What first began in 1952 as the San Diego Open, played at the San Diego Country Club in Chula Vista, CA, is now one of the most respected PGA Tour events. Now played at San Diego’s Torrey Pines golf course, this year’s Buick Invitational, otherwise known as the Century Club of San Diego Invitational, will take place from Jan. 25-31, and tickets are going fast, so you’ll want to secure your spot today.

The Buick Invitational has taken place at the prestigious Torrey Pines, located in the La Jolla area of San Diego, since 1968. Since that time, the tournament has continued to grow in size and status, and recent tournament winners include last year’s Nick Watney (the first player in his 20’s to win on tour), and Tiger Woods from 2005-2008.

Curious what this year’s Buick Invitational has in store, and what days feature the must-attend events? Here, courtesy of the Buick Invitational Web site, is the tournament’s week-long lineup:
Monday, Jan. 25 (Admission Free)
• Practice rounds for PGA TOUR players
• Sycuan Resort Pro-Am, South Course, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 26
• Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players
• 12 p.m. Military Appreciation Luncheon
• 3:30 p.m. Junior Clinic, #4 North Course
Wednesday, Jan. 27
• Allianz Global Investors Wednesday Pro-Am, North and South Courses, starting at 6:42 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 28
• Opening Round of the 2010 Century Club of San Diego Invitational, North and South Courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
• Opening Ceremonies, 1st Tee South Course, starting at 7:30 a.m.
• The Golf Ball, Stingaree (Downtown San Diego), starting at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 29
• Second Round of the Tournament, North and South Courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 30
• Third Round of the Tournament, South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 31
• Final Round of the Tournament, South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
• Awards Ceremony on the 18th Green
• Boys & Girls Clubs of San Diego Golf Tournament, North Course, starting at 7:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
In addition to providing a great week of golf entertainment, the Buick Invitational also raises an enormous amount of money for local charities. In 2009, the tournament raised $2.3 million, which benefitted more than 200 San Diego-based charity organizations and schools, thereby bringing the total amount raised since 1968 to $18 million.

Tickets are now being sold online, which is a much easier (and less expensive) way to see the tournament than purchasing tickets at the gate. Individual season badges, good Tuesday through Sunday, $105; daily tickets, Tuesday, $16; daily tickets, any day Wednesday through Sunday, $26; senior discount daily tickets, any day Tuesday through Sunday, $16; season preferred parking pass, good all week, Tuesday through Sunday, $90.

For more information on the tournament schedule, parking or ticket prices, visit http://www.buickinvitational.com.

Written by Amy Strand

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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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So without defending champion, Tiger Woods, in the field, what is the purpose of watching the Buick Invitational, you say? The six-time winner of the Buick is at home in Florida prepping to welcome his second child into the world in only a few weeks. Having secured the title the last four consecutive years as well as in ’03 and ’99, Woods’s absence this week at the Buick has left the door open for one lucky pro to break the streak. We can only hope that come Sunday, the Tour player skillful enough to close the door and hold off the rest of the field does so with a little Tiger-finesse. No doubt the golf world will be taking note.

After all, the freshest memories of Torrey Pines marinating in fan’s minds are images of a wincing Woods serving it up to Rocco Mediate So Cal style. Perhaps the memory of the U.S. Open victory that never was still stings a bit for Rocco, as he joins Woods on the list of professionals not teeing up this week in the gorgeous La Jolla setting.

 Also, not in the field (and somewhat surprisingly) is Kenny Perry. After a triumphant playoff against Charlie Hoffman at the FBR Open last week, Perry is likely taking the week off to celebrate in his native Kentucky. According to the FBR Champion, his mom and pop haven’t been doing so good lately. We’re sure Perry’s win in Phoenix helped brighten their spirits.

The real dudes to watch this week are the young guns who, since last June, have been taking advantage of Papa Woods not being around.  Sitting pretty at  No. 11 on the Official World Golf Rankings is Camilo Villegas, who tore up the course with an opening round 63.

On Thursday, Villegas held the top of the leader board after a stellar eagle on the par-4 second hole of Torrey’s South Course. Nick Watney was one to watch on Thursday, putting himself in for a less pressure-packed round Friday after closing with a 69. With a win already under his belt, it’s surely time for Watney to follow up with a sophomore success. Scottsdale resident, Aaron Baddeley shot an opening round 66. And Phil Mickelson, playing a newly approved Callaway driver, looked to redeem himself in this, his second event of the season after missing the cut at FBR with a 7-over 149. C’mon lefty.

Catch all the Buick Invitational action broadcasting live Thursday and Friday on the Golf Channel and Saturday and Sunday on CBS.

 www.buickinvitational.com

- Nichole Brophy, Golf Editor. 

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