San Diego golfers were thrilled to learn that the U.S. Open golf tourney would return to Torrey Pines in 2021, as U-T San Diego reported Thursday.
“I’m not even Catholic, but I’m going to cross my heart and hope I’m around to see it,” La Jolla dentist Denny Jacobs was quoted as saying. “I’m so happy about that. The 2008 event was the event of a golfer’s lifetime, and I enjoyed every minute of it.”
But commenters on various golf sites aren’t as hot to trot.
On CBSSports.com, someone with the handle BlueUp posted:
“I like Torrey Pines, but why does the US Open have to be played on the same ole rotation of venues? The US Open should not be played on courses that already host another annual PGA tourney. Go to some new places.”
On the Golf Channel site, an Edward Hilferty said: “[Torrey] Pines, give me a break, play the Open on real grass and tree lined fairways, how about northeast, Pine Valley, Aronomink or even the great hidden jewel like Saucon Valley.”
But “Dman” on golfweek.com posted: “There are very few venues with enough space to host the huge crowds and logistics of a US Open. Also, when the USGA gets a taste of the obscene revenues generated from massive crowds at huge modern venues like Chambers Bay in 2015 it will be impossible to ever go back to small classic sites. Goodbye forever to Merion, Winged Foot, Shinnecock Hills etc.”
“Avatar” replied: “I’m kind of with you on that one. I mean Torry’s a fine course and all, but there just seems so many other viable options. My guess is the USGA wants it simply because “its easy” in that no further significant course “adjustments” would be necessary to host another Open. (even though that won’t stop them from tinkering with something or other).”
The would-be host recalls: “Torrey Pines was the site of perhaps the most memorable modern day U.S. Open Championship, when in 2008, under the typically brutal conditions of this major tournament, injured and hobbling Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate during their sudden death playoff after 90 grueling holes of exciting golf.”