Farmer’s week preview
When I hear Torrey Pines, two names come to mind: Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm. Tiger’s dominance at this venue is historic, with 8 professional wins, including his unforgettable playoff duel with Rocco Mediate to secure the 2008 U.S. Open. Rahm, on the other hand, made a splash with a win in his first-ever appearance at Torrey in 2017, draining a massive eagle putt on the 18th. He further cemented his legacy here with a pair of clutch birdie putts on 17 and 18 to capture his first major title at the 2021 U.S. Open. I also famously had pre-tournament coin on Rahm, so this was awesome for multiple reasons.
Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, neither Tiger or Rahm are in the field this week. A number of notable players will also be absent including Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, and Justin Thomas.
This is definitely disappointing for an event that is typically highly regarded by fans and players. The absence of so many stars raises questions about the PGA Tour’s recent shift to a schedule emphasizing a condensed series of marquee events. Is the tour really doing what is best for the fans? When coupled with the fact that many of the world’s top guys are playing on a different tour, it is clear that something has to change.
Still, the silver lining is that the field is wide open, creating a great opportunity for someone to step up and make a statement. Historically, success at Torrey Pines hinges on two factors: length and accuracy. The North Course is a bit more forgiving than the South Course, but both require power off the tee and precision with many long iron approach shots.
Several years ago, Kevin Kisner comically admitted that he probably couldn’t win at Torrey Pines or similar venues, citing the demanding course setup. When asked why he’d still show up, his candid response was, “They pay a lot of money for 20th.” That quote envelops just how tough Torrey is, but also how rewarding it can be for those who excel.
So, who am I picking? My money is on Ludvig Åberg at +1000. It might feel like a safe choice, but it’s hard to overlook how perfectly Torrey Pines suits his game. He has the length, accuracy, and confidence to thrive here, and I expect him to be right in the mix.
While the field may lack some big names, I won’t be missing the chance to watch world-class players tackle a championship-caliber course. Adding intrigue to this week is the recent announcement that the Genesis Invitational will also be played at Torrey Pines due to the wildfires in Los Angeles. It’s bittersweet, but at least we’ll get to enjoy this beast of a course again soon.