PGA Tour Heads to Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open
The PGA Tour is set to tee off at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California, for the Farmers Insurance Open. This rotation event is known for separating the patient and strategic players from those who rely on impulse and aggression. The tournament will feature a unique format, where players will split their rounds between the North and South courses before the weekend, and then converge on the South course, which is the longer and more demanding of the two.
Scoring at Torrey Pines is rarely explosive, with last year’s winner, Harris English, taking home the title at eight under par. In fact, only a handful of players finished five under or better, highlighting the challenging nature of the course. To succeed at Torrey Pines, players need to manage their misses, scramble efficiently, and remain composed on the Poa annua greens. While distance is an advantage, recovery skills are even more crucial in navigating the course.
When it comes to selecting top contenders, the same profiles that are likely to contend for a win are also strong candidates for top-20 finishes. Harris English, the defending champion, is a prime example of a player who excels at Torrey Pines due to his stability and ability to punish volatility. English’s scrambling skills, paired with his long-term comfort on Poa annua greens, make him a strong bet for a top-20 finish.
Best Bets for the Farmers Insurance Open
Harris English: Top 20 (+130)
Full odds:
- Top 10 +270
- Top 5 +550
- To win 32-1
English’s history at Torrey Pines, combined with his elite scrambling profile and Poa annua comfort, make him an attractive bet for a top-20 finish. If his putter cooperates, he has a legitimate chance to contend for the win.
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Hideki Matsuyama: Top 20 (+130)
Full odds:
- Top 10 +265
- Top 5 +540
- To win 30-1
Matsuyama’s elite ball-striking skills make him a strong candidate for a top-20 finish at Torrey Pines. His ability to gain strokes tee-to-green and avoid big numbers will serve him well on a demanding course like Torrey Pines.
Ryan Gerard: Top 20 (+160)
Full odds:
- Top 10 +345
- Top 5 +710
- To win 43-1
Gerard is a dark horse candidate for a top-20 finish, with his recent form and scrambling skills making him an attractive bet. His ability to manage misses and avoid blow-up holes will be crucial in navigating the challenges of Torrey Pines.
Players to Consider for Daily Fantasy
Play daily fantasy golf at DraftKings.
Wyndham Clark, $8,500: Clark offers a mix of ceiling and survivability, making him a strong candidate for daily fantasy lineups. His weighted strokes gained putting and positive performance around the green make him an attractive play.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout, $7,300: Bezuidenhout is a floor-first decision with sneaky upside, making him a strong candidate for daily fantasy lineups. His scrambling skills and ability to putt well on Poa annua greens make him a reliable play.
DFS Player to Fade
Cameron Young, $10,000: Young is a bad allocation of salary this week, as his price does not match his scoring path at Torrey Pines. His results at the course have been underwhelming, and his Poa putting is unreliable, making him a player to fade in daily fantasy lineups.
