Another Open Very Likely for Torrey Pines

The U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, Calif., was a rousing success. Not just because of the thrilling playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate, or because of Woods' courageous performance despite painful and serious injuries. But because the golf course itself was a star.

And the United States Golf Association recognizes that. The San Diego newspaper reports that the city's mayor has already invited the USGA back to Torrey Pines, and that the USGA is a certainty to accept:

David Fay, executive director of the United States Golf Association, says he is “thrilled” by San Diego's interest in an encore Open, and that the invitation Mayor Jerry Sanders extended Monday could be provisionally accepted as soon as this fall.

The year 2018 may be the earliest the U.S. Open can return to Torrey Pines, the Union-Tribune reported:

The USGA has already scheduled Open sites through 2015. The next two Open openings, in 2016 and 2017, are expected to be filled by Oakmont Country Club, the suburban Pittsburgh site of the 2007 Open, and the new Erin Hills (Wis.) Golf Course, site of the 2011 U.S. Amateur.

Torrey Pines played a major role in the drama of the 2008 U.S. Open. Unlike many recent U.S. Open courses, Torrey Pines played tough without being so punishing as to drain all the birdies from the course. Golfers could find birdie holes - even eagle holes - down the stretch, and that allowed golfers the chance to pull off great shots and produce huge cheers.

See also:

• Torrey Pines pictures