It has been a standard practice for years by some fans attending the Buick Invitational to ignore the bus transportation from designated lots and find parking in the business lots and garages across the street from Torrey Pines.
That's fine for the Buick, but don't attempt it at the U.S. Open.
U.S. Open Manager Reg Jones said yesterday fans should stick to the organized transportation plan in which spectators will be bused to Torrey Pines from free parking at Qualcomm Stadium.
Any other effort will probably end in frustration. No fan parking will be allowed at the Torrey Pines businesses or on the street near the golf course.
“Tow trucks will be waiting,” Jones said.
Jones also asked San Diego residents to consider avoiding unnecessary trips on the freeways near Torrey Pines, and advised that while traffic on Torrey Pines Road will not be shut down during the Open, it probably will not be the best route to use.
The Del Mar Fair has agreed to delay its opening until the Saturday of the Open, which should greatly help with the Friday traffic, Jones said.
South closing soon
The Torrey Pines South Course will close to the public on May 21 and is scheduled to reopen on the Thursday following the Open, June 19. The North Course closed yesterday and is scheduled to reopen as nine holes in July and as 18 holes in September.
Open events
There are several major events taking place around the U.S. Open:
The U.S. Open Host Committee will hold a dinner on Saturday, June 7, to benefit the Pro Kids Golf Academy and the San Diego International Sports Federation. The emcees for the night are ESPN's Chris Berman and comedian Frank Caliendo. Tables start at $5,000. Information: (619) 682-3436, ext. 2120.
Shoot for the Stars, a dinner and show that will benefit the San Diego County Junior Golf Association, will be held on the USS Midway Museum on Saturday, June 14. The host is Jay Leno. Information: (619) 280-8505.
HBO has chosen a unique venue for the world premier of its first golf documentary, “Back Nine at Cherry Hills: The Legends of the 1960 U.S. Open.” A screening and concert, free to the public, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6, on the grass at La Jolla's Ellen Browning Scripps Park, near La Jolla Cove. Information: (888) 745-7425.
Tod Leonard: (619) 293-1858; tod.leonard@uniontrib.com
