Adriane Tillman
May 25, 2006
The University Community Planning Group (UCPG) brought past items back to the table for another look, or one last word, on May 16. Golfers cast new light on Torrey Pines Golf Course...(more)
SDMGA News Link
SDMGA response to statements made by Bill Evans in U-T "Rumors" article of May 6, 2008
May 7, 2008: The Union Tribune reported on the rumors concerning the take over of Torrey Pines by special interests. Some of the statements made by Bill Evans, proprietor of the Lodge at Torrey Pines, were misleading and if left unchallenged may have been confusing to the reader. Please read our clarification of these statements. (more)
Rumor mill rampant about TP leadership
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
UNION-TRIBUNE
May 6, 2008
The hottest rumor going around the Torrey Pines golf courses lately has nothing to do with the U.S. Open next month. Paul Spiegelman, a co-founder of the San Diego Municipal Golfers Alliance, said he has heard from city employees, who wish to remain anonymous, that the city is in talks with the owner of the Lodge at Torrey Pines, Bill Evans, about Evans taking over the golf operations at Torrey. (more)
Sherri Lightner, candidate for City Council District 1, lends support to San Diego citizen golfers.
April 29, 2008: In a letter to SDMGA, Sherri Lightner offers her support to the San Diego municipal golfer in several important areas (more)
SDMGA representatives meet with mayoral candidate Steve Francis regarding municipal golfing issues.
April 18, 2008: Steve committed that if he is elected Mayor, Torrey Pines will always be a municipal golf course affordable and accessible to San Diego residents. Steve will see to it that the Golf Advisory Council will meet regularly to provide citizens with direct input into policy decisions. (more)
After U.S. Open, Woodward will vacate 'hot seat'
GOLF TOD LEONARD
UNION-TRIBUNEApril 22, 2008Mark Woodward looks back now and admits he might have been a little naive. When he took the job as San Diego's golf operations manager three years ago, he was coming off working 31 years for the city of Mesa, Ariz. There, he managed two golf courses, spring training ballparks and a cemetery (more)
City officials taking advantage of hot-ticket perk
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERMarch 8, 2008
Tickets to see the world's great golfers compete in the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course are long gone. The only way to get them now is through brokers who are charging up to $1,500. Yet San Diego city officials are scooping them up at face value and allowing lobbyists, campaign contributors and friends to purchase them. Free tickets are also available, although the City Council has not yet decided how they will be distributed. (more)
March 1, 2008: The SDMGA has been fighting the city of San Diego very hard and for a long time to keep Torrey Pines the public park it was entrusted to be. San Diego's mayor has broken that trust and is steadfastly turning the citizen's parkland into a commercial enterprise featuring a circus like tournament venue benefiting the elite, for profit, golfing organizations like the PGA, USGA, LPGA and IMG. Tee times available for our use are vanishing at an alarming rate because of the mayor's scheme and the willingness of these professional golfing organizations to bump the local citizens off the Torrey Pines courses. If the situation continues in this manner, tee times for local citizen golfers at Torrey Pines will be gone forever. It appears from statements made by the city's golf manager in the Union Tribune that in following the mayor's plan, the Torrey Pines golf courses are now losing money and that the lost revenue must be recovered by yet another cooked up scheme further costing the local citizen golfer.
Please read the two articles below and send an email of protest to your councilmember before Torrey Pines becomes nothing more than a memory of local use and we are shut out forever.
• It's now hard to get a tee time on Torrey
“It's going to get worse and worse,” city Golf Manager Mark Woodward said yesterday.
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERFebruary 26, 2008Local golfers are finding that as the 2008 U.S. Open draws closer, it's getting harder and harder to get tee times on the Torrey Pines South Course. A steady stream of complaints about calling the city's golf reservation line and not getting a tee time have been coming into the Union-Tribune, and the city's golf managers last week issued a statement via e-mail to all city resident card holders advising them that it will be difficult to get times over the seven-day system. The e-mail encouraged golfers to use the advance reservation system, which costs $26 extra per person for residents. It is $37 per person for nonresidents...(more)• LPGA all-star tourney eyes Torrey Pines in '09
City Golf Manager Woodward said he likes the idea of the course hosting a tournament at every top level of golf. “It would be a feather in our cap,” he said.UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
February 26, 2008
San Diego city Golf Manager Mark Woodward said yesterday he has had talks with officials from International Management Group about the Torrey Pines South Course hosting the LPGA Tour's Samsung World Championship in 2009 and 2010...In most of its deals, IMG requires tournament sites, which are often seeking publicity for memberships or home sales, to pay it a fee that sometimes reaches into the millions. (more)
Correction to the U-T's City golf managers pass muster story.
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
September 30, 2007 “FOR THE RECORD| In a story Thursday, it was incorrectly reported that Paul Spiegelman of the San Diego Municipal Golfers Alliance had requested the city of San Diego roll back its rate for senior golfers on Fridays at Torrey Pines to the weekday rate. Actually, he requested the rates for all city golfers on Fridays be rolled back to the weekday rate. The Union-Tribune regrets the error. (09/30/2007, C-2)”
It should be noted that the SDMGA proposal regarding the rollback of rates will be on the agenda for consideration at the January 2008 NR&C Committee meeting chaired by Donna Frye.
City golf managers pass muster
Citizen Golfers it is you who should decide whether or not the city golf managers passed muster; not the City Council or the Mayor. They are supposed to be working in behalf of the citizens and not special interest groups and the destination golfers. Torrey Pines is slowly but surely being stolen from the citizens of San Diego: The North Course will not be open for full 18-hole plan for more than a year to accommodate the U.S. Open and other construction projects. Only 56% of rounds on South Course went to locals in 2007 and resident rates on the South will go up to as much as $76 per round + cart on the South by 2011($40 for seniors), so fewer local golfers will be able to afford the South.
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
September 26, 2007 .....Fiscally, golf remains one of the bright spots for the strapped city. Rounds played were down in the 2007 fiscal year that ended in June, but revenues were up, thanks mostly to the controversial green fee hikes that were part of Mayor Jerry Sanders' golf business plan that went into effect in August 2006...(more)
SDMGA Response: Way back when the whole idea was to adjust the fees such that the locals could afford to play more - more participation at less cost has made million of $ pre-5 year plan. It looks like the Mayor's REAL PLAN is working just fine - less citizen participation at higher costs = higher revenues. Higher fees are a good way to adjust the 70/30 rule - less locals more destination golfers. Not good for the local golfers.
......The golf enterprise fund continues to contribute about $1.6 million per year into the general fund, and golf made net revenues of $2.84 million last year.....
SDMGA Response: The golf enterprise fund is supposed to be used strictly for golf programs - that's why it's called an enterprises fund. If $1.6 million is going into the general fund than it is no longer an enterprise fund. Because it has worked so well for the citizens in the past it should remain an enterprise fund by the strictest of definitions and not subsidize the general fund. Something's funny in "America's Finest City"!!
SDMGA general comment: Judging from this past meeting, the golf operations has not nor does it appear likely they ever will be transparent with their management of golf operations. Many requests for information have been either ignored or passed off to some future time. And when that time comes, the information is still not forthcoming.
"Friends of Torrey Pines" takes back "Gift" to the City!
The FOTP will receive $5.37 million directly into their pockets. The renovation of Torrey Pines South was touted by the FOTP as a gift to the city. Now it amounts to nothing more than a shifty payback scheme. And if that weren't enough, city golfers will pay for the scheme with the loss of 18 hole golf on the North for most of 2008, lost revenue from the reduced layout on the North and the South renovation costs that far exceed the reimbursement. Please read the SDMGA article on the subject.
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
September 26, 2007 The Friends of Torrey Pines organization has notified Mayor Jerry Sanders that it plans to donate about $535,000 of earnings from the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines toward the replacement of the irrigation system at the Balboa Park Golf Course. In a letter delivered Monday to the mayor's office, U.S. Open co-chairman Jay Rains...(more)
On the positive side, revenues are up at Torrey Pines, expenses are down at Balboa, and there are plans for a new irrigation system at Balboa in 2009. We remain concerned about...(more)
The Natural Resources and Culture (NR&C) Committee of the San Diego City Council will be meeting on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 2:00 on the 12th Floor of the City Administration Building, 202 C Street. The NR&C would like input from municipal golfers. We plan to share the above concerns with them and ask the NR&C to support a plan to restore weekday rates on Friday. Hope to see you there.
Office of the Independent Budget Analyst Report - September 20, 2007
While the Business Plan included numerous changes to golf course operations, the most significant changes were increasing golf rates (green fees), revising the rate structure, and reallocating tee times at Torrey Pines. This report provides additional questions...(more)
Update on Mayor's Five Year Golf Business Plan - September 17, 2007
The Mayor’s Five Year Golf (Business Plan) was approved June 26, 2006. The new rates at each of the golf courses went into effect on August 1, 2006. Since that time, golf operations staff has initiated many efforts to further the goals and objectives...(more)
Open is big payday, but not for city coffers - June 10, 2007
It has been estimated that the '08 Open at Torrey Pines could produce as much as $100 million in gross revenues for the non-profit U.S. Golf Association.....By contrast, the city will receive $1.2 million from its contract with the Friends of Torrey Pines LLC, the organization formed to be the negotiating entity between the city and the USGA.
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
June 10, 2007 Meantime, the city's golf enterprise fund will make no direct money from the U.S. Open, while about $3 million has been spent on projects related to the Open, according to Golf Manager Mark Woodward. That work includes the acquisition and installation of one million square feet of kikuyu turf, the moving of trees, repainting the clubhouse and restrooms, and the construction of new cart paths...(more)
On May 23, 2007, John Beaver and Paul Spiegelman testified about the raw deal the City is getting from the USGA thanks to the so-called Friends of Torrey Pines. The North Course will be closed for months to set up corporate tents...(more)
Response to Tod Leonard's "It takes a corporate village to raise a U.S. Open" U-T article:
May 13, 2007
"Tod, let me first say that I greatly appreciate your support of the citizen golfers in San Diego and I hope you continue to shine the light of the press on our one sided City Government."
John Beaver, La Jolla... (more)
Torrey Pines may be the "people's course" and like the Open at Bethpage before it; has been billed a "People's Open". Does this fit the bill?
May 8, 2007
It takes a corporate village to raise a U.S. Open
Partying venues largely sold out at Torrey Pines and look who's making the money; for sure it's not the City !
By Tod Leonard
UNION-TRIBUNESTAFF WRITER
May 8, 2007
The Grille at The Lodge at Torrey Pines was going for $545,000, not including food and beverage. It's sold out. The Charles Reiffel Room in the Lodge: $520,000. Sold out. The Gamble Suite in the Lodge: $332,500. Sold out. The Ocean Village on the fourth hole of the North Course, where each 40-by-40-foot tent goes for $210,000: Sold out...(more)
The NR&C meeting scheduled for April 18, 2007 was cancelled at the final hour because there was not a quorum of city council members. Several SDMGA supporters were on hand and...(more)
April 18, 2007
April 14, 2007
SDMGA just received an announcement from Donna Frye's office asking golfers in San Diego to come to the Natural Resource and Cultural Committee (NR&C) meeting on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. to express our opinions on the state of golf operations...(more)
January 21, 2007
The question of the financing of the projects is a live issue in no way mooted by the City Council’s actions imposing heavy fee increases on local golfers. SDMGA argues that the fee structure can be changed...(more)
January 20, 2007
The purpose of the UCPG is to make recommendations to the San Diego City Council, Planning Commission, City Staff and other governmental agencies on land use matters. Torrey Pines is within their Plan Area and the Torrey Pines projects are a land use matter. Linda N. Colley, UCPG Chair explains to the City that the UCPG Board's concerns are more than just about the lack of funding for the Torrey Pines projects but that there were other concerns that remain unresolved...(more)
City responds to SDMGA's challenge on GAC approval of the Torrey Pines projects
January 18, 2007
City Staff member Kevin Oliver's stated position on the Torrey Pines projects is that all references to the clubhouse, made either at the Commission meeting last week, or in these e-mails, are moot points...(more)
January 17, 2007
San Diego City Agent, Kevin Oliver, asserted in a rebuttal at the Coastal Commission meeting in Long Beach on January 11 that “Mr. Spiegelman is mistaken when he says that the Golf Advisory Council disapproved the clubhouse, they actually approved it.” Mr. Oliver’s assertion is incorrect...(more)
Report on SDMGA participation in Coastal Commission's Torrey Pines Construction Projects Proceedings
January 11, 2007
Paul Spiegelman, representing SDMGA, participated in the Coastal Commission's Torrey Pines Construction Projects Proceedings held in Long Beach on January 11, 2007. Paul's report of this meeting...(more)
January 8, 2007
The City has bifurcated its Torrey Pines Clubhouse Project into more than project. Phase I is the parking lot improvement project. The SDMGA is in opposition to approving the permit for Phase I construction...(more)
December 21, 2006
The Coastal Commission Staff filed its report and preliminary recommendation to approve the Torrey Pines parking lot only. All other development for this site shall require review and approval by the Coastal Commission under a new permit or an addendum to the Phase I permit...(more)
December 17, 2006
The Century Club consistently fails to disclose this $950,000 payment when it makes claims that it raised over $3 million for the South Course renovations. Moreover, the undisclosed sum means that the Century Club/Friends of Torrey Pines has made a substantial profit at the City’s expense...(more)
December 13, 2006
One significance of this advertisement is that it belies the claim that the City is paying for the projects under appeal out of fees charged to non-residents. The ad shows that the City is seeking to charge local residents more to raise funds...(more)
December 6, 2006
Since filing of the original SDMGA Appeal to the Coastal Commission on May 10, 2006 the City of San Diego has ignored citizen concerns and implemented plans which favor the affluent in access to coastal recreation in violation of the Coastal Act...(more)
Golf course projects win approval
Donna Frye expressed concern about the lack of information regarding a $2.8 million renovation of the parking lot at Torrey Pines.
By Tod Leonard
UNION-TRIBUNESTAFF WRITER
November 22, 2006
Frye expressed concern that the Council was moving forward too quickly. “My fear is that we're going to authorize $2.8 million and we're going to get caught up in a series of events in which more money is going to be needed because we've already entered into this contract,” Frye said...(more)
$4.8 million proposal goes to City Council
The biggest expenditure at Torrey Pines will be Phase 1 of the clubhouse replacement project. Golf operations is asking the council to add $2 million to the $800,000 it had previously approved.
By Tod Leonard
UNION-TRIBUNESTAFF WRITER
November 21, 2006
The city's Park and Recreation Department today will ask the City Council to approve more than $4.8 million for capital expenditures at its three golf facilities. The bulk of the money ($4.2 million) would come out of the city's golf enterprise fund for work at Torrey Pines as it continues its preparation to host the U.S. Open...(more)
"San Diego's jockstrap plutocrats, with support and succor from city councilmember Scott Peters, are muscling in on land that belongs to the public, say critics."
By Don Bauder
San Diego Reader
October 19, 2006
It's happening in two places: on the beach in front of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and at the city-owned Torrey Pines Golf Course. The California Coastal Commission will be a major arbiter in both of these disputes...(more)
A really strong mayor is not the one who makes up his mind and then ducks out of the room during dissent.
By Tim Sullivan
UNION-TRIBUNE
July 4 , 2006 Score it as a resounding victory for the tourism trade and the power brokers who are bringing us the 2008 U.S. Open. Score it a crushing defeat for those who cling to the antiquated concept that municipal golf courses are primarily intended for the municipal golfer...(more)
San Diego Mayor Sanders' new Golf Plan & the non-residents of North County....
"Politicians come and go, but golf in San Diego isn't going anywhere."
- Excerpt from Golf Commentary
July 5, 2006
....the new plan eliminates the county rate and lumps in North County players with non-resident visitors, anyone who doesn't live within San Diego's city limits will be paying $229 per round by 2011...(more)
Mayor is huge handicap to crowd of upset golfers
This is a real shame, Mayor.
By Nick Canepa
UNION-TRIBUNE
June 27, 2006 ...it was a classic case of your government at work. Sanders, looking sharp in his dark blazer and tan slacks, opened the event by addressing the Council on his proposal, as if it were the Magna Carta. And Sanders left....(more)
Sanders' golf course plan approved easily
Frye lone vote against proposal on times, fees
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
UNION-TRIBUNE
June 27, 2006 The Council voted 7-1 to adopt the plan, which Sanders, embracing San Diego's new strong-mayor form of government, took over in March. The plan will go into effect on Saturday, July 1, when the city's new fiscal year begins..(more)
Mayor Sanders releases his Five-Year Golf Plan "Fact Sheet" - SDMGA responds
Mayor Sanders’ 5 Year Plan for the operations of the City’s golf courses will be considered by the City Council on Monday June 26. SDMGA response is intended to help evaluate both sides.....(more)
The greens fees in the five-year plan will rise by as much as 69 percent on Torrey Pines' South Course, to $76 walking on weekends in 2011, and 47 percent on the North Course ($50 walking in 2011).
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
UNION-TRIBUNE
June 24, 2006 Mayor Jerry Sanders took his controversial five-year city golf plan yesterday to a news conference in a maintenance parking lot near the Balboa Park course.......Minutes after the mayor spoke, John Beaver, co-founder of the San Diego Municipal Golfers Alliance, an organization formed to oppose many aspects of the five-year plan, was surrounded by reporters...(more)
Men's club, hotels reach accord on Torrey
But mayor wants more for public
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
UNION-TRIBUNE
June 23, 2006 “There is no agreement,” George Biagi, Sanders' spokesman, said yesterday.....“I had a feeling that would be the (mayor's) response,” said attorney and men's club spokesman Steven Roberts. “I just hope the City Council recognizes the costs and risks for going forward are sufficiently great to warrant doing our proposed settlement.”...(more)
Status of Torrey Pines GC remains in political rough
City Golf Manager Mark Woodward continues to prepare the report in conjunction with Mayor Jerry Sanders' office.
By Tod Leonard
STAFF WRITER
UNION-TRIBUNE
June 20, 2006 What the outcome will be, I can't predict that,” Frye said. “I haven't seen a final report yet, and that's been part of the problem for me. There's never been a final report that we can actually work from. It's been like a moving target, constantly changing.”....(more)
Notice of Public Hearing - City Council meeting on Monday June 26, 2006
June 16, 2006 - SDMGA received notification that there will be a hearing on the golf issues we all have been working so hard resolve to the benefit of the San Diego area municipal golfers...(more)
June 16, 2006 - In response to questions raised during the Natural Resource and Culture Committee on May 17, 2006 the Golf Operations staff has prepared a summary...(more)
Councilmember requests that Independent Budget Analyst evaluate SDMGA Golf Plan - June 14, 2006
June 14, 2006 - District 6 Councilmember, Donna Frye, requested the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst to conduct an analysis of the SDMGA Golf Plan...(more)
University City Planning Group digs up old issues
Golfers cast new light on Torrey Pines Golf Course controversy
University Golden Triangle News
May 26 Issue
Troubles at Torrey Pines
"It's a battle for the heart and soul of the golf course" - Michael Zucchet
SDMGA: Report of City Council NR&C Committee May 17, 2006 meeting on Golf Issues.
This City Council NR&C Committee meeting was dominated by a public united in its opposition to the City’s plan to end senior and county discount rates, charge weekend rates on Fridays, institute a new charge for advanced reservations, and...(more)
SDMGA: Twenty-one questions about the City's Golf Plan - May 18, 2006
SDMGA has put forward twenty-one (or so) questions about the City's Five Year Golf Plan that when answered will give everyone a better understanding of its inner workings. It is hoped that with the answers, compromise and reason will prevail leading to a workable resolution...(more)
Council members request more time for golf proposals
The NR&C came to few conclusions – two, to be exact – after more than three hours of testimony.
UNION-TRIBUNE
May 18, 2006
The San Diego City Council chamber was packed yesterday with golfers voicing their distaste for the five-year proposal on the operation of Torrey Pines and the city's other golf courses. And though they couldn't claim a victory when the Natural Resources & Culture Committee meeting was over, they walked away with the hope of compromise positions and resolution after months of rancorous debate...(more)
SDMGA motion to the Natural Resources and Cultural Committee - May 17, 2006
SDMGA will present a motion to the Natural Resources and Cultural Committee that they approve the plan submitted by Mayor Sanders subject to some simple and straightforward modifications...(more)
Paul Spiegelman, a co-founder of SDMGA, has written a letter responding to an article appearing in the May 16 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The response gives some added understanding to the relationship between the Zucchet Golf Proposal and the SDMGA Golf Proposal........(more)
Zucchet passionate about his compromise proposal for city golf
SDMGA submits projected revenues that can match the golf staff's projected revenues while increasing resident rates by no more than 20 percent over five years.
UNION-TRIBUNE
May 16, 2006
The five-year proposal for the operations of Torrey Pines and the city's other golf courses will reach a critical crossroads at tomorrow's Natural Resources and Culture Committee meeting, and Zucchet is so personally invested in the outcome he can't stand to stay away. “I am so upset, really upset about what's happening,” he said...(more)
SDMGA has prepared a spreadsheet which shows a clear comparison of the projected revenues for both the City's 5 Year Golf Plan and the SDMGA Golf Plan. The SDMGA projected revenues are equal to or slightly larger than that of the City...(more)
On page 2 of the Agenda Item-5; a Report from the Mayor's Office on the City of San Diego's Five-year Golf Operations Business Plan will be given to the NR & C Committee. In this report the City Staff is recommending adoption of the Golf Operations Business Plan. The SDMGA is opposed to the City's Plan and has offered a balanced counter proposal which will be presented during our allotted time. The SDMGA Plan puts San Diegan's first and not the special interests. Your continued support is needed so please attend the meeting...(more)
San Diego City Council Natural Resources and Cultural Committee Meeting
The San Diego City Council Natural Resources and Culture Committee is holding a meeting on May 17, 2006 at City Hall to have in depth public discussions of the City's 5 year Plan including such issues as proposed projects and a greens-fee structure which price resident golfers, particularly seniors, off the golf courses and which benefit special interests...(more)
On April 15, San Diego Municipal Golfers Alliance (SDMGA) proposed a plan which puts the puts the golf courses and San Diegans, not buildings or special interests, first. To expose the severity of the City's proposed 5 year Golf Plan to eliminate Senior rates, sharply restrict resident play in order to benefit special interests and pave the way to privatization of the Torrey Pines golf courses; the SDMGA has developed a Table that clearly compares important aspects of each plan...(more)
May 10, 2006
The SDMGA filed an appeal to the California Coastal Commission against the City of San Diego's application to develop parkland at the Torrey Pines Golf Course. The development consists of the demolition of the existing two-story, 18,800 sq. ft. clubhouse and the construction of a two story 27,059 sq ft. clubhouse...(more)
City's controversial five-year golf plan still being massaged
Despite numerous public meetings, at which hundreds of golfers have appeared to oppose the plan, very little of the proposal has been altered.
UNION-TRIBUNE
May 10, 2006
“They've had five weeks to change the plan, and they haven't responded to anything,” said Paul Spiegelman, co-founder of the San Diego Municipal Golfers Alliance...(more)
Golf Division Business Plan May 2006 Proposal
Five Year Business Plan Proposal (Strike-Out Version)
There's injustice in America's finest city; and Torrey Pines is but one of its names.
Trouble at Torrey Pines
Southern California Golf News
May 2006
And now it is Torrey Pines, that hallowed ground for all municipal golfers in the troubled city of San Diego which is at the center of controversy....(more)
City Proposes Plan to Eliminate Senior Rates, Sharply Restrict Resident Play to Benefit Special Interests, Pave Way to Privatization while SDMGA recommends wants of San Diegan's should come first.
Southern California Golf News
May 2006
SDMGA summarizes the differences between the City's 5 Year Golf Plan and our recommendations to put San Diegan's first...(more)
SDMGA responds to USGA Executive Director David Fay's Letter - April 30, 2006
SDMGA responded to USGA Executive Director David Fay's letter addressing many important issues of concern to the San Diego municipal golfer. We asked that the USGA publicly stand up for municipal golf....(more)
USGA Executive Director David Fay Replies to SDMGA Open Letter - April 24, 2006
USGA Executive Director David Fay replied to the SDMGA Open Letter. Mr. Fay's reply was very informative giving us a better perspective and understanding of their position....(more)
SDMGA sends Open Letter to USGA - April 24, 2006
San Diego Municipal Golfer’s Alliance has sent a letter to the USGA Executive Director David Fay on behalf of the municipal golfers in San Diego. We asked the USGA to use its good offices to prevent profiteers and special interests from using the U.S. Open scheduled for 2008 as a lever to convert Torrey Pines from what is perhaps America’s finest affordable municipal golf complex into a destination resort which only the wealthy can afford....(more)
TP proposal wrought predictable acrimony
For far too long, too many things have been troubling in city golf
UNION-TRIBUNE
April 18, 2006
The process has been ugly and acrimonious. Anybody who follows city golf in San Diego could have predicted that when a fairly radical proposal for a new five-year plan was put forth in January by Golf Manager Mark Woodward. (more)
SDMGA responds to Mayor's 5 Year Golf Plan Talking Points - April 15, 2006
San Diego Municipal Golfer’s Alliance (SDMGA) proposes a plan that puts the golf courses and San Diegans first and not buildings or special interests. The SDMGA plan responds to the Mayor’s talking points...(more)
Mayor puts spin on golf plan
Senior discount rates eliminated, plans for new clubhouse scrapped
La Jolla Village News
April 13, 2006
Mayor Jerry Sanders unveiled his own plan for the municipal golf courses on Thursday, April 6, which includes raising greens fees, scrapping the new clubhouse for Torrey Pines for now, slashing the Torrey Pines golf clubs’ tee times, limiting individual play and eliminating senior discounts...(more)
Sanders picks a curious fight in Torrey mess
The golf mayor does not play golf. Jerry Sanders is a ballgame and a beer guy who prizes Torrey Pines for its scenic beauty without desecrating the place with his divots.
UNION-TRIBUNE
April 12, 2006
In seizing the initiative at Torrey Pines, in advancing an agenda guaranteed to create enemies, Sanders has chosen a curious place to be spending his political capital. He is taking on issues fraught with friction at the risk of being portrayed as a stooge of special interests...(more)
Among the interesting items discussed is the Commission's concern over proposed modifications to the fee structure for public use of the golf facilities. "The Commission is required to protect and preserve lower-cost recreational facilities such as municipal golf courses." (more)
SDMGA Special Report on Mayor Sanders' Golf Plan Meeting - April 9, 2006
At the last minute, at least for representatives of the public, Mayor Sanders called a meeting of the parties involved with his proposed fixes to be implemented at the Torrey Pines and Balboa golf courses...(more)
Mayor Sanders Presents 5 Year Golf Plan Talking Points - April 6, 2006
Although the Mayor's plan professes to expand public access, equalize play, raise green fees to cover costs and preserve the City’s outstanding assets; the devil is in the details...(more)
Mayor's plan fans Torrey flames
New clubhouse, club tee times cut
UNION-TRIBUNE
April 6, 2006
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders put himself in the middle of the controversy over the city's golf business plan a month ago, and he came out with his own proposal yesterday...(more)
SDMGA News Update - April 2, 2006
The San Diego Municipal Golfer's Alliance (SDMGA) has put together a letter to its supporters updating recent events, actions and findings...(more)
'Darth Vader of Torrey Pines' tee times says numbers show brokers' impact at course is smaller than many believe.
UNION-TRIBUNE
March 14, 2006
Folks have never been able to agree about much when it comes to how Torrey Pines should be run, but they could all agree about one thing: They had no affection for the so-called tee time brokers...(more)
I am the Chair of the UCPG and it has come to my attention that several pertinent facts regarding the Torrey Pines Golf Clubhouse were not conveyed to the UCPG Executive Committee in December 2005...(more)
Mayor is questioning legality of golf course fund
The mayor's staff met on Tuesday and began to seriously question whether the golf division's standing as an enterprise fund is legally valid.UNION-TRIBUNE
March 9, 2006
There was another public meeting and another round of surprising twists yesterday regarding the city's controversial proposed five-year plan for its golf courses, including Torrey Pines...(more)
SDMGA letter to Natural Resources and Culture Committee March 8 Meeting
SDMGA Position statement to NR&C Committee regarding the Golf Operations Proposed 5 Year Plan and Operational Review Recommendations.
Operational Review and Recommendations for City of San Diego Golf Operations
NFG Consulting charged with evaluating the adequacy and funding assumptions of planned capital improvements to be made in preparation for the 2008 U.S. Open.
Clubhouse no must to stage U.S. Open
USGA Director of Rules and Competitions Mike Davis said he doesn't believe the existence of a new clubhouse at Torrey Pines will make or break consideration for future U.S. Opens on the South Course.
UNION-TRIBUNE
March 7, 2006
The question was asked at last week's public hearing on the city's proposed five-year golf plan: Does Pebble Beach, which has hosted four U.S. Opens and is scheduled for another in 2010, have a golf clubhouse?...(more)
Notice: The agenda for the NR&C meeting to be held on March 8, 2006 at 2:00 pm in the Council Chambers has been revised. Please attend to support municipal golf in San Diego.
(Click here for detailed information and map)
Torrey South, Balboa also being used as collateral - “All of the golf courses are at risk, and none of this was told to the public,” Aguirre said. “It's just incredible.”
UNION-TRIBUNE
March 4, 2006
Aguirre said yesterday he discovered in his review of city documents that the Torrey Pines South Course – the site of the 2008 U.S. Open – and Balboa Park Golf Course are also being used as collateral and could conceivably be lost... (more)
Golfers demand fees freeze at Torrey Pines
Residents ask for more access, hammer plan for new clubhouse
La Jolla Village News
March 3, 2006
Golfers aren’t just swinging in opposition to the city’s five-year plan; they have their own proposals for the municipal courses. Forget a new clubhouse at Torrey Pines; freeze rates...(more)
Golf Wedged into City's Distress
City officials say it's possible that one of the courses at Torrey Pines, which will host the 2008 U.S. Open, is inappropriately generating money that pays off an unrelated bond and has been put up as collateral for that loan in 2003.
Voice of San Diego
March 3, 2006
Torrey Pines Golf Course, seated on the pristine La Jolla shore, is a prized destination for golfers worldwide and a treasure for local hackers, but the championship-caliber course has also been thrown into the city of San Diego's ongoing financial dramatics...(more)
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Mayor stops vote on Torrey plan
The mayor eliminated the possibility that either body would vote on the proposal this month.
UNION-TRIBUNE
March 2, 2006
It was City Attorney Michael Aguirre's meeting, and he managed to drop his own political bombshell...(more)
Torrey Pines Tee Times Have Some Seeing Green
SAN DIEGO -- Arguments were heard Wednesday over who controls tee times at Torrey Pines and where the money they generate goes.
NBC San Diego
March 2, 2006
Bill Evans owns a number of hotels in San Diego, including the Lodge at Torrey Pines. City documents show that Evans has been given 20 tee times per day from the city for a term of 55 years. He packages and sells them ranging from $569 per night to $839 per night, including...(more)
Proposed Agenda for City Attorney Mike Aguirre's Forum - Wednesday March 1
UNION-TRIBUNE EDITORIAL -
Third draft, please
Golf plan must address public's concerns
UNION-TRIBUNE
February 26, 2006
In rejecting the second draft of City Golf Manager Mark Woodward's five-year plan for city-owned courses, the Golf Advisory Council acted wisely. Especially when it comes to the beloved Torrey Pines golf...(more)
Notice: City Attorney Mike Aguirre has decided to hold a forum next Wednesday, March 1 on a few of the issues in the 5 year business plan, such as the fees and the Clubhouse.
(Click here for detailed information and map)
GAC's rejection of contentious Torrey plan might be only prelude
Representatives from the Century Club, Torrey Pines Lodge and PGA San Diego Chapter voted for the plan, but everyone else was opposed, including at-large members and men's and women's club players from Torrey Pines and Balboa Park.
UNION-TRIBUNE
February 23, 2006
The Golf Advisory Council meeting Tuesday night was either a dramatic dress rehearsal or a one-act play, and where the controversial five-year plan for Torrey Pines and San Diego's other municipal golf courses goes...(more)
City golf plan won't fly, lands in bunker
Golf Advisory Council rejects 5-year plan for courses, including Torrey Pines
La Jolla Village News
February 23, 2006
Proposed changes to Torrey Pines Golf Course hit a snag on Tuesday, Feb. 21 when the Golf Advisory Council (GAC) rejected the city’s five-year business plan for the municipal golf courses by a vote of 8-3...(more)
Advisory panel rejects plan for city's golf courses
The city's Golf Advisory Council rejected the plan, 8-3, after the nearly 4½-hour meeting in Kearny Mesa.
UNION-TRIBUNE
February 22, 2006
A controversial five-year plan to improve San Diego's golf courses drew harsh criticism last night as golfers blasted a proposal...(more)
Residents: Golf Fee Hike a Hazard
Ire was focused at the proposed Torrey Pines clubhouse, the suggested across-the-board fee hikes, the elimination of a county resident discount, the setting-aside of tee times for brokers and nearby hoteliers.
Voice of San Diego
February 22, 2006
San Diego city leaders have over the years provided golfing residents with deep discounts at its three municipal courses, especially at its crown jewel Torrey Pines, but planned renovations to make way for a major tournament...(more)
SDMGA Position Statement to GAC
Ex-councilman to speak at Golf Advisory meeting
UNION-TRIBUNE
February 18, 2006
Former San Diego City Councilman Michael Zucchet says there are very few days when he misses the grind of his government job, but there's at least one subject that remains dear to him – the Torrey Pines golf courses. He's about to take a very visible step back into...(more)
City's new golf plan has lower North fees - much higher fees for the South
Woodward said he is not trying to drive residents away from the South Course.
UNION-TRIBUNE
February 16, 2006
...On the South Course, which will host the 2008 U.S. Open, Woodward is asking for increases that would raise resident weekend greens fees by 75 percent, to $79...(more)
San Diego City Golf Division 2006 Business Plan
Five Year Business Plan Proposal (Strike-Out Version)
Changes to Proposed Five Year Business Plan
Notice: There has been a date, time and place change for the GAC meeting.
(Click here for detailed information and map)
GAC shifts meeting to hold crowd
UNION-TRIBUNEFebruary 7, 2006
Because a large crowd is expected to appear and comment on the city's controversial five-year golf operations proposal, the date and site have been changed...(more)
Wonder why the city is in financial trouble? Watch the City Council Give Away Nearly $26 Million in Tee Times to Bill Evans and the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
Watch George Stevens and the other Evans City Council puppets give away Torrey Pines tee times with no notice given to the public or staff and no notice given at the Golf Advisory Committee Meetings or the NRC&C meetings either. The give away of 20 tee times (five foursomes) per day to the Torrey Pines Lodge was thrown in as yet another incentive to Mr. Evans for entering into the sweetheart lease deal offered him by the City. Now you might think that 20 tee times are not much, but Mr. Evans is no fool and he got real busy reselling these gift tee times for $180 per round paying the city only $100 per round (assuming North Course rates), a quick brokering profit of $80 per round. This amounts to $1,600 pure profit per day for 20 tee times. If done for 300 days a year (allowing a 17% unused rate), this amounts to $480,000 per year and $31,680,000 over the 66-year life of an already overly generous lease that the City unabashedly signed with Evans. What did the City get for this giveaway? Well, Evans does pay a 7% percentage lease to the City for the Lodge and perhaps the TOT taxes apply; so say the city gets $5.7 million of its own tee time money back and Evans gets a mere $25.8 million extra sweetener. What did then Mayor Susan Golding gleefully boast to her major campaign contributor Bill Evans? - "You look stunned and surprised that it went so quickly!"
Should it be that easy to give away public assets to wealthy businessmen like Mr. Evans? Click on the following link - Ask City Attorney Mike Aguirre - to request that he and the present City Council’s committee reviewing city leases to investigate!
Torrey Pines, Bethpage have had similar and not-so-similar experiences as U.S. Open venues
UNION-TRIBUNE
February 7, 2006
At a meeting last month of the Golf Advisory Council, where the public was getting its first glimpse of the controversial five-year plan for the city's golf operations, one man stood up...(more)
Council will hold off on part of plan for Torrey
Frye objects to rush to move North's 18th
UNION-TRIBUNE
January 28, 2006
For the second time in 15 days, City Councilwoman Donna Frye has put the brakes on talks regarding changes to the Torrey Pines golf courses...(more)
Citizens group forms to fight Torrey plans
Alliance against `hijacking' by city and Century Club
UNION-TRIBUNEJanuary 26, 2006
At the same time the Century Club and the city are ramping up a campaign to get a new clubhouse and tournament operations center built at Torrey Pines, a grassroots citizens group has been formed to...(more)
They're playing around with playing a round
San Diego's municipal golf jewel is a public course under siege from private interests
UNION-TRIBUNE
January 25, 2006
The Buick Invitational lasts one week a year. The battle for Torrey Pines is perpetual.
San Diego's municipal golf jewel is a public course under siege from private interests. It is a civic asset whose... (more)
"TORREY PINES" TTAB Dispute Roils San Diego
It looks like The Lodge at Torrey Pines wants everything "Torrey Pines" including the trademark
The TTABlog
John L. Welch
January 19, 2005
A TTAB dispute over the TORREY PINES trademark has the San Diego community all atwitter. Torrey Pines, the city's municipal golf course, is scheduled to be the site of the U.S. Open in 2008. Consequently, the TORREY PINES trademark is about to become a much more valuable property... (more)
Torrey Pines may be jinxed
GolfObserver
Geoff Shackelford
January 18, 2005
Blame it on Scott Peterson. Since the fertilizer salesman's April 17, 2003 arrest in the Torrey Pines parking lot, the convicted murderer may have jinxed the place. Just ask the golfers posting comments over the last six... (more)
Trouble getting tee times at Torrey
So when is a round of golf not 18 holes? When you're a San Diego resident trying to get a tee time to play the courses at Torrey Pines.
UNION-TRIBUNE
January 17, 2006 Since the fathers of the game at St. Andrews made it so in 1764, golf has been played over 18 holes. Ask anybody on the street today how many holes are in a round of golf, and if they can't tell you, they have no clue who Tiger Woods is, either...(more)
Across-the-board rate hikes among proposals debated
UNION-TRIBUNE
January 14, 2006
Most of the time the city's Golf Advisory Council meetings are no more eventful or acrimonious that those of the local quilting club. Then there
