How many bogeys will the field accumulate in the 108th U.S. Open at Torrey Pines next week, given the ultra challenging nature of the event?
Take a guess or make a scientific estimate before June 11 and deposit an entry at any of the JC Golf courses, which are posing that question in a contest celebrating the region hosting the major golf tournament.
The winner will get a free round of golf per week for a year.
How will the local courses fare during Open week with the spotlight on Torrey Pines and the world's greatest golfers?
That's easy to answer. It figures to be much better than par for these courses, considering a crescendo of enthusiasm for the Open.
“You can feel it,” said Rob Oosterhuis, director of JC Golf operations, who oversees seven local courses from offices at Twin Oaks in San Marcos.
“There's definitely a buzz from Torrey Pines. My office is on the other side of the county, but it's like you can feel the pulsing throughout the golf community about what's going to happen.”
Don King, the Barona Creek Golf Club's director of golf, knows the feeling from 1985, when he worked at an nearby course when the Open was played at Oakland Hills in Birmingham Mich.
“I can tell you it's a happening event,” said King, formerly with Grand Blanc (Mich.) Country Club.
“There are a lot of people who show up for U.S. Opens. We get a taste of tour golf with the Buick (Invitational at Torrey Pines), but there's nothing like a major championship.”
Further evidence comes from tee sheets already nearly full for next week at Barona, which hosted the Nationwide Tour championships in November.
Those advance bookings are consistent with reports of increased reservations at other San Diego area courses.
“I expect our courses to be full on the weekends even though it's going to be the last days (of the Open),” Oosterhuis said.
“From in town or out of town, if you love golf, you're going to get the best of both worlds.”
Early tee times figure to be especially popular to allow for a round of golf and the chance to watch the Open, which will have play late into the day to provide prime time television viewing on the East Coast.
Bookings also have been brisk at La Costa Resort and Spa, which has been offering a special Open package, looking to cater to guests on site and others visiting for the tournament that was awarded to San Diego six years ago.
“With the caliber of golfers that will be in the area and the caliber of the people that it draws, the anticipation is building,” said Cindy Lawrence, the resort's public relations director.
“We've been talking about it for a long time, so people are excited for it to finally get here.”
Johnny Gonzales, the Sycuan Golf Resort's director of golf, can't help but also look beyond this year's Open, based on the reaction at his club and word of how well Torrey Pines has been shaping up for the tourney.
“It's just a wonderful opportunity,” Gonzales said. “I hope the city of San Diego brings it back within that 10-year period if possible. It's special to have a major championship here. It's going to do wonders for our whole city. It's going to bring attention to us.”
At The Vineyard in Escondido, kindred to Torrey Pines with its municipal roots, it's reported that bookings from out-of-area golfers have doubled recently. Also, golf-and-lunch specials have been suspended because of the peak demand.
At Coronado, meanwhile, the chances for cashing in on an out-of-towner wave are minimal. On the Saturday and Sunday of the Open, the course is booked both days by the course's men's club.
Oosterhuis sought to have a fun tie-in to the Open when he devised the bogey contest, known as “Bogeyfest,” along with his staff. Entries are free at any local JC course, which includes such venues as Arrowood, Encinitas Ranch and the Rancho Bernardo Inn.
“There's almost a morbid curiosity when it comes to the Open,” Oosterhuis said. “Speaking for myself, I want to see guys around par. It's good for the game. With Bogeyfest, we highlight for the entrants, 'Hey, take a look. These are guys making bogeys and doubles and triples, just like you.' ”
Oosterhuis, whose father, Peter, does golf commentary for CBS Sports, plans to attend the Open at least one day, as do other PGA members surveyed.
For each, too, time will be spent attending to their own courses busy with an influx of guests.
“You're coming to one of the beautiful places in the world, with one of the best climates, at the best time during the year, with the longest daylight,” Oosterhuis said.
“It's almost a perfect storm. Everyone is just going to come in and enjoy San Diego for what it is.”
