Did You See Tiger Woods Make A Bogey At The First? Torrey Pines Is Tough

U.S. Open Opens Up With A Tough Start

Professional golfers with butterflies in their stomachs may have a hard time with Torrey Pines.

The first hole is tough to start your round off with. Long par-4,452 yards, and into the prevailing sea breeze, which creeps up the coastal cliffs usually by mid-morning. Pros will have to
start off with a good drive because there are bunkers left and right off the tee.

The first green is semi-elevated and well bunkered -both a common feature in now Rees Jones renovated Torrey Pines South.

The players need to stay on the left side off the tee for a proper angle to the green, that is slanted to favor a faded approach.

Better Pucker Up Them Cheeks- #4 At Torrey Pines Is A Beast

The best of players better have their guards up for what lies ahead. The fourth hole for the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Tourney is a long par-4.

The fourth at Torrey Pines South is usually into the prevailing winds. There is trouble on both sides. Cliffs to the left and bunkers in the landing area to the right.

The players at this years Open will want a drive slightly favoring the left side while avoiding the cliff, particularly if the rough is not too long(very unlikely).

After traversing over 480 yards, the professionals are greeted by a green that is nestled on a cliff. A simple, great golf hole.

The two-tiered green is well protected front and left. Pros like Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson might go straight at it.

Players that are not so confident should make use of the slope to the right of the green. If they make a par here it will feel more like a birdie. Only hole at Torrey Pines South next to the ocean in its entirety.

Number 7 Is A Toughy At Torrey Pines

Number 7 at Torrey Pines South is another tough par-4.

The professionals will be looking to get off of this hole with par. Hopefully nothing worse.

U.S. Open players will want to aim to the right edge of the fairway bunker on the left side. The slope of the land will bring the ball back towards the center.

The major concern for the pros that hit a long, straight drive, is that they will end up with a downhill lie for the second shot.

Too far right off the tee will make it impossible to reach the green in regulation. Just too many trees there. From comments that have been made by the players that have practiced at Torrey Pines for the U.S. Open, the rough is substantially high off of the fairway, but is tiered. Shots that are not exactly perfect will not be penalized as much as really errant shots.

The approach to the green favors a fade (for a back pin).

Watch for players to bail out to the left to stay away from short-siding themselves.

As the old saying goes, "Par is your friend". That should be especially true on this hole.