In most minds, this is the week the golf season starts. The PGA Tour is back at Torrey Pines, a venue that saw two champions last season. Patrick Reed won the Farmers Insurance Open, while Jon Rahm took home the U.S. Open trophy in June.
The aforementioned World No. 1 enters the week as the betting favorite sitting at +650. Justin Thomas, who we haven’t seen since the Sentry Tournament of Champions, follows behind at +1300.
The field will play both the North and South courses in the first two rounds before both weekend rounds will take place on the South Course.
Twilight 9 Farmers Insurance preview podcast | Farmers Insurance best bets
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds a full list. Listed in no particular order.
Fantasy golf top 10
Jon Rahm (+650)
Jon Rahm watches his ball after teeing off on hole one of the Pete Dye Stadium Course during the final round of The American Express at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.
It’s no secret this place means a lot to Rahm. First major win, first PGA Tour win, among other things. Coming off a decent week in the desert where he wasn’t too happy about the setup, he’ll get the challenge he’s begging for this week at Torrey.
Will Zalatoris (+3000)
Zalatoris played well at the Farmers last year finishing tied for 7th. He tends to step up his game at tougher golf courses, and his ball-striking ability should keep him in the hunt despite his moody putter.
Xander Schauffele (+1500)
The San Diego native has had an up and down relationship with this event but played well at both Torrey Pines events last year: T-2 at the Farmers, T-7 at the U.S. Open. His last start on Tour was the Sentry TOC where he finished solo 12th.
Tony Finau (+2000)
Finau is second to only Rahm in cumulative scoring at the Farmers since 2017 (Rahm -51, Finau -46). His worst finish at the Farmers is T-24 (2015) and has since signed for four T-6 performances or better.
Maverick McNealy
McNealy is off to a great start this season with five finishes of T-27 or better. He doesn’t have a long resume at the Farmers Insurance Open, however, he’s two for three making the weekend including a top-20 finish in 2020 (T-29 in 2018).
Bryson DeChambeau (+2000)
Bryson DeChambeau hits his tee shot on the third hole during the second round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions golf tournament at Kapalua Resort – The Plantation Course. (Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
The longest player on Earth at one of the longest, toughest courses on the PGA Tour schedule? This pick speaks for itself. And if you forgot, DeChambeau was leading the U.S. Open on Sunday before shooting 1,000 on the back-nine.
Luke List (+8000)
His last four starts at the Farmers, starting in 2018: T-12, T-40, T-36, and T-10. In his last seven starts on Tour: five starts of T-22 or better. AKA: He’s playing really good golf and is headed to a venue where he feels comfortable.
Ryan Palmer (+7000)
He missed the cut at the US Open last year, but at the Farmers, Palmer has finished T-21 or better in four consecutive starts (including 2 runner-ups).
Sungjae Im (+3000)
Im played well in the desert, eventually tying for 11th. He doesn’t have a statement finish at Torrey but has made the cut in all four appearances at the venue.
Marc Leishman (+3000)
The Aussie loves him some Torrey Pines. He won the event in 2020, finished in the top 20 last season, and had a top 10 back in 2018. Leishman already has three top 10s this season.
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