Pitching together to open up Torrey Pines

IF THERE was ever any doubt as to the municipal heart of this week’s US Open venue, it can be dispelled by Henrik Stenson’s experience there just before Christmas.

The multi-millionaire Swede, currently ranked 13th in the world, rolled up at the southern California public course in December for a practice round. He paid, yes paid, his green fees — as a non-resident of San Diego he had to pay extra on top of the locals’ rate of $42 (€27) — and Stenson enjoyed the rare experience for a touring pro of buying a bucket of balls to use for his warm-up. Then he got paired with two beginners.

Welcome to Torrey Pines Golf Course, proudly owned by the City of San Diego and temporary home of the United States Golf Association’s national championship.