Phil Offering Pro-Bono Redo Of Torrey North

Tod Leonard reports that Phil Mickelson is offering to renovate Torrey Pines North, under consideration for refurbishment by the city of San Diego's golf division, for free.

Talks are still in the early stages, but Mickelson met with Mayor Jerry Sanders last week during the Farmers Insurance Open and has been given the green light to put together a preliminary proposal on how he would renovate the 55-year-old William F. Bell design.

An added bonus to the native San Diegan’s offer is that he said he will do his part of the work for free.

Mickelson has not publicly discussed his ideas for the North, but those familiar with his thoughts on the course say his top priority would be to keep it enjoyable for the average golfer. He is said to be sensitive to the concerns by locals who don’t want the demanding South Course to have a twin brother.

The story goes on to quote several players with comments reflecting what players told us for Golf World's PGA Tour player ranking: a little freshening, a tweak here or there, and that's about all the North needs. Really thoughtful, sage advice.

And then there's Robert Allenby.

When asked what he would do with North, Aussie Robert Allenby joked, “Build houses on it. Make a lot of money.”

More seriously, Allenby said the best way to make the course more difficult would be to narrow the fairways and grow the rough. Reminded that the tour did that last year, only to hear complaints from the players, Allenby shook his head.