North Golf Course at Torrey Pines Reopens After $12.6M Renovation

The North Course at Torrey Pines Golf Course was recently reopened following a comprehensive nine-month, $12.6 million renovation of the city-owned property.

A statement from the city of San Diego said the renovation was designed by famed golfer and course architect Tom Weiskopf. All 18 greens were completely reconstructed to U.S. Golf Association standards, with existing poa annua grass replaced with 100 percent bent grass.

Officials said the course’s front and back nine holes were also reversed, allowing golfers panoramic ocean and canyon views as they finish their rounds. The renovated course’s bunkers were reduced from 59 to 41, and the average green size increased from 4,500 to 6,400 square feet.

The renovation also included replacement of car paths and improvements to irrigation systems. Work was completed on time and on budget.

Weiskopf heads Arizona-based Weiskopf Design Group, which has completed 60 golf course design projects in the U.S. and Europe since 1985.

“Switching the nines is very significant because the back nine is so iconic with its incredible views,” Weiskopf said in the statement. “The larger greens allow for more pin placements and more variety, and we’ve taken out bunkers but kept others that are strategically placed.”

Officials said the North Course has been lengthened in total by nearly 200 yards from the tips. There are now five sets of tees, allowing the course to play as long as 7,258 yards or as short as 5,197 yards.

The North Course was originally designed by William F. Bell and opened in 1957. Torrey Pines is a public course owned and maintained by the city, and its more famous South Course has hosted events including the 2008 U.S. Open and the upcoming 2021 U.S. Open.

Officials said the North Course averages approximately 82,000 rounds of play annually.

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