Justin Rose Leads at Torrey Pines with 62; Koepka Returns to PGA Tour with 73
In the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, Justin Rose showcased his impressive skills with an exceptional score of 10-under 62. This performance placed him at the top of the leaderboard on the North course, known for its easier layout. His round included birdie opportunities on nearly all holes, except one.
Brooks Koepka’s Return
The tournament also marked Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour after leaving for LIV Golf. Koepka, who was the first PGA member to join the rival league, managed to terminate his contract early and rejoin the Tour. He faced challenges during his round, finishing with a 1-over 73 on the more difficult South course. Despite not birdieing until the last hole, Koepka expressed relief at getting his first round behind him.
Key Performances
Justin Lower, who is anxiously awaiting the birth of twins, shot a 63 on the North course. Other notable performances included Hideki Matsuyama and Max Greyserman, who both posted scores of 64. On the South course, Seamus Power recorded the best score at 65, showcasing the challenging nature of the layout.
- Justin Rose: 62 (-10) on North course
- Brooks Koepka: 73 (+1) on South course
- Justin Lower: 63 on North course
- Hideki Matsuyama: 64 on North course
- Max Greyserman: 64 on North course
- Seamus Power: 65 on South course
Course Conditions and Statistics
The South course has a storied history, having hosted two U.S. Opens. It played to an average score of 72.482, while the North course’s average was significantly lower at 69.139. Of the 22 players finishing with scores of 67 or lower, only Power and Max McGreevy (66) competed on the South course.
Player Insights
Rose acknowledged the North course’s favorable conditions, emphasizing the need to seize opportunities. He managed a strong finish despite failing to birdie two par 5s. Meanwhile, Lower admitted that his focus was partly on his wife, who is pregnant with twins. He noted that his personal life significantly impacted his mental state during the game.
Xander Schauffele, who has the longest active cut streak at 72, also played the South course. After a rocky start, including being 3 over par through 11 holes, he rallied to finish with a score of 73. Schauffele expressed satisfaction with his determination despite the tough conditions.
As the first round concluded, the stage is set for an exciting continuation of the Farmers Insurance Open. The return of Brooks Koepka adds an intriguing element to the tournament, as fans await his performance in the upcoming rounds.
