This week’s Farmers Insurance Open is one such example, the tournament better known to most by the host course name of Torrey Pines or, for an even older demographic, the San Diego Open.

The tournament has been part of the PGA Tour since 1952 and boasts an impressive list of champions from Tiger Woods (six wins) and Phil Mickelson (three) to Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer (two each).

DEFENDING CHAMPION: Luke List claimed his maiden win after 206 starts but needed extra time to do it.

In difficult scoring conditions Sunday, the 37-year-old started five shots back but carded an impressive equal best of the day 66 to get to 15-under-par.

Overnight co-leader Will Zalatoris needed to birdie the last to win outright but missed from eight feet, List prevailing in extra time with a spectacular third shot to within a foot of the cup.

COURSE: There are two courses at Torrey Pines with both used for the tournament though the better known South Course is the main focus and hosts the final two rounds.

Having also hosted two US Opens (2008 and 2021), the South attracts the bulk of the attention particularly given its spectacular location along the cliff tops overlooking the Pacific.

RIGHT: Luke List won his maiden PGA Tour title here in 2022 after a play-off with Will Zalatoris. PHOTO: Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images.

Many who take an interest in course architecture consider Torrey Pines a case of what might be though there is no denying the spectacular scenery adds much to the televised event.

A publicly owned facility, the course underwent a US$14 million major renovation at the hands of Rees Jones ahead of the 2021 US Open.

Length was added and fairway bunkers moved to make for a more difficult test for the national championship, the changes receiving mixed reactions from players.

On the face of it there has been little impact on scoring at this event with winning scores in line with what would be expected historically.

There is little of architectural merit that stands out at Torrey Pines’ South Course though it is a strong collection of holes that present a decent challenge for a field of this calibre.

The par-5 18th is probably the best known on the course with many dramatic moments unfolding here over the years.

A severe back to front sloping green fronted by a pond makes it a tricky proposition for the second shot.

Anything going over the back of the green brings the water back into play as chipping down the steep green is daunting, particularly late in the tournament.

This was the site of one of Tiger Woods’ most iconic moments, a sliding downhill 12 foot putt to force a play-off with Rocco Mediate in the 2008 US Open which somehow found the cup.

Woods went on to win in 20 holes the next day.

RELATED: So-called expert golf tips for this week

PRIZEMONEY: US$8,700,000
 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The truth of men’s professional golf right now is that it’s Jon Rahm’s world and everybody else is just living in it.

The Spaniard is in that rare position of looking virtually unbeatable so well is he playing and this venue, in particular, is one he has a special liking for.

Even when not at his best Rahm is a perennial contender at Torrey Pines where he won not only his first Tour title but the 2021 US Open, his first major.

It is hard to see anybody else getting the job done this week but this being golf that is probably exactly what will happen.

If not Rahm there is no shortage of top line talent to choose from with five of the world’s top-10 ranked players in the field.

Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele and last year’s runner-up Will Zalatoris are the other four, Schauffele also a runner-up here in the past.

Thomas and Morikawa don’t have great records here though at this level that is a statistic with limited value. Both Schauffele and Zalatoris, however, seem likely to feature.

Of more interest (and no doubt better odds) might be Jason Day whose play last week in the American Express was promising to say the least.

Day’s record at Torrey Pines is enviable with two wins and three other top-five finishes in 13 starts. For a player on the confidence comeback trail, this week could not have come at a better time.

T18 last week may not look particularly impressive but Day’s six-under front nine Sunday suggested something significant has turned around in his game and there’s no reason he can’t find it again this week.

Also a good chance to play well is the man who had a hot finish to 2022, Tony Finau.

Finau has three top-five finishes in eight starts at Torrey Pines and will likely fancy his chances again this week.

72-HOLE RECORD: 266 (-22, Tiger Woods, 1999)

72-HOLE RECORD: 61 (Tiger Woods, 1999) 

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Jason Day (2015, 2018); Marc Leishman (2020)

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Aaron Baddeley, Cam Davis, Jason Day, Harrison Endycott and Cam Percy.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 505 LIVE 7am – 11am)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 505 LIVE 7am – 11am)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 505 LIVE 5am – 12pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 505 LIVE 6:30am – 12pm)
*AEDT, check local guides