Farmers Insurance Open History

Torrey Pines Golf Course is a municipal facility owned by the city of San Diego and actually contains two separate courses: the North and South courses.

The entire facility used to be a functioning US Army training facility during World War II known as Camp Callan. In 1957, the land belonged to the city of San Diego, who hired William F. Bell to design both courses. Bell’s initial design remained until the 2000s, when both courses were eventually updated.

First, the South Course was updated by Rees Jones in 2001, while Tom Weiskopf redesigned the North Course in 2016.

The South Course’s 7,698 yards make it the longest course played on the regular PGA Tour calendar. Both courses are open to the public, making them one of the few mainstays on the Tour that any amateur can play. The courses offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean along with plenty of its namesake torrey pines. Locals suggest playing from your correct tees on these long courses to enjoy the experience.

In addition to the Farmers Insurance Open, Torrey Pines has also hosted the 2008 US Open (won by Torrey Pines’ favorite Tiger Woods) and the 2022 US Open where Jon Rahm won.

The Farmers Insurance Open began as the San Diego Open in 1952 at the San Diego Country Club. In the early years, the tournament was also played at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club, Stardust Country Club, Singing Hill Country Club and one year at the Rancho Bernardo Country Club.

However, the tournament’s 1968 decision to relocate to Torrey Pines coupled with the beginning of a 20-year relationship with actor Andy Williams sparked the tournament’s rise to prominence.

Over the years, some of the games greatest players have won the Farmers Insurance Open, including Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, who are both 2-time winners. Gary Player, Tom Weiskopf, Davis Love III and John Daly are also among the past champions, Phil Mickelson has won the tournament three times.

However, Tiger Woods, with his seven victories, is unrivaled, a career that includes a four-peat between 2005-2008.

The most significant milestone to occur at the Farmers Insurance Open had nothing to do with winning. In 1952, the recently retired heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis became the first African American to play a PGA Tour event when he was invited to play the event. Louis’ inclusion challenged the PGA’s whites-only restrictions, but ultimately he was allowed to play the event and make history. Unfortunately, the PGA would wait a further nine years to eradicate its prejudicial practices by unanimous vote November 10, 1961.

The Farmers Insurance Open employs the standard 36-hole cut. After two rounds, the top 65 players, plus ties, make the cut, play the weekend, and earn a check. Meanwhile, the rest of the tournament field goes home empty-handed. Here's how the cut-line has trended at the Farmers Insurance Open in recent years.