Being that I am a sucker for ocean views and West Coast sunsets, it doesn’t come as a surprise that my first ever visit to Torrey Pines Golf Course will certainly not be my last. The natural scenery paired with the pristine greens of the course make for a beautiful backdrop as the PGA Tour professionals began Round 1 of the 2009 Buick Invitational Thursday morning.

The opening ceremonies kicked off at 7 a.m. with the Marine Corps band and a few words by Mayor Jerry Sanders, followed by a presentation of the flags and singing of the National Anthem. A few local PGA professionals including Charley Hoffman, John Mallinger, Bill Lundt, Dennis Paulson and Kevin Stadler were then introduced to cheering fans. Other notable locals, Pat Perez and Phil Mickelson, were not able to attend the opening ceremonies due to preparation for early tee times.

Although there is an obvious disappointment in the golf realm that Tiger is not able to defend his 2008 Buick title, I still got a great vibe from the fans as they gathered at the 18th green to cheer on another favorite, Phil Mickelson. Phil, considered a local by both San Diegans and Arizonans, is the only player in the field to have won at Torrey in the last decade and finished the day tied for 16th place at -2.

It never rains in San Diego, right? Wrong. Sunny skies quickly turned to dark clouds and cool breezes today, as I shivered my way back to the car. Those familiar with Southern Cal weather were prepared to tough it out and smart enough to carry a jacket. I, on the other hand, was not and did not. Fortunately, the showers held off long enough for the players to finish Round 1, but storms are making their way down the coast and are forecasted for Friday. Rain or shine, my jacket and I plan on making the trip back to beautiful Torrey Pines to The Buick Invitational this weekend to see who Tiger’s successor will be…

Written by Ashley Hall

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1. Buick Invitational 2010