SAN DIEGO — Harris English has a history of success at Torrey Pines, and he rekindled that feeling as he surged during the closing stages of the third round at the Farmers Insurance Open. With one more round to navigate and favorable weather conditions, he may be poised for another victory on one of his favored courses.
English concluded his day with an impressive 6-under 66, finishing strong with three consecutive birdies, which positioned him one stroke ahead of Andrew Novak, leading at 9-under 207 as they head into the final round. English took advantage of the calming winds at Torrey Pines, as the weather transformed into ideal conditions, allowing him to score three birdies in four holes before the turn and adding four more in his concluding six holes. His strategy culminated in a 131-yard shot on the 18th hole, where he made a tap-in birdie to secure the lead.
“Having played here for a long time, I know the places to be aggressive and where to show patience,” English stated. “It’s nice to see putts going in after picking my spots wisely.” Despite having earned nine top-10 finishes over the past two seasons, English’s last win dates back to 2021 when he triumphed in a memorable eight-hole playoff against Kramer Hickok at the Travelers Championship.
English feels at home at Torrey Pines, recounting a four-way playoff finish at the Farmers in 2015 where he ultimately lost to Jason Day, and a commendable third-place finish during the 2021 U.S. Open held at the iconic San Diego venue. “Winning here would mean a lot,” he admitted, appreciating the history of champions who have claimed titles at this picturesque location.
Novak also recorded a solid 66, striking without a bogey, retaining the lead until English made his crucial move. South African rookie Aldrich Potgieter followed closely at 7-under 209, showcasing his remarkable power off the tee, with Joel Dahmen, Lanto Griffin, Matti Schmid, and K.H. Lee trailing four shots behind English. The tournament has seen its fair share of thrilling final rounds, adding pressure to the remaining competitors.
Friday morning brought a flurry of players finishing their second rounds after inclement weather caused delays the previous day. Fortunately, minimal winds allowed for more favorable scoring conditions, though gusts are anticipated to return on Saturday. The Farmers Insurance Open kicked off on Wednesday and will conclude on Saturday to avoid overlapping with NFL conference championship games that are scheduled for Sunday.
Potgieter, the promising 20-year-old leading the tournament in driving distance, had a solid showing with birdies on three par-3 holes and an eagle on the par-4 12th, making a spectacular 173-yard hole-out with an 8 iron while celebrating with his caddie. “I put myself in good positions to make putts today, especially on those par 3s,” he noted, admitting they aren’t usually his strongest suit.
After claiming the title of youngest winner in Korn Ferry Tour history last year, Potgieter initially struggled with the wind, carding a 76 on Thursday, but improved as conditions became more favorable. Novak also had a banner day, sinking a 20-foot birdie putt on 18. In pursuit of his first tour win, he expressed enthusiasm for the challenge at Torrey Pines, a course he admires despite his mixed results.
“The desire to win can bring its own pressures,” Novak reflected. “While competing, nerves are inevitable. Whether sweating cut lines or facing Q-school, it’s all part of the game.” He and English are part of the final group Saturday, both residing in St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Ludvig Aberg, who led the tournament after the first two rounds, stumbled to 4-under 212 with a round of 75 and appeared to struggle with illness during play. It seems he may have contracted a bug circulating among some players in the locker room, as his performance included hitting only eight greens in regulation. Meanwhile, World No. 4 Hideki Matsuyama is positioned at 3-under 213 following a round of 70.
