U.S. Open Puts Torrey Pines and Golf World in the News

It was anything but a mundane Monday at the Torrey Pines Golf course in La Jolla, Calif. The festivities of the 2008 U.S. Open carried on an additional day with a spirited 19-hole playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate. The weather was perfect for the duel that featured two champions playing for one trophy, the popular favorite versus the unknown underdog. By the day's end, the players' mutual feats of athleticism and sportsmanship added a great day to the history of the U.S. Open. While Woods ultimately won, Rocco Mediate forever won the respect of the gallery.

The weather cooperated marvelously from beginning to end, as the event drew record crowds over the extended weekend. It is no wonder that the city's Mayor Sanders would love to see the Open return to Torrey Pines in 2015. The facility, owned by the city of San Diego, is only the second municipal-owned golfing complex to ever host the U.S. Open. The first municipal-owned site to hold the event was the Black Course in Bethpage, NY. Torrey Pines also is the annual site of the PGA's Buick Invitational tournament. This year's U.S. Open was held on the South course. Rees Jones did a makeover of the South course in 2001. Williiam Bell Sr. is the golf architect who transformed the area in 1957 to a golf complex from a U.S. Navy camp.

The inviting public-accessible center features two 18-hole championship courses, the North and the South courses. The view from every angle on each course is captivating with the ocean to the west and a mountainous terrain with lurking wildlife visible off in the distance as a backdrop. The "Torrey Pines experience" ranks highly on many golfers' courses "to-play" list.

The Torrey Pines Golf Course is about 20 miles from downtown San Diego. The TP facilities rival those of affluent private clubs in both size and scope. Tee-times can be reserved from eight to 90 days in advance, and there is an automated service to reserve tee-times of seven days or less as well.

The Torrey Pines Golf School has certified PGA and LPGA golfers who teach privately and hold clinics for players of all levels. Corporate and special social outings also can be arranged under their tutelage, such as a private tourney. The pro shop offers club fittings and gift certificates to use the facility are available.

JustLuxe Close Up and Personal

I could only imagine how slow networks were across the U.S. with all viewers watching online Monday. With JustLuxe.com being a San Diego-based company, many of our hardworking staffers took a well-deserved timeout to catch the conclusion of the tournament online. It was amazing to hear roars coming from other parts of the building. The JL staff was split down the middle in cheering for Rocco the underdog, and Tiger the g-r-r-reat!