 USD | About 194 USD |
| Cart | About 48 USD per player | About 48 USD per player |
| Booking and service fees | About 50 USD plus 49 USD | About 50 USD plus 49 USD |
Indicative 2026 rates. Non-resident and resident pricing, twilight windows, cart and reservation fees are set by the City of San Diego and change with the season, so always confirm directly before booking.
How to get a tee time, step by step
- Know your window. Non-residents can book a South or North Course tee time up to four days in advance through the City of San Diego reservation system, online or by phone. Residents with a registered card book much further ahead, which is why prime visitor times are scarce.
- Be ready when the window opens. Log in the moment your four day window opens, early morning, with your dates flexible. Times go fast, so have backup days and be willing to take an afternoon or twilight slot.
- Expect the fees up front. Securing a time means a non-refundable booking and service fee per golfer, plus the separate reservation service fee, on top of the green fee and cart. Build these into your budget.
- Use the other routes if the window fails. A limited number of times are released to resort, hotel and concierge channels further in advance, and the on site starter releases unbooked and no show times day to day. Arrive early and ask to be added to the single players list.
- Consider the North first. If the South is full, the Tom Weiskopf redesigned North Course is shorter, cheaper and often easier to book, with arguably better ocean views, and many play it before tackling the South.
That booking window is the single thing that catches visitors out, so plan around it. If you would rather not gamble on the system, our concierge can secure a guaranteed Torrey Pines round as part of a wider San Diego or California golf trip. See the full Torrey Pines South course profile and the best courses in California for the wider picture.
Build a San Diego golf trip
We can secure a guaranteed round at Torrey Pines and fold it into a wider San Diego or California golf trip, with the lodging and the other courses on your list. Tell us roughly when and who is traveling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Torrey Pines questions
How much does it cost to play Torrey Pines South in 2026?
Indicative 2026 non-resident green fees on the South Course are about 248 USD Monday to Thursday and about 322 USD Friday to Sunday, with twilight rates near 156 and 194 USD. A cart is about 48 USD per player, a non-refundable booking and service fee is about 50 USD per golfer, and a San Diego golf reservations service fee of about 49 USD applies. San Diego residents pay far less. Always confirm directly before booking.
How do non-residents book a tee time at Torrey Pines?
Non-residents can reserve a tee time up to four days in advance through the San Diego reservation system, securing it with a non-refundable booking fee per golfer. A limited supply of times is also released to resort and concierge channels further out, and the on site starter releases unbooked times day to day. Residents with a card book much further ahead, which is why visitor times are tight.
Who designed Torrey Pines and what is the par?
Torrey Pines opened in 1957 to a design by William P. Bell and his son William F. Bell. The South Course was substantially redesigned by Rees Jones in 2001, with later updates, and plays as a par 72 of up to about 7,765 yards from the championship tees on the clifftops above the Pacific.
Should I play the South or the North Course?
The South is the famous championship course, longer and tougher, host of the 2008 and 2021 US Opens and the climax of the Farmers Insurance Open. The North, redesigned by Tom Weiskopf in 2016, is shorter, more forgiving and cheaper, with arguably better ocean views. Many visitors play the North first then tackle the South, or play both over two days.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course facts and indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.