Torrey Pines North joins Rees Jones Trail

[Pete Lavallee]

It doesn't look like a sympathetic restoration of Billy Bell's North Course is in the works. Interesting that although the City of San Diego hasn't figured out how to pay him, Rees has already drawn up plans for the "reestoration" of the more scenic, and enjoyable (for average golfers) North Course. The motivation for the redesign seems to be from the USGA's stipulation that only one round of the 2008 Buick Invitational be played on the South Course, which will force the weekend finish to be contested on the North Course. Any guesses as to why they folks in Far Hills would request this? Here is the link to today's article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/golf/20021008-9999_1s8opennotes.html

[JWalker]

I can't imagine why they would make such a request. This guy jones is everywhere. Why don't they just hav the Buick at his Santa Luz course and leave that wonderful course alone. The videos of each hole on the the link you provided are kind of cool.

[John_D._Bernhardt]

He will have to use his imagination to mess up the north as much as he did the south. I hope he just makes it longer and leaves the traps and greens alone.

[Mike_Cirba]

Uhhh..John...

THe article in Pete's original post states that Rees will primarily be working on those very greens and bunkers.

[Jeff Fortson]

Can someone please dig up some dirt on this Jones guy so that we can stop him from ruining other great courses?

Jeff F.

[Craig Van Egmond]

Jeff,

      I'm not certain that Torrey Pines north falls into the catagory of great courses.  

[Matt_Cohn]

Wow, I have lost touch, I didn't know until today that TP got the 2008 Open. Cool!

As far as the North, I've always thought it had more potential than the South. It has a better routing and a better site. There's more variety, beauty, and interest. The greens are better.

I wish it weren't Rees doing the job, but at least we know what we're going to get! It's a shame all of the little old slopey greens will be lost. And it's discomforting to wonder about the green fees. Time in Oklahoma and Melbourne has made me appreciate the need for cheap courses that aren't nearly the greatest courses in the world, because those are where people learn the game and play it for fun.

On the other hand, maybe a site like Torrey Pines isn't appropriate for anything except a world class course.

I hope it's all done the right way...