Hole 8 at Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course '
Par 3 • 176 Yards • La Jolla, California
The 8th hole at Torrey Pines South Course is a deceptively challenging uphill par 3 that demands respect from golfers of all skill levels. Originally designed by William Bell Sr., this hole requires taking an extra club to clear the bunker guarding the front of the green. Part of the championship layout that hosted the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens, it exemplifies the strategic precision required throughout this renowned course.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 176 yds
- Green
- 5096 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Course Slope
- 143
- Course Rating
- 78.1
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Strategy Tips
This uphill 176-yard par 3 requires an extra club due to elevation change. The course's own advice emphasizes adding club to clear the front bunker that protects this green.
Bunkers are positioned at 193 yards from the tee, just beyond the pin position. These front greenside bunkers are the primary hazard to avoid on your tee shot.
The green measures 27 yards wide by 36 yards deep with 5,096 square feet of putting surface. This generous target allows for aggressive pin-seeking if you take enough club to clear the front bunkers.
With no fairway area to work with (0 yards at both 200y and 250y), this is a direct target golf hole where precision trumps distance. Focus entirely on green-finding accuracy.
The landing zone starts at 0 yards from the tee, confirming this is an all-carry shot to the green. Plan your club selection to land softly on the putting surface rather than trying to run the ball on.
This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsShort par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What club should I use on this par 3?
At 176 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 8?
This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 8?
Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 8?
The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 8?
This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.
Can I practice hole 8 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course '. You can play this exact par 3 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →
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Play This Course at Home
Practice Torrey Pines Golf Club ' South Course ' Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 176 yds
- Green
- 5096 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 3
- Course Slope
- 143
- Course Rating
- 78.1
Navigate
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