The name of the tournament suggests big pastures, long grass and lush greenery. That’s the way the Farmers Insurance Open is shaping up too, with reports the rough has grown to unmanageable levels. It was difficult to play from last year and 2015 could be worse for the erratic hitters who miss fairways regularly.
The green nature of the course might also mask the true speed of the greens, which are also reportedly playing trickier than last year. A score of 9-under took it out last year (Stallings won and denied the masses a six player playoff); that score probably won’t hold this year with predictions the winner will shoot around 13-under.
Tiger Woods is having another hit out. He practiced (poorly) on Wednesday, and as he’d admitted needs a lot of rounds if he’s to compete at the Masters.
The Course
Torrey Pines is most famous for the 2008 US Open showdown between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate. The two played an extended playoff that went right down to the wire. The Farmers Insurance Open will be play on both the North and South Torrey Pines course. Torrey Pines GC (South) is a 7,698 yard, par 72, William Bell layout. Players will play one of their first two rounds on Torrey Pines’ North course, a much shorter (7,052) par 72.
The Sound Bites
“You can swing like Jim Furyk or Adam Scott, and still be effective” – Phil Mickelson talking about the confidence and swing battles Tiger is facing.
“My phone’s been off the last couple days, I’ve just been working on my game. Just Chris and I” – Tiger’s not taking advice from anyone other thing swing consultant Chris Como.
The Defending Champion
Scott Stallings prevailed last year, beating K.J. Choi, Jason Day, Pat Perez, Marc Leishman and Graeme DeLaet who all tied for second. Stallings birdied the 18th when few others were able to. He’s back again to defend his title this week amongst another quality field. The filed includes Woods and Mickelson who failed to make it to the final day last year. Woods missed the Saturday cut and Mickelson withdrew.
The Contenders*
Jordan Spieth – $9.00
Brooks Koepka – $10.00
Rickie Fowler – $15.00
Dustin Johnson – $15.00
Keegan Bradley – $46.00
Tiger Woods – $81.00**
*Waste Management Phoenix Open odds courtesy of Sportsbet Australia.
**Update: Tiger Woods withdrew midway through the first round.
The Winner
We’ve had a rough time picking winners in 2015. So without any confidence whatsoever, we’re backing Koepka and Spieth to be battling it out on the final day.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
