The PGA Tour stays in southern California for the next event on the schedule, the Farmers Insurance Open.
The second stop on the West Coast Swing, the players who played at last week’s American Express will make the 126-mile trip from La Quinta to San Diego.
The Farmers Insurance Open dates back to 1952 when it was started at the San Diego Open. The event is contested on two courses on the Torrey Pines property, the North & South courses.
Hall of Famer Golfer Arnold Palmer won the event twice 1957 & 1961.
African American Golfer Pete Brown, who is recognized at the first black golfer to win on the PGA Tour after the repeal of the Caucasian Only Clause won the tournament in 1970.
Eight of Tiger Woods’ historic 82 wins have come at Torrey Pines. Seven of the wins came at the Farmers Insurance Open (1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013). Woods also won the 2008 U.S. Open that was also played on the South Course at Torrey Pines. It was Woods’ third U.S. Open win and the 14th of his hall of fame career. His next major championship win didn’t come until 11 years later in 2019 when he won his 5th green Jacket at the Masters.
Players to watch
Sahith Theegala
This will be Sahith’s fourth trip to Torrey Pines. Twice competing in the Farmers Insurance Open in 2021 and 2022, and the 2020 U.S. Open.
His best finish at the Farmers was in last years event where he finished fourth.
In two events so far on the PGA Tour, Sahith has a second place finish at The Sentry and a missed cut the following week at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
Theegala is ranked 5th in the FedEx Cup and 19th in the OWGR.
Tony Finau
This will be Tony’s eleventh trip to Torrey Pines. In addition to his nine appearances at the Farmers Insurance Open, Finau was also in the field for the 2020 U.S. Open. Despite the missed cut in the major that was held at Torrey Pines, Finau has had success in this event.
In nine appearance at the Farmers, Tony has five top-10 finishes. His best result came in 2021 where he finished as runner up.
This will be Tony’s third start in the new PGA Tour season. In his two events this season, Finau finished in a tie for 38th place at the Sentry, and a tie for 25th place at the American Express.
Finau is currently ranked 56 in the FedEx Cup and 26th in the OWGR.
JJ Spaun
This will be JJ’s ninth trip to Torrey Pines. In seven previous trips to Torrey Pines Spaun’s best result was a ninth place finish in 2017. Spaun also played in the 2021 U.S. Open that was also held at Torrey Pines, however he failed to make the cut at the third major championship that year.
JJ is no stranger to Southern California as he was born in Los Angeles, as well as attended college at San Diego State University from 2008 to 2012.
This will be Spaun’s second start of the 2024 PGA Tour season. He missed the cut at the Sony Open in Hawaii earlier in January.
Spaun is ranked 57th in the FedEx Cup and 106th in the OWGR.
Joseph Bramlett
This will be Joseph’s sixth trip to Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open. In five previous starts, Bramlett’s best finish was at last year’s tournament when he finished in 13th place.
In two events so far this season on the PGA Tour, Joseph finished in a tie for 52nd place at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and a missed cut the following week at the American Express.
Bramlett is currently ranked 109th in the FedEx Cup and 236th in the OWGR.
Cam Champ
This will be Cam’s seventh trip to Torrey Pines, and his sixth playing the Farmers Insurance Open. Champ’s best finish was 16th place in 2020. Cam was also in the field for the 2021 U.S. Open that was played at Torrey Pines, however he missed the cut in the 3rd major championship that year.
So far this season on the PGA Tour, Champ has entered two events and missed the cuts at both the Sony Open in Hawaii and the the American Express the following week.
Champ is currently ranked 133rd in the FedEx Cup and 291st in the OWGR.
Tee times
Theegala: Wednesday – 12:12pm (NC); Thursday – 1:18pm (SC)
Finau: Wednesday – 1:40pm (SC); Thursday – 12:23pm (NC)
Spaun: Wednesday – 12:23pm (NC); Thursday – 1:29pm (SC)
Bramlett: Wednesday – 12:12pm (NC); Thursday – 1:18pm (SC)
Champ: Wednesday – 12:34pm (SC); Thursday – 1:40pm (NC)