Buick Goes Bye-Bye

The golf tournament formerly known as the "Buick Invitational" will take place at Torrey Pines Golf Course as planned from January 25-31, 2010, but for now it's "The Century Club of San Diego Invitational."

Members of the club are still looking for a major sponsor. Buick was the title sponsor from 1991 to 2009, but dropped out due to GM's bankruptcy reorganization.

The Century Club is a local non-profit organization that formed in 1961 to promote the PGA golf tournament in San Diego. Since that time they have raised $19 million for charities.

Many members contributed dearly to raise the funds to bring the US Open Championship to the South Course at Torrey Pines in 2008.

If you are planning to attend the 2010 tournament, it’s not too soon to buy tickets at www.buickinvitational.com.

Advance hotel reservations are also a must. The Lodge at Torrey Pines and Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines are the closest to the course. Others nearby include Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Jolla Shores Hotel, and Hotel La Jolla.

Bye-bye Buick. Hello ???

Inside Scoop on the US Open

I live in La Jolla and I'm a travel writer. What that means is that, in addition to enjoying my home town's great weather, beautiful surroundings, and range of cultural and recreational options, I also see La Jolla as a travel destination. And what I see sometimes drives me batty.

People flock to La Jolla, but don't take advantage of everything our community offers. So I decided to start this blog and provide a head's up for would-be visitors. The "inside scoop," if you will.

Hey. I figure if I can write The Insider's Hong Kong (http://www.ranchandcoast.com/february2006/travel.html) and The Insider's India (http://www.ranchandcoast.com/october2007/travel.html), I ought to be able to lead readers off the beaten path that starts just outside my front door. And why shouldn't I? I'm lucky enough to live here...consider this payback.

OK. So now we're bracing for the US Open (June 12 -15). The USGA capped ticket sales at 42,500 a day, and they went fast. However, if you are ticket-less and want to attend there's still hope. San Diego Golf Reservations (866-701-4653, http://www.sandiegogolf.com/) still has tickets to sell. Of course the price is marked up, but do you want to go or not?

The other option, is to take advantage of the packages being offered by The Grand Del Mar, a fairly new very grand resort about 15 minutes north of La Jolla. They are offering packages with and without accommodation that include tickets. Again, this isn't an inexpensive option.

Their US Open Grand Access Package includes a one-night stay and admission for two to the US Open on the following day. Rates start at $605 per person (888-314-2030, http://www.thegranddelmar.com/).

Their US Open VIP View Package includes one-day admission to the Open; access to the Manchester Pavilion VIP Hospitality Tent on the 10th Fairway; daily breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and dinner inside the Pavilion; preferred parking; and access to the onsite business center. Weeklong packages start at $3,300 per person, but daily rates are also available. Contact Rob Sterling at 858-314-2055.

More later.