Two Oceanfront Courses and a Charming, Craftsman-style Lodge Make Torrey Pines a Winning Choice for Golfers.
One of the most anticipated stops on the PGA Tour each season is Torrey Pines, set atop the cliffs of La Jolla, California and overlooking the Pacific. Both the North Course and South Course are used in the early rounds of the tournament and provide two different playing settings—and challenges. The South Course gets more love as it has hosted the U.S. Open multiple times, including Tiger Woods’ 2008 legendary victory and Jon Rahm’s 2021 win. It is a true championship course, meaning it’s long and often plays longer in the heavy marine air. The elevated greens set the stage for difficult chips and are also protected by deep bunkers. For an easier—and, some argue, more scenic walk—opt for the North Course, which is shorter and takes better advantage of its coastal views. The 2018 renovation increased the size of the bunkers (making them easier to hit) and added a drivable par-4 to push the fun factor.
Golfers flock to play where the pros play, but skipping The Lodge at Torrey Pines would be a mistake. The craftsman-style hotel is a mixture of Spanish-influenced Southern Californian architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie style. Its timeless appeal remains as captivating today as when its exquisite stained-glass doors first welcomed guests over two decades ago. Consistently awarded the prestigious AAA Five Diamond rating, The Lodge is renowned for its unparalleled service, distinctive ambiance and sumptuous accommodations. The Reserve and Palisade suites offer spacious accommodations, private balconies and oversized soaking tubs, along with golf course and botanical garden views. A stay here promises an unforgettable and cherished journey for every traveler, especially those with a passion for golf.
The resort features several dining options, including A.R. Valentien and The Grill. The former is the resort’s signature restaurant and has a rotating seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients, while The Grill’s slow-cooked, farm-fresh menu has its own custom-built wood-burning rotisserie oven and offers diners panoramic views of the iconic South Course. This summer, the resort will host Playing with Fire, a season-long celebration of outdoor grilling headed by the resort’s executive chef and featuring special guest chefs each month. Each Playing with Fire event will feature a delicious display of wood-fired dishes, seasonal sides and local brews for guests to enjoy alongside views of the iconic golf courses.
The Spa at Torrey Pines takes its cues from the surrounding natural setting atop the Pacific Ocean and is within walking distance of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The Coastal Aroma Soak and Massage stands out among the spa’s many offerings. Guests are submerged in a relaxing soak of Dead Sea salts and organic essential oils of lemon, clove, mandarin and basil and then receive a 50-minute personalized massage. There is also a detoxifying sea leaf wrap that uses organic seaweed leaves to scrub and wrap the guest’s body. After a gentle exfoliation, the body is wrapped in hand-harvested seaweed leaves and allowed to absorb all of the potent nutrients to hydrate and soften the skin.
With its winning combination of challenging oceanfront courses, an elegant yet comfortable California Craftsman-style lodge, excellent farm-to-table cuisine and a relaxing spa, Torrey Pines definitely belongs on every golfer’s “must play” list.