If you’re visiting San Diego this winter, there’s a moment, right around late January, when the coastline feels a little more electric. The ocean air is crisp, the cliffs glow gold in the afternoon sun, and the world’s best golfers gather at one of the most breathtaking courses on the planet.
Welcome to the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course, where championship golf meets iconic California scenery.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply curious about what draws thousands of visitors to this stretch of coastline each year, the tournament is one of those “only in San Diego” experiences worth adding to your vacation story.
A Tournament Set on Legendary Ground
Long before Torrey Pines became a PGA TOUR staple, it was simply a rugged stretch of coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific. The land was shaped by wind, salt, and time, long before it was shaped into fairways.
The golf course opened in 1957, built on the site of a former military training center. It was named after the rare Torrey pine tree, found only here and on Santa Rosa Island. Over the decades, Torrey Pines grew from a local favorite into a global golf destination, hosting:
- The 2008 U.S. Open, where Tiger Woods won in an unforgettable playoff
- The 2021 U.S. Open, where Jon Rahm claimed victory
- Decades of PGA TOUR events, including the Farmers Insurance Open
Today, golfers travel from around the world to play here. Not just for the challenge, but for the feeling. There’s something magical about standing on a tee box with the ocean stretching endlessly behind you, pelicans gliding overhead, and the sound of waves echoing up the cliffs.
It’s golf, but it’s also California at its most cinematic.
Why Vacationers Love Torrey Pines
Even if you’re not a golfer, Torrey Pines is worth the visit. But if you are a golfer, or traveling with one, this place is bucket-list material.
People come here because:
- The views are unreal. Every hole feels like a postcard.
- You can play the same course the pros play. Not many PGA TOUR venues offer that.
- It’s challenging but fair. Wide fairways, coastal winds, and greens that keep you honest.
- It’s steps from everything. Beaches, hiking trails, restaurants, and resorts surround the course.
- It’s pure San Diego. Relaxed, scenic, and unforgettable.
And during tournament week, the energy is even better.
Make It Part of Your Vacation Story
If you’re already here on vacation, the Farmers Insurance Open is one of the most memorable ways to spend a day. It blends everything people love about San Diego:
- Coastal beauty
- Outdoor adventure
- Relaxed luxury
- A sense of community
- And a little bit of sports magic
Whether you’re a golfer, a sports fan, or someone who just loves a good view, Torrey Pines during tournament week is something you’ll talk about long after your trip ends.
Book your stay with Stubbs Vacation Beach Homes, and we will see you on the cliffs.
