Imagine a day of beautiful sunshine, stunning landscapes, ocean views, and golf. Now, throw in that you will be spending the day hanging around some of the best golfers in the world. Since we were in town this week, we decided to enjoy the day at the Farmer’s Insurance Open PGA Golf Tournament at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California.

Plan Before You Go

I originally didn’t think I would be able to go to the tournament, because I had appointments and other obligations. As a result of moving a few things around in my calendar, I managed to work it out. So we are now able to attend this PGA Golf tournament on a beautiful Thursday afternoon.

The weather in San Diego in January and February can be wet and cold. A good idea might be to wear layers so if the temperatures cool off or warm up, you will be prepared.

The Golf Venue

If you’ve never experienced a golf tournament in person, it is quite a unique experience. Many tournament venues consist of places of majestic beauty that anyone can appreciate. At this particular PGA event at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, there are the beautiful greens and fairways lined along the gorgeous carved cliffs and ocean views. This place is magical! Of course, you need to be prepared on several occasions to be quiet and stand still.

Golf Etiquette

Most PGA golf tournaments have several volunteers working the event throughout the week. These are the folks who normally stand at the tee boxes and greens holding signs that illustrate the words “QUIET”. You will find these folks also along the fairways as well ready to hold up their sign or their arms when a player is ready to play their ball and take a shot.

The PGA Tour Golf Players

What is cool about visiting a PGA golf tournament is that you can get up close to the professional golfers. Even so, you may possibly get an autograph and photos. I was able to get an autograph from Arnold Palmer while at a golf tournament in Florida at the Bay Hill, it is pretty awesome. To see these superior athletes and their incredible talent up close is amazing. It is so impressive watching them make swings with the driver as they attack the pins on the greens!

The Golf Weather Forecast

Our day at Torrey Pines was a fabulous one! The weather was absolutely beautiful, with the sun shining and about 73 degrees, made for a perfect day of golf. If you plan to attend one of these professional golf tournaments, it is a good idea to plan your visit and plan for weather. As a result of inclement weather, you might also wish to bring appropriate clothing, an umbrella and plan to do a lot of walking. It is important to coordinate getting there and parking, especially in a very populated area.

Food Venders At A PGA Golf Tournament

If you do not want to take part in the food options offered at the tournament venue, you might bring your own small snacks and water. Many times, there are delicious food options at the PGA tournament if that is what you prefer.

Have A Plan

Here is an overview to give you an idea of what it’s like to attend one of the PGA golf tournaments.

What to bring:

I usually bring my own food with me because I have food allergies. For this event, I didn’t have many snacks nor did I bring water with me. Always check the event website to see what food or beverages you are allowed to bring. (Many events do not allow bottled beverages). Thinking ahead, I knew we were only planning to stay a few hours, so I drank plenty of fluids prior to the event. I also had a small zip lock bag of almonds with me. My snacks usually include nuts, granola bar, small banana. I also brought a very small purse, for more information on bags allowed, Guide Entry:

What to wear:

It was a gorgeous day and comfortable weather, so I brought a light jacket and comfortable yoga pants, and sneakers. I wore my most comfortable running shoes because I knew we will be doing lots of walking.

Other Things To Wear:

Sunscreen
Visor or hat
Sunglasses
Umbrella
Comfortable Shoes

PGA Golf Tournament Parking and Getting There:

Since my husband works nearby where the tournament is, we decide to meet up after my doctor appointment. We parked near Mission Bay Drive parking lot and I left my car and got in with him. We proceeded to the golf tourney parking area at Sea World for Thursday and Friday only. The tournament organizers are encouraging attendees to use Uber ride services to get to the event. The two different areas of available parking for the event and taking shuttle services are at:

Seaworld parking lot:  Fee is $22 *Each year prices may vary. Directions
Del Mar Race Grounds: Fee is $20 *Each year prices may vary. Directions
*The fees and prices and parking areas are from the 2019 Farmer’s Insurance Open Championship at Torrey Pines.

Event Admission Fee:

This price can be different at various cities and tournaments. Military receive free admission tickets to this tournament. The price for an admission fee starts at $60 See more ticket options here: Prices may vary post covid19 pandemic.

Our Day With Tiger

We finally arrive at the drop off shuttle bus area, we quickly disembark the bus and make our way into the event. The crowds are not too bad at this time as we begin our quest to search for Tiger and his group. Prior to finding Tiger, we end up stopping at several vending tents and booths. There are several vendors at this year’s event. One vendor tent offered free skin cancer screening by a doctor from Scripps Healthcare, and we received a couple small bottles of sunscreen, as well as lip balm with spf.

We finally found the hole where we wanted to be at and position to stand and watch Tiger up close. When attending the PGA Tournaments when the top 10 pro players are in it, you will need to find your position at the tee box. This gave us an opportunity to stand in a spot up on front against the ropes so we could see Tiger as he tees off.

Other players in Tiger’s group are Tony Finau and Rickie Fowler. It was cool to also see several other talented golfers as well. If you are looking to watch a particular player, you can find out when they tee off during the tournament on the event website.

*TIP: You may need to get to at least one hole ahead of Tiger and other top players and their group to get an up close position to see them hit driver.

Military Patriot Outpost

Another nice benefit that these professional golf tournaments offer is the Patriot Tent. If you are a military veteran, active or retired, the military outpost tent is for you. They offer complimentary water and other beverages, food, snacks, and a beautiful view for watching the tournament.

Vendor Attractions

Other great attractions to check out for this years event include the following:

• The Michelob Ultra Zone: Offering food and drink
• Champions for Youth Tent: Official “Keep Calm & Torrey On” quite paddle for sale with all proceeds going to charity.
• Fan Friendly Expo: Latest golf equipment and other special offers.
• MD Anderson-Sunscreen Station: sunscreen and skin screenings.
• Grey Goose 19th Hole and Flight Deck: Panoramic views of the course, drinks and beverages.
• Practice Putting Green: See where the pros prepare to play their round.
• Just the Good Stuff: Sweet treats with cookies, donuts and coffee.

San Diego

If you are visiting from out of town, and need a break from the golf, you are in for a treat! If you are from the area or visiting San Diego, we hope you have the opportunity to take in some golf, and enjoy other things San Diego has to offer. Enjoy and welcome! There is so much you can do besides golf on your visit to San Diego. Be sure to make room for some other activities as well! Click here for ‘Things to do in San Diego”

Places To Stay San Diego For PGA Golf Tournament

• Lodging
• Dining 
• Things to do
• Golf

Finally

We had a great time attending this year’s PGA Golf Tournament at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Attending a tournament like this provides the perfect opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy some golf. It’s also a great time to be inspired to learn about golf and perhaps take it up. Golf is amazing in that it is full of history, it translates into life lessons, and it can also provide times to enjoy making memories with your loved ones. What more can you ask from an activity or sport?

You can stay up to date with all the happenings at Farmers Insurance Open and plan to attend the next PGA Golf Tournament near you! #SeeYouAtTorrey