San Diego hosted an exhilarating conclusion to the Farmers Insurance Open, where Harris English showcased his resilience and skill amidst challenging conditions. The golfer embraced the difficulties posed by the weather and the Torrey Pines course, understanding that achieving par was a notable triumph in such circumstances. As he approached the final round with a slim one-shot advantage, English remained focused and determined to secure the win.
“I knew I didn’t need to play perfectly,” English remarked. “The main goal was just to finish strong.” His determination paid off as he edged out Sam Stevens to secure his fifth PGA Tour victory with a score of 1-over 73, which brought his total score to 8-under 280.
In an impressive display of strength, Stevens, who started the day six strokes behind, rallied with a final round of 68, marking the best score of the day. However, English remained unfazed by the sudden surge from Stevens, even as the weather turned colder and the winds intensified, directing their fury across the South Course.
Throughout the round, English monitored the scoreboard, carefully calculating his next moves. Armed with the same putter he had used since his college days at the University of Georgia in 2011, he maintained composure and executed a remarkable finish of 12 consecutive pars, effectively staving off any challenges from behind.
“I anticipated it being a tough day,” English stated. “That’s what I relish. Torrey Pines is a great course when it presents its challenges. With the wind blowing, I knew low scores would be hard to come by. As the leader, that sets up a grind, pushing you to be strategic about your misses.”
In the crucial moments leading up to his victory, English displayed a calculated approach. After lacing his tee shot on the 18th into the rough, he skillfully maneuvered back onto the fairway and executed an accurate approach that landed him comfortably on the green. With just a short tap-in, he cashed in on the win, knowing well the effort it required.
“Winning is never easy,” English reflected. “Outwardly, I might seem calm, but your insides are a whirlwind of emotions. I understand exactly how difficult it is to take home a win, and it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s important to relish these moments when they arrive.”
Andrew Novak finished in third place at 6-under, but struggled with a 74, which prevented him from attaining his first tour victory after he had briefly taken the lead. Meanwhile, both Sungjae Im and Kris Ventura tied for fourth at 5-under.
Since winning the Travelers Championship in 2021, it had been a long wait for English, who had also suffered through a lengthy recovery from hip surgery. Despite this, he managed nine top-10 finishes over the following two seasons and had a longstanding connection to Torrey Pines, having narrowly missed out on earlier victories at this location.
“You could say it’s about time I got here,” English said. “There have been many close calls, like when I lost in a playoff here or finished third at the U.S. Open. Everything seemed to align perfectly this week, and I played remarkably well. Though emotions fluctuate, I knew my experience over the years gave me an edge, especially against others who hadn’t secured a win yet.”
A pivotal moment in English’s round came Friday when he closed with three consecutive birdies, propelling him to the lead after carding a 66 on the calmest weather day of the tournament. However, the final round was far from serene, as unpredictable winds re-emerged, causing delays and prompting many spectators to don winter wear once again.
English and Novak both hampered by the early bogeys, Novak initially took control with a breathtaking 54-foot putt on the fifth hole but then faltered with inconsistencies. In contrast, English steadily minimized errors, making a key parade of pars.
Meanwhile, Stevens’ commendable performance culminated in a second-place finish, matching his previous best from earlier this year. He successfully navigated tricky greens, especially in the gusty conditions, remarking on how well he managed to sink putts when it mattered the most.
In a notable development, World No. 4 Hideki Matsuyama finished the tournament at 1-over, setting his sights on returning to Torrey Pines in just a few weeks as he prepares to defend his title at the Genesis Invitational, demonstrating the ongoing competitive spirit in the world of golf.
