Cliffs and Calm: Torrey Pines North
Perched above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, California, the North Course at Torrey Pines sits beside its famous sibling — the storied South Course — and stands as a staple of American public golf. Known for its coastal beauty, approachable routing, and strategic challenge, the North is a course that invites you to enjoy the view while demanding precision from the first tee to the final putt.
Fast Facts
Year Opened: 1957 (original layout)
Architect: William F. Bell; redesigned by Tom Weiskopf in 2016
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,258
A Feel-Good Coastal Test
Torrey Pines North has long been the more relaxed and scenic counterpart to the demanding South Course — but don’t mistake “friendly” for “easy.” It’s a full championship layout that rewards thoughtful shot-making and punishes careless swings.
The North emphasizes precision over power, meaning well-placed tee shots and controlled iron play are the keys to scoring. The 2016 Weiskopf redesign modernized mowing lines, reworked bunkering, and completely revamped green complexes, creating a layout that feels fresh, strategic, and beautifully balanced.
All of it unfolds with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop, giving rounds here a calm-but-challenging rhythm.
A Brief History of Torrey Pines North
When Torrey Pines expanded to a two-course facility in 1957, the North quickly developed its own identity. It offered a lighter, more relaxed contrast to the demanding South Course, while still delivering championship-caliber golf and memorable coastal scenery.
The biggest evolution came in 2016, when Tom Weiskopf led a full redesign. His approach focused on modern strategy and improved flow, highlighted by:
- Reversing the nines to bring the ocean views later in the round
- Updating bunkering for cleaner sightlines and smarter angles
- Widening fairways to encourage confident tee shots
- Rebuilding every green to create fresh contours and more interesting pin locations
The renovation elevated the North from “the other Torrey Pines course” to a destination of its own — a layout that TOUR players respect and everyday golfers love.
It’s a modern public-golf success story: accessible, scenic, and thoughtfully designed.
Tour Pedigree & Local Love
While the South Course gets the major-championship spotlight, the North Course has its own longstanding connection to the PGA TOUR. During the Farmers Insurance Open, players split their opening two rounds between the North and South, giving the North a recurring role on one of the TOUR’s most recognizable stops.
And as a municipal facility, Torrey Pines North is beloved by the golfers who play it every day — proof that world-class golf doesn’t have to come with a private-club price tag.
Play it today in GOLF+!