Torrey Pines Heritage

A view of the green as parasailers soar over the course taken during the second round at the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 14, 2003 in La Jolla, California

Torrey Pines south course is the venue for the US Open 2008 championship, and this venue has a proud heritage. It was designed in 1957 by William Bell Senior and is owned by the city of San Diego. It is only the second municipal golf course ever to host a US Open golf championship.

Back in February of 2002, an architect named Rees Jones was commissioned to complete an extensive set of renovations to Torrey Pines. At a total cost of $3.5 million, Jones made many changes to the course including adding bunkers and redefining existing ones, overhauling the tee boxes and relocating several of the greens in order to make the course more difficult.

The renovations also increased the length of the course; the South Course now sprawls over 7 607 yards, making it the longest course ever to be visited by a PGA championship event.

Famous players at Torrey Pines

Over the years the 2008 US Open venue, Torrey Pines, has hosted some of the world's best golfers. Each year the venue is home to the Buick Invitational, which draws top-drawer players. Phil Mickelson won this even back-to-back in 2000 and 2001, and Jose Maria Olazabal claimed first prize the following year. One of the best known golfers in the world - Tiger Woods - won in 2003, before John Daly took top honours in 2004. Bouncing back in admirable style, Tiger Woods reclaimed the title in 2005, 2006 and 2007 - so all eyes will be on him for the 2008 US Open, as he seemingly now knows the course exceptionally well!

Previous Buick Invitational winners to have graced the fairways of Torrey Pines include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, but Tiger Woods is currently the man to beat on this course.

More about the 2008 US Open venue: Torrey Pines

Have a look out our Torrey Pines course layout page for more information about the challenging fairways terrain of this 2008 US Open venue, or read up on Torrey Pines facilities or find out about directions to Torrey Pines.