SAN DIEGO -- Practice rounds for the United States Golf Association's 2008 U.S. Open golf tournament begin Monday at La Jolla's Torrey Pines.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the coastal bluff-top course for the first round of the four-day tournament on Thursday when San Diegan Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Adam Scott tee off.

It is the first time the U.S. Open has been held in San Diego, and only the second time in the past 60 years that the tournament has taken place on a Southern California golf course.

It is also the only time in the U.S. Open's 108-year history that the competition has been held on a municipal golf course.

Torrey Pines' South Course is where this year's U.S. Open will take place. One of the longest on the PGA tour, the 7,607-yard course was redesigned in 2001 by famed golf course architect Rees Jones.

Soon after, it was announced that San Diego secured the U.S. Open.

In a statement, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commended those who brought the internationally renowned tournament to San Diego.

"I am proud that the Golden State is hosting this terrific event and building on the U.S. Open's distinguished history," he said. "To all who will come to beautiful Torrey Pines, I send my best wishes for an exciting and memorable competition."

Tens of thousands have bought tickets to attend the tournament, which will likely lead to heavy traffic in the area.

The San Diego Police Department is warning motorists to avoid parts of North Torrey Pines Road, Genesee Avenue, Carmel Valley Road, Gilman Drive and La Jolla Village Drive during the tournament.

For those lucky enough to get a ticket, free shuttles will operate from Qualcomm Stadium to Torrey Pines.