A gliders view of the Torrey Pines Golf Course
As we usher in a new decade at the world famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, we also usher in a new tournament sponsor. The tournament formerly known as the Buick Invitational is no more. Farmers Insurance has stepped up to the tee box as new title sponsor, giving us the Farmers Insurance Open 2010. With current economic conditions, sponsorships aren’t viable for many businesses, including members of the struggling auto industry. After twenty years of sponsorship, Buick announced last year that they could not return in 2010 for the 4th stop on the PGA Tour at Torrey Pines.
“It was only within the last few weeks that this ultra-prestigious tournament found a title sponsor…”
TIP: Tournament Schedule of Events next…
Hosted by the Century Club of San Diego, our fine city has been a stop on the PGA tour circuit for 58 years. Legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course challenges even the best players year after year. The municipal course is just as famous for its epic coastal views. Created by renowned golf course architect William F. Bell, Jr., this parcel of land was a military training facility up until 1945. Now, rolling fairways and ocean panoramas grace the bluff top landmark.
Economic & charitable impact…
The efforts of the Century Club has brought $25 – $30 million annually to the city, in their role of supporting golf related projects and activities. Other charitable events surrounding the tournament include Save Our Schools (SOS) and Chip in for Charity, where participants sell tickets to the event and receive 90% of the proceeds to support their school or non-profit organization.
This year, the Diamond in the Rough Gala will feature a performance by Jay Leno and will benefit the Monarch School. The school provides homeless and at-risk children an education while providing for their basic needs, along with support – to break the cycle of homelessness.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Golf Tournament allows participants to play the Torrey Pines North course on the final Sunday of the Farmers Insurance Open Tournament, and raises around $200,000 annually in support of the Boys & Girls Club.
Military Appreciation events include: A special ‘by invitation only’ luncheon and the opportunity for a select group to play the Torrey Pines North course on Saturday morning.
Want to be a part of the festivities but can’t spend the day on the fairway? Dance the night away in Downtown’s eclectic Gaslamp District at the Golf Ball – hosted by uber-popular Stingaree, with entertainment this year by DJ Sid Vicious. Tickets are $30, (check the site for VIP options) – All proceeds for the event benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Dieguito and the Century Club of San Diego.
Farmers Insurance Open – Schedule of Events
Monday, January 25 (Free Admission)
- Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players
- Sycuan Resort Pro-Am, South Course, starting at 10:30 a.m.
- Parking is free at the Glider Port Parking area on Monday
Tuesday, January 26
- Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players
- 12:00 p.m. Military Appreciation Luncheon (By invitation only)
- 3:30 p.m. Junior Clinic, #4 North Course
- Parking is free at the Glider Port Parking area on Tuesday
Wednesday, January 27
- Allianz Global Investors Pro-Am, North and South Courses, starting at 6:42 a.m.
- Parking is free at the Glider Port Parking area on Wednesday
Thursday, January 28
- Opening Round – North & South Courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies, 1st Tee South Course, starting at 7:30 a.m.
- The Golf Ball, Stingaree (Downtown San Diego), starting at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 29
- Second Round – North and South Courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, January 30
- Third Round – South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
- Military Appreciation Tournament, North Course, starting at 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, January 31
- Final Round - South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
- Awards Ceremony on the 18th Green
- Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Golf Tournament, North Course, starting at 7:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Check out the Farmers Insurance Open website for information about parking, shuttles and tickets, as well as spectator rules (there are many – including no cell phones!)
So, grab your favorite golf cap and go out to support your favorite player or charity this week… You might even get that one special tip to improve your swing. Never broke 100? No worries! You still get to spend the day on a visually stunning golf course overlooking the Pacific, while surrounded by the best golfers in the world. What’s not to love? FORE!
