Torrey Pines Golf Course

Last week Tiger Woods won his first tournament of the 2013 season at the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California. This iconic course has played host to numerous events over the years and is one of the most sought-after golf courses in North America.

Situated on a series of coastal cliffs in the area of La Jolla near San Diego, Torrey Pines is America's foremost municipal golf course. Unlike many iconic courses which form part of country clubs and tend to be inaccessible to the general public, Torrey Pines is open to golfers from the San Diego region and beyond, making this course a must for golf tourists passing through the area.

Taking its name from the Torrey Pine, a tree that only grows in the San Diego region, the course offers spectacular coastal views from its two 18-hole championship courses. Torrey Pines played host to the 2008 US Open, where the famous sudden-death playoff between Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods took place during the final round –though he was injured and limping, Woods won the playoff.

In many ways, Torrey Pines is the ideal golf course. Designed with the public in mind but able to host top-level championships, the golf course is located in a region with excellent weather and is open to all golfers – however, visitors should ensure that they book a tee-off time well in advance on the course's website. Here are some highlights from the South Course at Torrey Pines:

• The par 4 first hole at Torrey Pines serves as a warm welcome to the course. An easily reachable fairway turns right to reveal a green guarded by two large bunkers which demand some accuracy from the beginning.

• A highlight of the course is the scenic fourth hole, also a par 4, which is set against the cliff side with spectacular ocean views – a single greenside bunker guards the hole, which allows golfers to enjoy the view and make par at the same time.

• The par 5 thirteenth hole is a challenge to weekend golfers and professionals alike. A total of ten bunkers guard the fairway and green, with the pin positioned at the top right of the green. Errant shots may easily land up in the forested rough alongside, making this hole a tough one to beat but thoroughly enjoyable.

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