Torrey Pines Update: Tougher, Way Fewer Trees, Same Architectural Humdrum
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As a pair of Farmers Insurance Opens and the 2021 U.S. Open are set for Torrey Pines, the stakes are high for Tiger Woods in pursuit of win no. 83 and who-knows-what-major-number next summer. The conditioning struggles of 2008 are long gone and a pricey new irrigation system will continue to ensure sound turf conditions as long as superintendent Rich McIntosh is around.
For the 2020 Farmers, you will see some scarring left over from the two-hole-at-a-time irrigation installation method of last summer, but the courses are in otherwise excellent condition, with the North sporting more stout rough (and pretty narrow landing areas). With disease and beetle issues claiming a tragic number of Torrey Pines, the property has better views but is lacking a little something without the native tree for which the facility is named.
Also on tap will be our first look at newly configured elements on the 4th, 9th, 10th and 17th holes.
The 4th features a reshaped landing area designed to remedy issues from the 2008 when balls would not stay in the fairway under faster, firmer conditions. The shaping of the new work is quite good, fitting the hole better to existing landforms and presenting a more intimidating looking hole. How the balls react and where they finish, is still to be determined.
The most dramatic work from last summer can be seen at the par-4 17th, long a bit of a snoozefest for a penultimate hole and now hugging the canyon edge. It will force a decision between laying back and leaving an uphill 200-yard approach or hitting driver to get less club in. A huge risk that I suspect most players will not take, but at least it’s there and we’ll see just how aggressive the world’s best will get.
My summary for Golf Central followed by my Instagram post showing the new look 17th:
