Harris English emerged victorious at the Farmers Insurance Open, clinching the title by a single shot. This triumph marks his first PGA Tour win since 2021, with English finishing at 8-under 280. The competition unfolded at the renowned Torrey Pines, where English navigated challenging weather to secure his fifth career PGA Tour victory with a final round score of 1-over 73. His last win came after a grueling eight-hole playoff against Kramer Hickok at the Travelers Championship in 2021.
Despite not winning for nearly two years, English remained a formidable presence on the tour, securing nine top-10 finishes over the past seasons. This impressive record followed a five-month hiatus in early 2022 due to hip surgery recovery. English is set to return to San Diego in three weeks to defend his title at the Genesis Invitational, which has been relocated from Riviera to Torrey Pines for this season.
The tournament faced weather-related challenges, notably an 86-minute delay during the second round on Thursday due to strong winds. The winds returned intermittently on Saturday, especially affecting play on the oceanside holes. Ludvig Åberg, who led after each of the first two rounds, concluded the tournament at 3 over par. He battled illness during his final two rounds, impacting his performance.
Sungjae Im and Kris Ventura both finished tied for fourth place at 5-under par. Lanto Griffin drew attention not only for his play but also for his unique attire, sporting a wooly white beanie with a pompom throughout the tournament. The unusually cold weather prompted many spectators to don winter jackets, a rare sight in typically temperate San Diego.
Andrew Novak secured third place at 6 under par but narrowly missed out on his first tour victory. A disappointing final round of 74 saw him briefly take the lead before faltering with three bogeys and a birdie around the turn. Meanwhile, English capitalized on his experience at Torrey Pines, maintaining consistency with a string of pars and efficient up-and-downs.
English's history at Torrey Pines is notable; he previously lost a four-way playoff to Jason Day in 2015 and finished third at the U.S. Open in 2021. This victory also marks a personal milestone as his first tour win since becoming a father.
"I love how this course sets up for me," – Harris English
His fondness for Torrey Pines clearly played a role in his focused and determined performance throughout the tournament.
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