SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course will begin a $14 million renovation in February. Work will take place for much of 2019 and will have a significant impact on play on the popular South Course. The work is timed to start shortly after the annual Farmers Insurance Open PGA Tour event and should be completed in September, leaving enough time to prepare for the 2020 tournament.
The biggest element of the renovation will be a new, high-tech irrigation system. Staff will be able to control the flow of each individual sprinkler head. Course staff say this will be more efficient and environmentally friendly, saving money in the long run. Each bunker will also be redone and there will be changes to a few fairways and cart paths.
Scott Bentley, the Assistant Golf Operations Director, tells 10News that the project was much-needed to improve the experience of all players at Torrey Pines, as well as the Farmers Insurance Open and the US Open, which returns to Torrey Pines in 2021. "The US Open is going to benefit. They've been out looking at the changes, gave us a couple of ideas as well as the PGA Tour. So the Farmers Insurance Open will benefit as well."
The work will have an impact to play on the South Course. Crews will work on two holes at a time, closing those holes for play. To make sure players still get a full 18-hole experience, two of the par 5's will be converted into two shorter holes. Carts will also be required because the detours will create long walking situations. To mitigate the additional cost of the carts, players will be offered a discount while work is in progress.
Bentley says the renovation will not cost taxpayers. Torrey Pines is self-sufficient, earning roughly $6 in profit annually. It funds its own capital projects, such as the renovation. "It completely pays for itself. We don't rely on the general fund. We actually contribute to the general fund every year through land use payments."
Work is scheduled to begin February 18.
